Wildlife Technician - Plumas National Forest (Feather River Ranger District)

Position Description Summary:
The Great Basin Institute, in cooperation with the US Forest Service (USFS), is recruiting 2 Wildlife Technicians to support the Feather River Ranger District. This position plays a critical role in monitoring wildlife species, including sensitive, threatened, or endangered species, and contributes to maintaining healthy ecosystems in the Sierra Nevada region. The technician will work closely with the USFS team to gather, manage, and analyze wildlife data, as well as provide logistical support for ongoing wildlife projects and surveys.

This is a field-based position with regular duties that require the technician to engage in physical work such as hiking and conducting wildlife surveys in varying weather conditions. The technician will have the opportunity to contribute directly to the research and monitoring of wildlife species in the area, ensuring they continue to thrive amidst climate change and other challenges.

A Temporary Special Assignment (TSA) employee is one who is hired for a specific temporary assignment external from the institute’s administrative operations with one of GBI’s partners for 52 weeks or greater or less than 52 weeks and may work full-time (30 or more hours per week) or part-time (less than 30 hours per week).

As a Wildlife Technician, the incumbent will:

• Conduct wildlife surveys for Forest Service sensitive species, threatened or endangered species, and species proposed for listing as threatened or endangered.
• Utilize a variety of standardized data collection procedures and equipment to gather wildlife data in the field.
• Enter, verify, and manage data in databases or geographic information systems (GIS), ensuring the accuracy and integrity of information collected during surveys.
• Create and maintain geospatial maps for data forms and reports, integrating field data into the broader wildlife management programs.
• Maintain and organize all wildlife monitoring equipment, including tools, traps, sampling gear, and electronic devices, ensuring proper sanitization and maintenance.
• Assist in the preparation of reports based on field data, which may involve summarizing the findings from surveys and analysis.
• Provide logistical support for field projects, coordinating schedules and ensuring all necessary equipment and supplies are available.
• Operate GBI-owned or leased vehicles to transport field equipment and staff to survey sites as needed.

LOCATION

This position is based in the Feather River Ranger District, and fieldwork will be conducted in various locations within the Plumas National Forest. Field work will require traveling to remote sites, with occasional office work for data entry and reporting.

WORK SCHEDULE

This position is seasonal, running from mid-March to mid-November, with start and end dates dependent on project and weather conditions. Forestry crew lead typically work four 10-hour days per week. TSA employees are eligible for holiday pay, subject to partner approval, and will follow the partner’s holiday schedule unless otherwise specified in the employment offer. TSAs working four 10-hour days per week will receive 10 hours of pay for holidays; those working five 8-hour days per week will receive 8 hours of pay for holidays.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

The position offers a competitive wage of $21 per hour, with overtime compensation at 1.5 times the hourly rate. This is a full-time role, averaging 40 hours per week.

In addition to a competitive base salary, the position includes company-paid, comprehensive benefits:

• Medical, dental (with an option for upgraded coverage), and vision insurance
• A $25,000 Life/AD&D policy
• Voluntary short-term and long-term disability insurance
• Optional Life/AD&D coverage for family members
• Mental health support resources
• Generous paid time off (PTO) accrual and paid holidays

Shared housing accommodations are provided for the crew members.

TSA employees who serve a term of less than 52 weeks, with a break of 30 days or fewer, and then sign a subsequent term that, when combined, exceeds 52 weeks of employment, will be eligible for benefits typically provided to full-time employees.

This exciting opportunity contributes to GBI's significant positive impacts in the fields of environmental research, education, and conservation.

Requirements/Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, employees must be able to satisfactorily carry out each essential duty. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Forestry Practices:

• Knowledge of wildlife species, particularly those that are sensitive, threatened, or endangered.
• Familiarity with wildlife survey techniques and methods.
• Proficient in data collection and entry using GIS, database management software, or other digital tools.
• Ability to interpret survey data and create reports and maps to communicate findings.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to work effectively with both field staff and supervisors.
• Willingness to work in remote field locations and in varying weather conditions.
   

Education: A degree in biology, wildlife management, environmental science, or a related field is preferred, though experience may be considered in lieu of formal education.

Experience: Experience in field-based wildlife monitoring and conducting biological surveys is desirable.

Previous experience with GIS software or other data analysis tools is preferred.

TO APPLY

Please submit an up-to-date resume, a one-page cover letter that details your interest in the position, and any qualifications not fully outlined in your resume, and contact information for three

professional references to the unique application link.  Qualified applicants will be contacted to schedule an interview.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS  

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, use hands, stand, walk, bend, and have specific vision abilities to include close and distance vision, and ability to adjust focus working with computer business equipment and other job/industry specific equipment. The noise level in the work environment is usually low.

NOTE:  This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employees may perform other related duties as negotiated to meet the organization's ongoing needs.

Disclaimer: Although the organization has attempted to accurately and thoroughly describe this position, GBI reserves the right to change the same, including to change, add to or subtract from the duties outlined, within the sole discretion of the organization, at any time, with or without advance notice.