Wildlife Survey Individual Placement with U.S. Forest Service
Position Summary
The Wildlife Field Individual Placement will work with U.S. Forest Service Biologists and Wildlife Field Lead to conduct various wildlife surveys within the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests and Pawnee National Grassland. Surveys and other job duties include but are not limited to: acoustic and visual surveys for raptors and songbirds, prairie dog mapping, remote camera traps, amphibian population monitoring, pollinator netting, bat acoustic surveys, habitat improvement work, and educational outreach both in classrooms and booths. Majority of wildlife survey efforts are done in support of various fuel reduction, timber sale, and forest resiliency projects occurring on the forest in addition to annual monitoring efforts. Members can expect to spend 70% of their time in the field and 30% in the office completing data entry and quality control, field gear and vehicle maintenance, reading and understanding survey protocols, and studying species identification such as bird vocalizations, feather identification, and wildlife tracks. This position may also receive training in creating and using maps and Global Positioning Systems. The individual will receive hands-on training in wildlife biology fieldwork, as well as an introduction to the laws, regulations, and policies that guide natural resource management in the Forest Service.
Schedule
May 5, 2025 - August 25, 2025
Key Duties and Responsibilities
Be an active participant in two-to-three-person sample crew; follow established protocols for surveys and data form completion; ensure accurate and complete data collection and data entry; take detailed field notes; conduct data entry, field data collection, field navigation, and quality assurance of data; daytime surveys and nest searches for American goshawk, peregrine falcon, golden eagle, and other raptors; nocturnal surveys for flammulated and boreal owl; conduct amphibian breeding and habitat surveys; mountain plover surveys; prairie dog town mapping; deploy acoustic detectors for bat monitoring and storing collected data; install and check remote cameras including changing SD cards and batteries, reviewing and cataloging photos, and summarizing data using Excel software; Preble's meadow jumping mouse habitat evaluation and photo monitoring; abandoned fence removal; participate in education outreach opportunities such as educational booths at fairs or in classroom programming
Marginal Duties
Required Qualifications
Applicants have either graduated or are working towards a degree in a wildlife biology program or a related discipline; familiar with biological concepts and wildlife survey techniques; familiar with northern Colorado birds and amphibian species and their identification; physically fit and prepared for strenuous hiking in all weather conditions; able to use binoculars and spotting scope; must possess and maintain valid driver's license; must own a car or have means of regular transportation for travel to and from duty station daily; possess good verbal and written communications skills; good navigation and route-finding skills
This SCA Position is authorized under the Public Land Corps Authority. All participants must be between the ages of 16 and 30, inclusive, or veterans age 35 or younger. Participants must also be a citizen or national of the United States or lawful permanent resident alien of the United States. Hours served can be applied toward the Public Land Corps (PLC) hiring authority.
Preferred Qualifications
Familiar with fauna of the Northern Colorado region; preference will be given to candidates with previous experience performing bird surveys and raptor nest searches; some experience using Global Positioning System (GPS) units, Field Maps or Survey 123, and Geographic Information System (GIS) applications such as ArcGIS Pro; some experience with Microsoft Word and Excel
Hours
40 per week
Living Accommodations
Government housing is a shared room within a bunkhouse.
Compensation
Living allowance - $460/week; Government housing -OR- housing allowance - $400/month; $1,100 round trip travel/gear allowance. Eligible for AmeriCorps education award upon completion of service hours.
All allowances are subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes.
Personal Vehicle Information
Recommended
Additional Benefits
Bear Safety
Defensive Drive Training
First Aid/CPR
Interpretive Skills
Off-Road Vehicle Safety
AmeriCorps: Eligible/Optional
Equal Opportunity Statement
The SCA strives to cultivate a work environment that encourages fairness, teamwork, and respect among all staff members. SCA is committed to maintaining a work atmosphere in which people may grow personally and professionally. The Student Conservation Association, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer.
Physical requirements and working conditions specific to the position are available in the full job description.