AmeriCorps: Wildlife Habitat Biotechnician (USFWS, Sheldon-Hart Mountain NWR)

The Great Basin Institute, in cooperation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, is recruiting (5) Biological Technicians through GBI’s AmeriCorps program to support the wildlife habitat programs at Sheldon-Hart Mountain NWR Complex in Lakeview, Oregon. 4 technicians will participate in all aspects of the habitat restoration programs, and 1 technician will split duties equally between field support and data entry. Primary responsibilities include:

• Post-fire treatment vegetation monitoring 

• Juniper assessments in sage grouse and bighorn sheep habitats

• Spring and playa assessments

• Seed collection to support fire restoration

• Mountain lion camera set installation and retrieval 

• Data entry

Through these projects, the technicians will gain a broad understanding of fire and juniper issues facing the Intermountain West, the tools/methods available for assessment and restoration, and resulting data collection/entry to support these projects. Additionally, exposure to mountain lion monitoring will occur as part of schedule duties. These projects span habitats occupied by sage grouse to bighorn sheep in the sagebrush dominated systems at both refuges. The technicians will be provided with first aid, ATV/UTV, and plant identification training. All 5 technicians will work as part of a team stationed at either Sheldon National Wildlife Refuge or Hart Mountain National Antelope Refuge.  

• 12-week duration beginning early June 2022

• 40 hours/week

Hart Mountain National Antelope Refuge is one of two refuges within the Sheldon-Hart Mountain NWR Complex. The 270,000 acre refuge was established for the protection of antelope and other sagebrush dependent wildlife species. It is located approximately 65 miles northeast of Lakeview, Oregon near the small rural community of Plush. The area is remote, with the nearest gas station groceries, medical care, and other services are available in Lakeview. Additional services and amenities are available in Bend, OR, a 3 hour drive northwest of the Refuge. Summers are typically warm and dry with cool nights.

Sheldon National Wildlife Refuge is located about 90 miles east of Lakeview, OR and 100 miles west of Winnemucca, Nevada, near the small rural town of Denio, NV. The 570,000 acre refuge was established for the protection of antelope and other sagebrush dependent wildlife species. The area is remote, with the nearest groceries, medical care, and other services are available in Lakeview and Winnemucca. There is a gas station available in Denio Junction, NV. Summers are typically warm and dry with cool nights.

This is an AmeriCorps volunteer position. Benefits listed below:

• Total Living Allowance: $7,520 (approximately $1,200 biweekly, pre-tax)

• Education Award: $1,718.25 (Upon successful completion, the award may be used for past, present or future educational expenses, including payment of qualifying federal student loans and Title IV accredited college tuition.)

• Eligibility for SNAP benefits, student loan deferment

• Free on-site housing is available for this position

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance available (premiums fully employer-paid by GBI)

• Eligibility for prodeals

• Training opportunities: defensive driver training, first-aid training, access to AmeriCorps professional development trainings, ATV/UTV training, plan identification training, experience in habitat restoration operations and fieldwork

• Interest in botany and plant identification;

• Experience or interest in data collection and management; 

• Willingness to live remotely;

• Ability to utilize hand-held GPS units and/or PDRs for navigation and/or data collections, along with basic computer skills;

• Ability to hike rough, rocky, and steep terrain;

• Ability to operate 4WD trucks on and off-road;

• Knowledge and experience in operating off highway vehicles, which includes Utility Terrain Vehicles (UTV), and All-Terrain Vehicles (ATV), desirable; and

• Experience with towing and backing-up a trailer, desirable.

• Ability to self-direct and self-motivate;

• Possess good organizational skills;

• Tolerant of working in variable weather conditions, willing and able to work outdoors in adverse weather conditions, and able to hike 2-5+ miles daily on uneven and steep terrain;

• Ability to work productively as part of a team to accomplish mutual goals and follow safe working practices;

• Communicate effectively with a diverse public; 

• Possess a valid, state-issued driver’s license and clean driving record; and

• This AmeriCorps position is open to US Citizens, Nationals, or Permanent Residents age 17 or older. Applicants must meet AmeriCorps eligibility requirements: 

(1) U.S. citizenship or legal resident alien status, 

(2) Eligible to receive an AmeriCorps Education Award (limit of four in a lifetime or the equivalent of two full-time education awards), 

(3) Pass National Sex Offender Public Website (NSOPW) and federal criminal background checks, 

(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.