Job Description

Job DetailsJob Location: Council , IDPosition Type: AmeriCorpsJob Category: Wildlife Studies & Habitat Assessment Timeline:
May 2nd, 2026 - September 5th, 2026, 675 Hour Term  (19 weeks in length);
Full time (40 hours/week)
Location:
Payette National Forest is a stunning forest in central Idaho, covering over 2.3 million acres. It features diverse landscapes, including rugged mountains, deep canyons, and pristine lakes. Known for its outdoor recreational opportunities, visitors can enjoy activities like hiking, fishing, camping, and boating. The forest is home to the scenic Salmon River, the Sawtooth Wilderness, and several beautiful hot springs. Its rich wildlife, including elk, deer, and bears, adds to its allure for nature enthusiasts and adventurers alike.
Compensation and Benefits:
Living Allowance: approximately $1,632.00 biweekly (before taxes); not to exceed $15,504.00;
Segal AmeriCorps Education Award (675 hour term): $2,817.14 upon successful completion of term;
Benefits:
Company-paid comprehensive medical, dental (with option to upgrade in coverage), and vision insurance;
$25,000 Basic Life & AD&D insurance at no cost;
Access to Pro Deals;
Per diem: Camping per diem provided per night in the field
Housing: Will be provided to the selected participant at no additional costs
Uniform stipend of $150.00
Segal Education Award:
After successfully completing an AmeriCorps term of service members are eligible to receive the Segal AmeriCorps Education Award. Award varies based on term of service. You can use the award to repay qualified student loans and to pay current educational expenses at eligible institutions of higher education and training programs.
Student Loan Forbearance:
If you are currently paying on any federal student loans you have the option to put those loans into forbearance during your time as an AmeriCorps volunteer, that will allow you to cease payments while serving.
Interest Accrual Repayment:
As an AmeriCorps alum, you are eligible to have the National Service Trust pay all or a portion of the interest that accumulated on your qualified student loan(s) during your term of service. These payments are made in addition to the Education Award, and are not deducted from your Education Award balance. To be eligible to have accrued interest paid: The loan must have been placed in forbearance for the service period, and you must have successfully completed a term of service and received an Education Award.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Eligibility:
AmeriCorps Volunteers qualify for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
QualificationsRequired:
(This AmeriCorps position is open to US Citizens, Nationals, or Permanent Residents age 18 or older)
Experience in conducting surveys for call play-back surveys for American goshawk or other raptors
Experience in standard field methods for wildlife surveys, status assessments, and habitat characterization;
Proficiency in navigation using GPS, topographic map and compass;
Possess a clean, valid, state-issued driver’s license with the ability to safely operate and maintain a 4WD vehicle on and off paved roads;
Ability to work effectively in a team setting with USFS staff, GBI staff, interns, volunteers, academic, state, and federal partners;
Ability to work safely and productively in remote field settings under adverse conditions. This includes occasionally overnight camping in remote areas for consecutive nights;
Ability to understand, implement and adhere to established data collection, inventory, assessment, and monitoring protocols;
Capacity to collect and maintain field data in an organized manner that is easily understood and accessible to other resource staff;
Strong organizational skills and ability to work cooperatively as well as independently;
Strong communication skills with diverse audiences, both written and oral; and
Physically fit to work outdoors, carry up to 50 pounds of personal and/or field equipment, and withstand the rigors of a forested and/or high desert environment in all seasons.
At least one of the following:
Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Ecology, Natural Resource Management or related discipline, including field-based coursework AND one year of wildlife related field work;
Three years of professional fieldwork experience
Preferred:
Experience surveying for and/or identifying small mammals
Experience leading crews in the field, including oversight of crew safety, communication, fidelity to methods and data quality;
Familiarity with, and interest in, resource management issues of western states and the ecology of the western Idaho;
Experience using ArcGIS to create maps;
Advanced skill using other specialized software;
Experience identifying hydrologic concerns, recognizing forest entomology/pathology issues, identifying heritage sites and experience with fire/fuels assessments or related field tasks.
Ability to work in harsh and rapidly changing environments, work in all types of weather
conditions, traverse uneven terrain, carry upwards of 40 pounds in a backpack, and
otherwise maintain good physical condition.
AmeriCorps eligibility requirements: (1) U.S. citizenship or legal resident alien status, (2) eligible to receive an AmeriCorps Education Award (limited to earning equivalent of two full-time education awards), (3) pass National Sex Offender Public Website (NSOPW) name search and federal criminal background check, (4) adhere to the rules, regulations and code of conduct as specified in the Member Service Agreement; and (5) not engage in any prohibited activities as listed in the Member Service Agreement.
How to Apply:
Please apply online through this application link by submitting an up-to-date resume, one page cover letter that details your interest in the position, and any qualifications not fully described in your resume, contact information for three professional and/or academic references. Be sure to complete any preliminary questions prompted in the application and sign your application.
Any questions contact mzheleznyakova@thegreatbasininstitute.org
Public Land Corps Hiring Authority:
This project is federally funded through the Public Land Corps Hiring Authority. Participants serving under this authority may be eligible for the PLC non-competitive hiring status and certificate. The PLC Authority requires all applicants meet the age and US Citizen requirements. Additional information regarding the PLC can be found on the GBI website under the Research Associate Programs FAQ.
NOTE:  This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employees may perform other related duties as negotiated to meet the organization's ongoing needs.
NOTE: All offers of employment are contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment background check.
Disclaimer: Although the organization has attempted to accurately and thoroughly describe this position, GBI reserves the right to change the same, including to change, add to or subtract from the duties outlined, within the sole discretion of the organization, at any time, with or without advance notice.