Individual Placement - Biological Field Technician (Amphibians)

Position Summary 

This position will be an aquatics-based job working with federally listed amphibians and conducting meadow and stream surveys for forest priority projects related to timber, range, recreation, and special uses projects. There are two species the forest has been focused on: Yosemite toad (federally threatened) and the Sierra Nevada yellow-legged frog (federally endangered). Survey work includes species inventories for all life stages (egg masses, tadpoles, juveniles, and adults) and hiking to meadow or streams for habitat inventories following Regional protocols. Crews consist of 2-4 people and work Monday- Thursday from 7 AM to 5:30 PM. Additional duties may include entering data into excel spreadsheets, electronically filing and managing photos and all data, data collection in a tablet format, writing end of season reports. All data is collected on android tablets using Survey123 and ArcGIS field maps.

Location 

Prather, CA

Schedule 

May 4, 2026 - October 30, 2026

Key Duties and Responsibilities 

• Meadow surveys for species and habitat conditions
• Species identification (all life stages)
• Data collection using android tablets
• Long days hiking with moderately heavy backpacks

Marginal Duties 

• Downloading data on to tablets at beginning of season
• Assisting crew leads for travel routes to survey sites
• Daily syncing of field survey data
• Cleaning all gear daily
• Assisting crew leads with wrapping up the previous 2 weeks in the field and preparing for the next 2 weeks in the field

Required Qualifications 

• Valid driver's license
• Degree in progress at a minimum in environmental sciences or a biology related field
• Personal vehicle for off duty use
• Cover letter with relevant professional or personal skill or goals related to biology or herpetology
• Use of computer including Microsoft applications (excel, word, powerpoint)
• Ability to hike up to 5 miles a day over rough and uneven terrain, on or off trail, and in stream habitat (water)
• Ability to carry up to 25 pounds of gear each day while surveying

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 

• Previous experience with amphibians
• Experience surveying for any kind of animal
• Android system knowledge
• Ability to independently navigate using a GPS unit and TOPO map

Hours 

40 per week

Living Accommodations 

Government housing is available; Cabins are shared by 2 people and include a kitchen, bathroom, and shared bedroom; Amenities include electricity, heat, water, and laundry facilities; Location is isolated about 5 miles from the nearest town (Shaver Lake); Internet service is limited and spotty; Applicants are responsible for providing bedding (sheets, blankets), personal toiletries, and food.

Compensation  

• The weekly living allowance is $450 per week.
• A one time round trip travel allowance of $1,100.

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

Personal Vehicle Information

Required

Additional Benefits 

Bear Safety

Defensive Driver Training

First Aid/CPR

Off-Road Vehicle Safety

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 : $450