Individual Placement - Willamette Valley Project Wildlife Participants

Position Summary 

The wildlife participants will be working in the Environmental Stewardship Section of the Willamette Valley Project (WVP) for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. WVP is a major water resource project responsible for operating 13 dams and managing natural resources and recreation in the lakes and surrounding lands. We manage nearly 50,000 acres in the Willamette, McKenzie, and Santiam watersheds. The Environmental Stewardship section is known for our community partnerships in natural resource preservation and restoration. Duties include wildlife monitoring for turtles and birds.

Location 

Junction City, OR

Schedule 

April 6, 2026 - November 13, 2026

Key Duties and Responsibilities 

The wildlife participants will assist with monitoring and trapping sensitive wildlife species including the northwestern pond turtle, Western Purple Martin, Bald Eagle nest surveys, and other species as needed. Most of the work will be turtle nest searching and visual encounter surveys, removal of non-native turtles, collecting biological data in the field, data entry. The participants may assist with trapping northwestern pond turtles and conducting radio telemetry for turtles. Work is focused in and around lakes in the southern Willamette Valley.

Supervisor: Kathleen Smith, Wildlife Biologist

Marginal Duties 

Additional duties may include field support of other natural resource programs such as native plant surveys, invasive plant removal, assisting with plant nursery operations, fish surveys, and cultural resources monitoring and surveys.

Required Qualifications 

• Ability to work outdoors in remote settings and inclement weather
• Interest in wildlife and conservation
• Willingness and ability to work well independently and as a team
• Ability to lift and carry up to 40 lbs (day pack/turtle survey gear)
• Ability to navigate by Avenza maps, aerial photos, compass, and/or GPS
• Effective written and verbal communication skills
• Attention to detail
• A positive attitude
• Knowledge of MS Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint and willingness to bring your personal computer to the office to conduct office work
• Willingness to ride in and work from boats
• Valid driver’s license and the ability to report on time to the USACE Fern Ridge Lake office

There is an expectation of up to $1,300 of out-of pocket expenses for Duty-Related Travel. This is a tax-free reimbursement and receipts are required. Your SCA Program Coordinator, will assist you with the reimbursement process.

Preferred Qualifications 

A willingness to cross train with other departments depending on the time of year and work priorities

Hours 

40 per week

Living Accommodations 

The selected participants will be responsible for finding their own housing. No government housing is available.

Duty location: The interns will report daily to the USACE Fern Ridge Lake office, 26275 Clear Lake Rd, Junction City, OR 97448. The intern must own a vehicle to reliably get to and from the field office. Field sites may include any of the 13 reservoirs in the Willamette Valley Project, and the position may occasionally require the intern to use her/his personal vehicle (miles reimbursable) during work hours.

Terms of Employment TWO selected intern will serve a 32-week term of service starting approximately April 06, 2026. The participants will work full-time for the entire 32-weeks from April 06 to November 13, 2026.

Compensation  

• $700 weekly Living Allowance
• $1,300 duty travel reimbursement
• One-time round-trip UP TO $650 relocation travel reimbursement for non-local candidates (not available for candidates who do not relocate)
• Optional monthly health care coverage (8 months)

The living allowance is taxable. Service eligibility is contingent upon the results of a Federal government background check and driving record check.

Personal Vehicle Information

Required

Additional Benefits 

Defensive Driver 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.