Wildlife Technician

About us

F&W Forestry Services, Inc is an international forestry consulting firm established in 1962. Today the company has a staff of more than 200 professionals serving a variety of clients with operations located across the US, UK, and South America.

About the job

FWS Forestry California, LLC, is looking to hire two to five (2-5) wildlife technicians for the 2026

field season. Ideal applicants would be based out of Siskiyou or Modoc county. The main

responsibilities of these positions will be to conduct protocol-level surveys for northern spotted

owls and American goshawks, and camera trap surveys for mesocarnivores to support ongoing

survey efforts on private timberlands in Siskiyou County and a large fuels reduction project near

Medicine Lake in the Modoc National Forest. Additional wildlife and/or forestry assignments will

likely be available depending on need, interest, and timing. Past technicians also gained

experience in meadow restoration, frog surveys, habitat analysis, and the use of automated

recording units (ARUs). Attention to detail, excellent communication skills, and a positive attitude

are required.

What you'll do

• Safely drive and/or hike remote forest roads and trails, often late at night or very early
• morning, to access survey stations.
• Conduct electronic broadcast surveys for northern spotted owls and/or American goshawks according to established protocols.
• Take detailed field notes and accurately map locations for target species heard or seen.
• Conduct daytime surveys as needed to follow up on nighttime detections of spotted owls, including daytime visits to historic nest or roost locations.
• Conduct baited camera surveys for mesocarnivores using established protocols.
• Regular data entry, team meetings, road clearing, and additional duties as required.
• Potential to assist with GIS work and forestry duties, including tree marking, inventory, and flagging for qualified applicants.

What we're looking for

• Bachelor’s degree in Natural Resources, Wildlife Management, Wildlife Biology, or related field is preferred.
• Candidates without degrees or college coursework that possess adequate experience are encouraged to apply.
• A minimum of one (1) year of field experience. Candidates with prior experience specific to spotted owl surveys and/or night work, or American goshawk surveys will be given preference.
• Must be able to identify northern spotted owls by sight and/or sound, including the ability to differentiate between spotted owls and barred owls.
• Must be able to identify American goshawks by sight and/or sound, including the ability to differentiate them from other diurnal raptors.
• Experience with or sufficient demonstrable understanding of navigation techniques including topographic maps, GPS, compass, PLSS systems, and mobile mapping applications (e.g., Avenza, ESRI Field Maps).
• Candidates must be able to hike, sometimes traveling long distances, at night along closed roads or trails, and during the day off-trail in roadless areas, often in steep, brushy terrain.
• Must be comfortable working in all weather conditions with the possibility of encountering (potentially dangerous) wildlife and vegetation (i.e. bears, mountain lions, poison oak).
• Candidates must be able to confidently, safely, and efficiently navigate infrequently maintained logging roads with a 4WD vehicle or ATV in areas with little or no cell phone reception, often at night.
• Must be able to work independently and alone in the field. A high degree of self motivation, attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and a sense of humor are essential.
• Some positions may require occasional camping and/or regular multi-night stays out of town near field sites (up to 5 days at a time).
• Must be able to adhere to company safety protocols.
• Familiarity with, and ability to identify, California native wildlife species (especially threatened and endangered species).
• A working knowledge of Microsoft Excel is necessary.
• Experience using a chainsaw and road clearing is a plus.

Housing: covered during out-of-town stays

Relocation: not included

Start Date: flexible, between March 1—May 1, 2026

End Date: flexible, between August 31—October 31, 2026 (contract extension possible, especially for those with interest in and/or experience with forestry field work)

Primary Field Location: Modoc National Forest and Siskiyou County

Additional Details: 40 hours per week. Occasional overtime likely.

Be part of a company culture where proactive, goal-focused employees thrive!