Job Type: Temporary
Salary Details: $18.00/hour + mileage reimbursement ($0.655/mile)

Sage-grouse are a species of concern in eight eastern Oregon counties, including Baker County due to population decline. Sagebrush rangelands provide habitat for many species and contribute to the livelihoods of agricultural producers and support rural communities. Over the past several decades, sagebrush rangelands have experienced significant degradation due to the spread of invasive annual grasses, juniper encroachment, drought, mismanagement, fragmentation, and wildfires. Through a Focused Investment Partnership (FIP) grant awarded through the Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board (OWEB), the Baker Sage-grouse Local Implementation Team (LIT) implements numerous restoration projects to improve sage-grouse habitat. Powder Basin Watershed Council, a Baker LIT core partner, is looking to hire two (2) biological science technicians to conduct pre/post restoration project habitat surveys using 3-spoke line point intercept (LPI), upland/lotic ecological site evaluation (using the threat-based land management approach; https://sageshare.org/), and rapid habitat assessment. The data collected will help the Baker LIT meet their objectives and contribute to the U.S. Geological Survey’s Land Treatment Exploration Tool (LTET; https://chsapps.usgs.gov/apps/land-treatment-exploration-tool/). 

Depending on workload and the Baker LIT’s needs, technicians may assist on other projects related to the Baker LIT’s objectives and may include, but is not limited to, raven work, data entry/map building, report writing, and assisting with the Sage-grouse Candidate Conservation Agreement with Assurances program.

Most survey points will occur on private land and landowner outreach/communication is one of the responsibilities of the technicians. Technicians must be able to stand and walk for extended periods of time over rough terrain and be prepared to work in inclement weather. Technicians will need to use their own vehicle (AWD/4×4 capable) and be reimbursed at a rate of $0.655/mile (office to fieldsite/fieldsite to office). Work schedule is flexible, but will not exceed 40 hours/week.

The positions will be opened until filled and the posting removed.

Qualifications
This project requires the technician to demonstrate a high degree of autonomy and personal responsibility. While agency staff will assist initially and as needed, the technician will be expected to work independently and develop a work schedule that will ensure the tasks are completed.

Preferred:

  • Candidates who either possess, or are currently pursuing a B.S./B.S. in Biology, Ecology, Botany, Wildlife Biology, Natural Resources, or a related field.
  • Previous experience with habitat sampling.
  • ATV operation experience.

Required:

  • Must have a valid driver’s license.
  • Must have the ability to conduct field work involving hiking and carrying equipment.
  •  Ability to navigate and collect data using a handheld GPS unit, tablet, and traditional datasheets.
  • Knowledge of the Great Basin ecoregion of northeastern Oregon, including common plants, riparian vegetation, and/or hydrology/geomorphology/topography.
  • Organized, detail-oriented, and make decisions independently and as a small team using initiative and good judgement in completing tasks and responsibilities.

HOW TO APPLY
Please email a cover letter (addressed to Emmy Tyrrell), CV, and three references as a single PDF to: Emmy Tyrrell (Sage-grouse CCAA Coordinator): pbwcsc@qwestoffice.net

For any questions about the position, please contact Emmy Tyrrell via phone (541-523-7288) or email (pbwcsc@qwestoffice.net)