Wildlife Technician (AmeriCorps, USFS) (Boise NF & Payette NF)

Wildlife Technician

Great Basin Institute / USFS, Boise & Payette NF

The Basin Range and Forestry Program at GBI, in cooperation with the USFS at Boise & Payette National Forests, is recruiting (2) AmeriCorps members to serve as Wildlife Technicians.

The Wildlife Technicians will support the study and review of proposed actions on the Council and New Meadows Ranger Districts of the Payette National Forest. The technicians will be responsible for performing field surveys, collecting data, and assessing wildlife habitat for various species. Fieldwork will consider federally listed species, candidate species, those proposed for listing, and regional sensitive species while assessing the ecosystems upon which they depend.

The technicians will assist agency personnel with applied management objectives for sensitive, threatened and endangered species. The majority of surveys will focus on the northern Idaho ground squirrel but the surveys may include other sensitive and management indicator species such as the American goshawk, flammulated owl, great grey owl, white-headed woodpecker and Columbia spotted frog. Work will focus on monitoring populations and surveying habitats used by these species to 1) support population data on specific species; and 2) ensure adequate protections are in place for areas undergoing vegetation management and restoration projects. These positions support legally mandated compliance measures and obligations, and will help serve USFS vegetation management and fuels reduction efforts, supporting initiatives for healthy, productive, and resilient forest landscapes and resources.

Primary Responsibilities

Duties may include:

• Increased exposure and responsibility enacting USFS processes, procedures, and compliance measures;

• Assisting in reporting and data entry/quality assurance and control;
• Increased technical experience and expanded opportunities and exposure to additional disciplines (e.g. archaeology, forestry, hydrology, etc.);

• Survey for northern Idaho ground squirrel (~70% of season);
• Broadcast acoustical surveys for American goshawks and white-headed woodpecker;
• Nesting and reproductive status monitoring;
• Frog surveys;
• Maintaining passive and baited camera stations; and
• Setting up bat survey stations.

* Members are required to take a mandatory 30-minute lunch break each service day. This break does not count toward their service hours for the education award.

Timeline:

• April 28, 2025 - October 3rd, 2025, 22 weeks in length;
  • Full time (40 hours/week)

Location:

Boise National Forest is a vast, scenic area located in southwestern Idaho. It spans over 2,600 square miles, offering a mix of rugged mountain terrain, lush valleys, and numerous rivers. Known for its diverse ecosystems, the forest provides outdoor recreational opportunities such as hiking, camping, fishing, and wildlife viewing. Popular spots include the Sawtooth Wilderness, the Boise River, and several hot springs. It’s a haven for nature lovers and adventure seekers, offering both solitude and vibrant landscapes.

Payette National Forest is a stunning forest in central Idaho, covering over 2.3 million acres. It features diverse landscapes, including rugged mountains, deep canyons, and pristine lakes. Known for its outdoor recreational opportunities, visitors can enjoy activities like hiking, fishing, camping, and boating. The forest is home to the scenic Salmon River, the Sawtooth Wilderness, and several beautiful hot springs. Its rich wildlife, including elk, deer, and bears, adds to its allure for nature enthusiasts and adventurers alike.

Compensation and Benefits:

Living Allowance: approximately $1,292.00 biweekly (before taxes); not to exceed $14, 212.00;

Segal AmeriCorps Education Award (675 hour term): $2,817.14 upon successful completion of term;

Benefits:

• Company-paid comprehensive medical, dental (with option to upgrade in coverage), and vision insurance;
• $25,000 Basic Life & AD&D insurance at no cost;
• Access to Pro Deals;
• Per diem: Camping per diem provided per night in the field
• Housing: Will be provided to the selected participant at no additional costs
• Uniform stipend of $350.00

Segal Education Award:

After successfully completing an AmeriCorps term of service members are eligible to receive the Segal AmeriCorps Education Award. Award varies based on term of service. You can use the award to repay qualified student loans and to pay current educational expenses at eligible institutions of higher education and training programs.

Student Loan Forbearance:

If you are currently paying on any federal student loans you have the option to put those loans into forbearance during your time as an AmeriCorps volunteer, that will allow you to cease payments while serving.

Interest Accrual Repayment:

As an AmeriCorps alum, you are eligible to have the National Service Trust pay all or a portion of the interest that accumulated on your qualified student loan(s) during your term of service. These payments are made in addition to the Education Award, and are not deducted from your Education Award balance. To be eligible to have accrued interest paid: The loan must have been placed in forbearance for the service period, and you must have successfully completed a term of service and received an Education Award.

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Eligibility:

AmeriCorps Volunteers qualify for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

Qualifications:

Required:

(This AmeriCorps position is open to US Citizens, Nationals, or Permanent Residents age 18 or older)

• Experience in conducting surveys for call play-back surveys for American goshawk or other

raptors

• Experience in standard field methods for wildlife surveys, status assessments, and habitat

characterization;

• Proficiency in navigation using GPS, topographic map and compass;
• Possess a clean, valid, state-issued driver’s license with the ability to safely operate and

maintain a 4WD vehicle on and off paved roads;

• Ability to work effectively in a team setting with USFS staff, GBI staff, interns, volunteers,

academic, state, and federal partners;

• Ability to work safely and productively in remote field settings under adverse conditions. This

includes occasionally overnight camping in remote areas for consecutive nights;

• Ability to understand, implement and adhere to established data collection, inventory,

assessment, and monitoring protocols;

• Capacity to collect and maintain field data in an organized manner that is easily understood

and accessible to other resource staff;

• Strong organizational skills and ability to work cooperatively as well as independently;
• Strong communication skills with diverse audiences, both written and oral; and
• Physically fit to work outdoors, carry up to 50 pounds of personal and/or field equipment, and

withstand the rigors of a forested and/or high desert environment in all seasons.

At least one of the following:

• Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Ecology, Natural Resource Management or related discipline,

including field-based coursework AND one year of wildlife related field work;

• Three years of professional fieldwork experience

Preferred:

• Experience surveying for and/or identifying small mammals
• Experience leading crews in the field, including oversight of crew safety, communication,

fidelity to methods and data quality;

• Familiarity with, and interest in, resource management issues of western states and the

ecology of the western Idaho;

• Experience using ArcGIS to create maps;
• Advanced skill using other specialized software;
• Experience identifying hydrologic concerns, recognizing forest entomology/pathology issues,

identifying heritage sites and experience with fire/fuels assessments or related field tasks.

• Ability to work in harsh and rapidly changing environments, work in all types of weather

conditions, traverse uneven terrain, carry upwards of 40 pounds in a backpack, and

otherwise maintain good physical condition.

AmeriCorps eligibility requirements: (1) U.S. citizenship or legal resident alien status, (2) eligible to receive an AmeriCorps Education Award (limited to earning equivalent of two full-time education awards), (3) pass National Sex Offender Public Website (NSOPW) name search and federal criminal background check, (4) adhere to the rules, regulations and code of conduct as specified in the Member Service Agreement; and (5) not engage in any prohibited activities as listed in the Member Service Agreement.

How to Apply:

Please apply online through this application link by submitting an up-to-date resume, one page cover letter that details your interest in the position, and any qualifications not fully described in your resume, contact information for three professional and/or academic references. Be sure to complete any preliminary questions prompted in the application and sign your application.

Public Land Corps Hiring Authority:

This project is federally funded through the Public Land Corps Hiring Authority. Participants serving under this authority may be eligible for the PLC non-competitive hiring status and certificate. The PLC Authority requires all applicants meet the age and US Citizen requirements. Additional information regarding the PLC can be found on the GBI website under the Research Associate Programs FAQ.

EEO Statement:
We conform to all the laws, statutes, and regulations concerning equal employment opportunities and affirmative action. We strongly encourage women, minorities, individuals with disabilities and veterans to apply to all of our job openings. We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin, age, disability status, Genetic Information & Testing, Family & Medical Leave, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We prohibit Retaliation against individuals who bring forth any complaint, orally or in writing, to the employer or the government, or against any individuals who assist or participate in the investigation of any complaint or otherwise oppose discrimination.