Individual Placement - Bio Tech at Deer Flat National Wildlife Refuge

Position Summary

The biological individual placement will assist the Urban Refuge Biologist with a variety of projects. Expected tasks include vegetation surveys, bird surveys via boat, manual and chemical treatments for invasive species, attending public events, data entry, and various other biological duties. The goal is for the individual placement to acquire a range of field and technical skills that they can apply to future positions. We aim to help them develop problem-solving abilities and provide an experience of working at one of the eight flagship refuges in the country.

Schedule

February 1, 2026 - May 22, 2026 (15 weeks)

Key Duties and Responsibilities

The individual placement will assist with ongoing research and monitoring projects focused on Western and Clark's grebes while also having the opportunity to engage in various aspects of waterfowl, water bird, shorebird, and raptor monitoring. This includes conducting behavioral observations of target colonies to document breeding phenology and breeding status for multiple species. Monitoring activities will take place weekly during early mornings or late evenings to align with the birds' active seasons. The individual placement will keep detailed records of monitoring events in a notebook and will handle data entry after each session, as well as input data from previous biological events conducted at the refuge.

Marginal Duties

The individual placement is also expected to engage in all biological volunteer opportunities, including the wood duck box habitat project in the spring. Additional responsibilities include maintaining a gas log for the biological truck, conducting biweekly vehicle inspections and cleanouts, assisting other departments as needed, collecting water samples, leading volunteer groups, and being open to any other related tasks that may arise.

Required Qualifications

The SCA Biology Technician individual placement at Deer Flat National Wildlife Refuge requires candidates to have a background in biology, environmental science, or a related field, along with familiarity in wildlife monitoring techniques. Proficiency in data management software like Excel and ArcGIS is essential, as is a willingness to obtain a pesticide applicator's license. Candidates should be comfortable operating trailers and ATVs after training and must be safety-conscious while working outdoors. Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, are necessary for engaging with various stakeholders and participating in community outreach. Additionally, the individual placement should demonstrate the ability to work independently and as part of a team, exhibit enthusiasm for wildlife conservation, and be flexible with scheduling to accommodate fieldwork needs.

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

While the qualifications listed above are preferred, we are more than happy to provide on-the-job training for all necessary skills. This is an entry-level position, making it ideal for candidates eager to learn and develop their expertise in a supportive environment.

Hours

40 per week

Living Accommodations

Free on-site housing will be provided for the Biology Technician in a fully furnished bunkhouse, which will be shared with two other visitor center placements. Each individual placement will have their own bedroom and will share a bathroom, living room, kitchen, large storage areas, and laundry facilities. The technician is expected to keep the home clean and respectful, and they will also have additional responsibilities related to housing maintenance, such as mowing the lawn.

Compensation

~1,100 to/from travel allowance (paid one-time)

~$600 weekly living allowance (paid bi-weekly)

~All-Weather Uniform

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

Personal Vehicle Information

Required

Additional Benefits

Defensive Drive Training

First Aid/CPR

Interpretive Skills

Equal Opportunity Statement

The SCA strives to cultivate a work environment that encourages fairness, teamwork, and respect among all staff members. SCA is committed to maintaining a work atmosphere in which people may grow personally and professionally. The Student Conservation Association, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer.