Wildlife Biology Resource Assistant (USFS RAP)
Description:
Great Basin Institute, founded at the University of Nevada Reno in 1998, is a mission-driven non-profit organization headquartered in the eastern foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. GBI has been a leader in the conservation stewardship field for over two decades, supporting thousands of individuals each pursuing a career in public land management or advancing their academic standing. Partnering with federal, state and local governments, as well as other NGOs and researchers, GBI supports projects in eleven western states ranging from Alaska to New Mexico, and southern California to northwestern Wyoming.
In cooperation with the US Forest Service (USFS) and Shasta Trinity NF, (Weaverville, CA) we are recruiting one Wildlife Biologist (RA) to to support the Trinity River Management Unit’s wildlife field survey program. The majority of the field work is conducting surveys for northern spotted owls. Other species to survey may include northern goshawks, peregrine falcons, bald eagles, western pond turtles, and western bumblebees. Other work may include data management and assisting Wildlife Biologists with analysis and wildlife reports to comply with regulatory requirements under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and the federal Endangered Species Act (ESA).
The Wildlife Biologist will gain on-the-job training in field survey techniques, likely including cross-training with other programs. Other training opportunities will be identified to fit the needs of the program and interested of the employee.
Primary Responsibilities:
• Northern spotted owl surveys
• Northern goshawk surveys
• Wildlife data management
• Assisting with wildlife program management
• Assisting with wildlife regulatory compliance
This position is supported through the Forest Service Resource Assistants Program (RAP) and the successful candidate will be eligible for a Direct Hire Authority (DHA) certificate. With a DHA certificate, the RA can be directly appointed to a permanent position with the USFS. The RAP program emphasizes the engagement of current students, recent graduates, and underrepresented populations in natural and cultural resources work. Our collaborative mission with the RAP is to develop a diverse and inclusive workforce, accomplish mission-critical goals, and support career exploration, coaching, and mentoring. For more information about this program, please visit the USFS’s RAP website.
Contract Timeline:
• Anticipated Start Date: July-August
• 12-month appointment
• Full time (40 hours/week)
Location:
The South-Fork and Trinity Management Units have a large variety of terrain and ecosystems that provide for a wide range of recreational opportunities. It encompasses over 1 million acres, three wilderness areas, California’s third largest reservoir, and the Trinity River watershed. These Management Units have offices in the towns of Hayfork and Weaverville which are about 30 driving miles apart. Hayfork, California is a small rural community with a population of approximately 2,500 people and Weaverville is more developed with about 3700 people. Hayfork is about 60 miles west of Redding at an elevation of 2,300 feet. Weaverville is about 45 miles west of Redding also at about 2,300 feet elevation. Housing costs are approximately $300,000 for a 3 Bedroom/2 Bath house and rentals average $800/month. The Hayfork and Weaverville areas offer a wide variety of outdoor recreational opportunities in a rural setting. For further information about the units please see http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/stnf/about-forest/?cid=fsm9_008647
The town of Weaverville is nestled at the base of the magnificent Trinity Alps Wilderness. Weaverville is roughly 45 miles west of Redding, California, south of the California/Oregon border and is 2 hours from the Pacific Coast. It is home to Trinity Lake and is a popular tourist destination. It features a grocery store, restaurants, churches, a movie theater, and has various vacation rentals and resorts.
Compensation and Benefits:
• Wage: (Living Allowance of $500/week)
• Housing Support Provided
• Commuter stipend conditionally available at a maximum of $50/month
• Health insurance coverage at no extra cost (premiums paid for by GBI)
• Paid federal holidays, per agency schedule
• Paid time-off (accrued; amount dependent on employment length)
• Training: Defensive Driver's Training (provides eligibility for personal vehicle insurance discounts), and technical skills trainings such as report writing and field skills/safety training
• Networking: Opportunities to interact and network with USFS, access to GBI network and resources
• Eligibility to ProDeals, such as Outdoor Prolink
• Free GBI swag!
Job Qualifications:
• Bachelor’s degree (minimum) in Biological Science or Wildlife Biology
• An ability to conduct wildlife field surveys in remote settings and in challenging terrain
• Good hearing
• A willingness to work nighttime hours
• Flexibility in adjusting to changing work conditions and working hours
• Possess a valid, state-issued driver’s license and clean driving record;
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team;
• Willingness and ability to consistently enact high performance standards and a strong work and team ethic in support of the mission of GBI and the goals and objectives of the USFS.