Individual Placement- Biological Technician at Deer Flat National Wildlife Refuge

Position Summary 

The biological individual placement will assist the Urban Refuge Biologist with a variety of projects, including vegetation surveys, bird surveys conducted by boat, manual and chemical treatments for invasive species, planning/assisting the team with public events, data entry, and other biological and outreach duties. The biological technician will work closely with the all staff to support outreach activities and urban programming. This collaboration may include participating in public events, leading bird walks, and helping to develop and present refuge programs. Through these experiences, the individual placement will gain a diverse set of field, urban, and technical skills that are applicable to future positions.  

Schedule 

August 17, 2026 - August 7, 2027

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, leading and supporting refuge public programs, 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.
• Proficiency in data management software like Excel and ArcGIS is essential, as is a willingness to obtain a pesticide applicator’s license.
• Applicants should be willing to learn how to operate and maintain ATVs and UTVs, as well as drive trucks with trailers after receiving proper training.
• A strong commitment to outdoor safety is essential.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, are necessary for engaging with various stakeholders and participating in community outreach.
• 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 

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 a private bedroom and share common spaces including one bathroom, a living room, kitchen, spacious storage areas, and laundry facilities. The bunkhouse is fully equipped with essential amenities such as a complete kitchen stocked with cookware and dining ware, as well as all necessary bedding and furniture. The technician is expected to keep the home clean and respectful, and they may 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

~$1,000 Duty-Related Travel Reimbursement (receipts required)

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

Personal Vehicle Information

Required

Additional Benefits 

Defensive Driver Training

First Aid/CPR

Interpretive Skills

Health Insurance: Optional (13 months)

AmeriCorps: TBD if awards are available

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. 

 Physical requirements and working conditions specific to the position are available in the full job description. 

Salary : $600