Individual Placement - McNary NWR Biological Technician

Position Summary

McNary National Wildlife Refuge supports a diverse range of wildlife across 15,000 acres of backwater sloughs, shrub-steppe uplands, irrigated farmlands, rivers, islands, mudflats, and riparian areas. This position works primarily with the habitat management program, focusing on mapping and eradicating invasive species that threaten the biological integrity of the refuge. The job also works within our biology program to participate in inventory/monitoring projects, habitat restoration, community outreach, and data management. Overall goal of the position to provide support for further development of native habitats and biodiversity across the refuge through on the ground habitat management.

Hosting Organization

McNary National Wildlife Refuge

Katie Maikis, katherine_maikis@fws.gov, (509) 210-2198)

Location

Burbank, WA

Schedule

June 1, 2026 - October 23, 2026

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• The Individual Placement will manually, mechanically, and chemically control and eradicate priority invasive species (mostly plants) throughout the refuge.
• They will use a variety of tools and equipment including, but not limited to, 4-gallon backpack sprayers, pruners, weed whackers, and mowers.
• They will hike with this equipment across rocky terrain, sometimes over long distances.
• They will also operate ATVs, UTVs, and 4-wheel drive trucks to treat invasive species.
• The Individual Placement will work alongside a federal biological science technician, who will function as the team lead.

Marginal Duties

• Assist with inventory and monitoring of wildlife and plant species, data entry, and other restoration activities

Required Qualifications

• Possession of a valid driver's license.
• Ability or willingness to learn to operate ATVs/UTVs, and 4-wheel drive vehicles and to earn the appropriate DOI certifications.
• Willingness to use chemical (herbicide) and mechanical control methods to treat invasive plant species.
• Ability to work independently with little supervision and collaboratively with diverse groups.
• Practical knowledge of the principles, practices, and terminology of the biological sciences.
• Experience or knowledge of common vegetation monitoring practices.
• Ability to identify species using field guides, dichotomous keys and other instructional tools.
• Ability to keep detailed and precise records to collect and assemble data.
• Ability to use computer technology and common survey tools such as binoculars, tablets, and GPS units.
• Skill in using common hand tools and simple power equipment.
• Ability to lift and carry equipment weighing up to 40 lbs for extended periods of time.
• Willingness to work outdoors in all weather conditions (including high temperatures), terrain ranging from rocky hillslopes to mucky wetlands, and exposure to biting insects

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

• Knowledge of Pacific Northwest natural communities
• Experience treating invasive species using common control methods
• Experience assisting with wildlife population surveys
• Experience operating kayaks and canoes

Hours

40 per week

Living Accommodations

Housing provided at a bunkhouse onsite. Bunkhouse houses all seasonal biological and fire staff for the station and includes shared living quarters, living-room, kitchen, and laundry facilities.

Compensation

• $1,100 round trip travel allowance
• $620 weekly living allowance
• $200 reimbursable member expense funding (receipt required)
• Housing provided at a bunkhouse onsite.
• PLC Eligible

All allowances are subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes.

Personal Vehicle Information

Required

Additional Benefits

Defensive Driving Training

First Aid/CPR

AmeriCorps: Not Eligible

Equal Opportunity Statement

The Student Conservation Association, Inc., is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The SCA strives to cultivate a work environment that encourages fairness, teamwork, and respect among all staff members and is committed to maintaining a work atmosphere where lifestyles may grow personally and professionally.

Salary : $200 - $620