The Great Basin Institute, in cooperation with the United States Forest Service, is recruiting two (2) Biological Science Technicians (wildlife) to support the USFS in the Warner Mountains area on the Fremont-Winema National Forest. Under the direction of our USFS partner, the selected candidates will support ongoing research on White-headed Woodpeckers.
Technicians will coordinate with the Forest Service Task Manager to execute the research monitoring project, including collecting, compiling, and delivering data outputs, completing surveys for occupancy, nest abundance, nest survival, nest productivity, and habitat features for White-headed Woodpeckers during the breeding season.
Applicants need to have a demonstrated ability to understand the scope of work projects and implement field operations, to work independently and collectively with others, to identify and measure flora using standardized protocols, to identify cavity-nesting birds, especially White-headed Woodpeckers by sight and sound; and to locate and monitor nests.
Highly self-motivated individuals will find the monitoring project very rewarding and enjoy exploring the ecology of White-headed Woodpeckers and cavity nesting species in general, and gain experience working in forest restoration landscapes.
Primary Responsibilities:
- Applicants need to have a demonstrated ability to understand the scope of work projects and implement field operations;
- Work independently and collectively with others;
- Identify and measure flora using standardized protocols;
- Identify cavity-nesting birds, especially White-headed Woodpeckers by sight and sound; and
- Locate and monitor nests.
Timeline:
- May 4th, 2026 – August 7th, 2026; 14 week appointment;
- Full-time (40 hrs/wk); and
- Start Date may be flexible for unique situations.
Location:
Fremont-Winema National Forest, just east of Lakeview, Oregon in the Warner Mountains.
Compensation and Benefits:
Compensation: 21.76 hourly; Occasional overtime may be authorized by the Task Manager to accommodate unexpected field work delays or meet survey objectives.
Benefits:
- Company-paid comprehensive medical, dental (with option to upgrade in coverage), and vision insurance premiums;
- $25,000 Basic Life & AD&D insurance at no cost;
- Personal leave and holidays; and
- Access to Pro Deals.
Housing: Is provided.
Qualifications:
Required:
- Applicants must be pursuing or have acquired a graduate-level degree in wildlife biology, zoology, ecology, or related field, or have equivalent specialized experience;
- Must hold a valid state-driver’s license and have a safe driving record;
- Be in excellent physical condition and pass a drug test;
- Able to safely work independently and in small groups;
- Enthusiasm about the position, with interest in and knowledge of forest songbirds including woodpeckers and their habitats;
- Ability to safely navigate to field sites using maps/compass and handheld GPS devices;
- High level of proficiency leading field work in dynamic field settings;
- Excellent organizational skills;
- Experience with data entry and QA/QC procedures; and
- Reliable, team-player with strong leadership and communication skills.
Physical Demands:
The positions are physically demanding and involve extensive daily hiking in mountainous terrain, often during inclement weather, and exposure to biting insects.
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.
Notes:
This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employees may perform other related duties as negotiated to meet the organization’s ongoing needs.
All offers of employment are contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment background check.
Disclaimer:
Although the organization has attempted to accurately and thoroughly describe this position, GBI reserves the right to change the same, including to change, add to or subtract from the duties outlined, within the sole discretion of the organization, at any time, with or without advance notice.
