Job Description

Wildlife Field Technician(s) will work with U.S. Forest Service Biologists and Wildlife Field Lead to conduct various wildlife surveys within the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests and Pawnee National Grassland. Surveys and other job duties include but are not limited to: acoustic and visual surveys for raptors and songbirds, prairie dog mapping, remote camera traps, amphibian population monitoring, pollinator netting, bat acoustic surveys, habitat improvement work, and educational outreach both in classrooms and booths. Majority of wildlife survey efforts are done in support of various fuel reduction, timber sale, and forest resiliency projects occurring on the forest in addition to annual monitoring efforts. Technicians can expect to spend 70% of their time in the field and 30% in the office completing data entry and quality control, field gear and vehicle maintenance, reading and understanding survey protocols, and studying species identification such as bird vocalizations, feather identification, and wildlife tracks. This position may also receive ArcGIS Pro training and create maps. This position provides the individual with hands-on training in wildlife biology fieldwork, as well as an introduction to the laws, regulations, and policies that guide natural resource management in the Forest Service.

Location

Fort Collins, CO

Schedule

June 1, 2026 - October 10, 2026

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Be an active participant on a two-to-three-person sample crew and ensure crew is working toward Zone priorities;

• Follow established protocols for survey and data form completion;

• Ensure accurate and complete data collection and data entry;

• May help train other placements or volunteers on designated projects and protocols;

• Take detailed field notes;

• Conduct data entry, field data collection, field navigation, and quality assurance of data;

• Follow established protocols for surveys and data form completion;

• Evaluate data and field observations and make recommendations for improvement of habitat or species;

• Daytime surveys and nest searches for American goshawk, peregrine falcon, golden eagle, and other raptors;

• Mountain plover surveys;

• Prairie dog town mapping;

• Nocturnal surveys for flammulated and boreal owl;

• Conduct amphibian breeding and habitat surveys;

• Deploy acoustic detectors for bat monitoring and storing collected data;

• Install and check remote cameras including changing SD cards and batteries, reviewing and cataloging photos, and summarizing data using Excel software;

• Preble's meadow jumping mouse habitat evaluation and photo monitoring;

• Abandoned fence removal;

• Participate in education outreach opportunities such as educational booths at fairs or in classroom programming.

Marginal Duties

These positions will be mentored by a US Forest Service Wildlife Biologist, who will provide field leadership and GIS support. Primary roles of this position will be in support of the wildlife team, but all positions are also considered to be a part of the larger interdisciplinary district, zone and forest team. As such, there will be opportunities to assist other crews in survey work such as archeology and fisheries; or to assist other program areas such as recreation in maintenance of recreation facilities and trails. Additionally, partnerships are a large part of our work and there will be the opportunity to assist USFWS, Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) and other groups with large projects or monitoring efforts occurring on the forest.

Required Qualifications

• Applicants have either have or are working toward a 4 year undergraduate degree in wildlife biology or a related discipline;

• Familiar with wildlife survey techniques and biological concepts;

• Familiar with fauna of the Southern Rocky Mountain region (Colorado);

• Able to visually and acoustically identify Southern Rocky Mountain region birds and amphibians;

• Physically fit and prepared for strenuous, off-trail, high elevation hiking in all weather conditions;

• Able to use binoculars and spotting scope;

• Must possess and maintain valid driver’s license;

• Must own a car, or have means of regular transportation to and from duty station daily;

• Possess good verbal and written communications skills;

• Preference will be given to candidates with previous experience performing bird surveys and raptor nest searches;

• Good navigation and route-finding skills using maps and GIS tools;

• Must be able to drive 4x4 trucks on forest roads, work in burned areas, and carry out duties in steep and rugged terrain and wilderness areas;

• Must be able to work with other people on a crew and under the direction of USFS staff.

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

• Bachelor’s degree in wildlife biology, ecology, natural resource management, conservation management, or related discipline -OR- completed a minimum of 20 credit hours towards a degree in the fields listed above, and has had 1 season of field experience with wildlife surveys;

• Experience navigating and taking data points using Global Positioning System (GPS) units, Field Maps or Survey 123, and Geographic Information System (GIS) applications such as ArcGIS Pro;

• Efficient with Microsoft Word, Outlook, and Excel.

Hours

40 per week

Living Accommodations

Government housing may be available. Rates vary across districts and a $400 monthly housing allowance is provided to offset a portion of this cost.

Compensation

• Living Allowance – $600/week

• One-time Travel Allowance – $1,100

• Housing Allowance - $400/month

• Federal Holiday Off (if required to work, an alternative day will be scheduled off)

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

Personal Vehicle Information

Not needed

Additional Benefits

Bear Safety

Defensive Driving 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.