Wildlife Technician

Summary

American Conservation Experience, a nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with the Bureau of Land Management is seeking one Wildlife Technician to contribute to wildlife monitoring projects alongside BLM Cedar City Field Office Staff.

For more information about ACE, please visit: www.usaconservation.org.

Start Date: May 5th, 2024 *pending federal background check*

Estimated End Date: September 30th, 2024 (21 weeks)

Location Details/Description: Cedar City, UT.

Often called the "Gateway to the National Parks", Cedar City is an hour from Zion, 1.5 hours from Bryce Canyon and 3 hours from both Capitol Reef and the Grand Canyon. This area boasts several ski resorts and winter sports as The BLM Cedar City Field Office is responsible for the management of 2.1 million acres in Southwest Utah. The renewable resources division of the field office is responsible for the administration of the range, wildlife and fisheries, soil, water and air, forestry, sensitive plants, and wild horse and burro programs. The diversity of resources and issues surrounding them provide many opportunities for interdisciplinary and inter-agency projects.

For more information about the BLM Cedar City Field Office, please visit https://www.blm.gov/office/cedar-city-field-office

Position Overview: The member will participate as an interdisciplinary team member to the Field Office's overall fieldwork and monitoring program for wildlife (Threatened and Endangered Species and General Wildlife). The individual working in this position can expect to apply their education in various settings, learning on-the-ground field applications, wildlife inventory and monitoring procedures, and practical application of the data for the BLM. The individual should expect to learn about a broad range of responsibilities and issues associated with the general wildlife and threatened and endangered species management programs.

The candidate will conduct wildlife inventories to thoroughly document species' presence, diversity, relative abundance and distribution. Duties and responsibilities of the technician include but are not limited to the following:

• Small mammal trapping and population monitoring for Utah prairie dog (Jul-Sept)
• Assist with translocation efforts of Utah prairie dogs
• Participate in pinyon jay monitoring as identified in the Pinyon Jay Conservation Strategy
• Assist BLM Wildlife Biologists with wildlife surveys, data entry, and database management
• Assist with various wildlife telemetry projects including capture and handling, manual tracking, retrieving transmitters, evaluating mortalities, and data entry
• Assist with remote camera sensing projects including deploying cameras, reviewing photos for identification of species, and maintaining photo database
• Assist with monitoring kit fox populations through spotlight counts, trail camera monitoring, capture and deploying radio transmitters, manual telemetry tracking, etc.
• Assist with raven and golden eagle point counts, capturing and deploying GPS transmitters, etc.
• Conduct protocol level surveys and habitat monitoring for Utah prairie dogs
• Assessment of migratory bird use of habitat improvements for long term effects monitoring (i.e. bird point counts, raptor nest monitoring)
• Assist with vegetation monitoring and habitat evaluations to support several disciplines
• Assessments of impacts on wildlife habitat from vegetation treatments and/or BLM supported projects
• Conduct wildlife survey clearances and generate reports prior to habitat restoration project implementation
• Assist with design and layout of habitat improvement projects
• Assist with wetland and riparian monitoring
• GPS/GIS mapping of wildlife surveys to include species surveys, colony expansions, nest locations and invasive species locations
• Participate in the biological review of NEPA documents.

This opportunity is intended for enthusiastic professionals with a background in wildlife biology/conservation, ecology, natural resource management, or a closely related field, with a deep interest in jointly advancing their career goals and the stewardship of Utah's natural resources through purposeful fieldwork and research.

Schedule:The work schedule will typically be 8-10 hours/day, 4-5 days/week. Some survey protocols will require an adjustment of the workday and week (i.e. 4x 10-hour days).

Position Benefits

Living Allowance: The ACE Member is expected to contribute ~40 hours/week and will receive a living allowance of $600/week to offset the costs of food and incidental expenses, dispersed bi-weekly. The living allowance is a fixed rate determined by the BLM Cedar City Field Office and ACE and is not flexible.

Public Land Corps Hiring Authority: Members serving under this agreement may be eligible for a federal hiring authority upon completion of their term of service. PLC projects also include specific eligibility requirements such as age and citizenship. Please contact ACE staff with questions about eligibility, or view general information online https://www.usaconservation.org/epic/#eligibility-requirements.

Housing: Housing is the responsibility of the member and not provided by ACE or BLM Cedar City Field Office.

Housing Assistance: ACE Members will be eligible for reimbursable housing assistance up to $150 per week. The ACE Member will only be reimbursed for approved and demonstrated housing expenses.

Gear Assistance: ACE members will have up to $130 to spend on eligible gear purchases. Eligible gear for this position includes work boots, backpacks, etc., and must be approved by ACE staff prior to purchase.

Provided Training/Orientation: ACE members will receive position specific training and an orientation outlining ACE policies and procedures, clear guidance on prohibited activities, and networks for support.

Qualifications

Required:

• Members must be a U.S. citizen or Permanent Resident, as required by U.S. government contracts
• Willing and able to represent ACE and the partner organization in a professional, positive, and enthusiastic manner.
• Ability to be both self-directed/work alone, and be a positive, contributing member of a group.
• A valid driver's license and an insurable driving record (documentation to be provided upon request).
• Willing to undergo and must pass the required two-part criminal history check
• Ability to perform the essential duties of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.
• ACE Members will need to complete bi-weekly timesheets, beginning of term feedback forms, end of term evaluations and for longer terms, a mid-term evaluation.
• To learn more about eligibility requirements, please visit our website https://www.usaconservation.org/epic/#eligibility-requirements.

Preferred:

• Experience in wildlife survey techniques and ability to follow species-specific protocols
• Experience in wildlife capture and handling techniques
• Experience in wildlife telemetry and the use of telemetry equipment
• Experience with remote camera sensing research and methods
• Experience in GIS using ArcMap, Collector for ArcGIS, and ability to generate maps
• Experience in data entry and database management
• Strong background in working independently and in remote areas
• Practical knowledge of the techniques used in the analysis of multiple resources, combined with knowledge of the magnitude and complexity of GIS databases
• Knowledge of the interrelationships of various natural and cultural resources for example: range; wildlife; soil, water; minerals; and others
• Ability to communicate clearly with planners, resource specialists, managers, and peer professionals in Federal, State, and local agencies
• Ability to communicate effectively with a multi-disciplinary group in a knowledgeable and accurate manner
• A strong demonstrated interest and/or education in the field of natural resources
• Excellent writing, research, public speaking, and organizational skills
• Knowledge of Utah's public lands, cultural and historic resources, and natural environments is desired.

Physical Demands, Work Environment and Working Conditions:

• Physical Demands: Requires frequent sitting, standing, walking, hiking, carrying, using hands to handle or feel, reaching with hands and arms, talking and hearing. Manual dexterity required for use of various tools, computer keyboard/mouse and other office equipment. Required to stoop, kneel, climb stairs, and/or crouch. Ability to hike over rough terrain, and camp overnight under field conditions.
• Vision Requirements: Requires close, distance, peripheral and depth perception vision as well as the ability to focus.
• Weight Lifted or Force Exerted: Frequently moves up to 25 lbs., ability to move up to 50 pounds.
• Environmental: Outdoor and indoor conditions. Work environment conditions can change frequently; working under adverse weather conditions and in various climates.
• Noise Environment: Moderate to high noise such gas-powered chainsaws and other hand and power tools. Moderate noise such as in a business office with equipment and light traffic.
• Travel: This position may require domestic travel.

Environmental Conditions/Hazards: The ACE member(s) may encounter environmental conditions/hazards including extreme heat or cold, rocky terrain, swamp or wetland conditions, biting insects, and potentially dangerous wildlife. The member is expected to conduct duties in a safe and orderly manner so as not to endanger self, fellow staff/members or resources.

Vehicle and Equipment Use/Safety: If a vehicle is required for the accomplishment of the duties, one will be provided by the BLM Cedar City Field Office or ACE. Any tools required for the accomplishment of the duties will be provided by the BLM Cedar City Field Office. Use of personal protective equipment (PPE), typically provided by the BLM Cedar City Field Office, will be mandatory for any activity that requires it. Strict adherence to BLM Cedar City Field Office and ACE equipment training, certification and safety protocols is required.

To Apply: Please submit your resume, a cover letter demonstrating your interest and experience, and contact information for three professional/academic references to the online application page for this position here: https://usaconservation.applicantpool.com/jobs/1081979 Early consideration will be given as applications are received. This position may close at any time. If you have any questions regarding this position please feel free to contact ACE EPIC Recruitment and Member Support Coordinator, Sheana Ward at or sward@usaconservation.org.

EEO: Employment with ACE is based upon ability, qualifications, attitude, and job-related factors. Every qualified employee or applicant has the same opportunity for recruitment, hire, training, transfer, promotion, compensation, demotion, termination, benefits, employee activities, and general treatment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, gender, national origin, pregnancy, ancestry, citizenship status, genetic information (including of a family member), veteran or military status, age, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, medical condition, marital or parental status, political affiliation, ethnicity, hair texture or style, arrest record, caste, hereditary status, endogamy, or any other classification protected by applicable local, state, or federal law.