Biological Technicians (AmeriCorps- USFWS Southeast Idaho Refuge Complex)

The Research Associate Program at GBI, in cooperation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, is recruiting up to (9) AmeriCorps members to serve as Biological Technicians. The Biological Technicians will serve closely with the USFWS Biologists to implement a wide variety of projects that aim to maintain and enhance the quality of the National Wildlife Refuge Complex located within Southeast Idaho. The primary focus of these positions will be conducting baseline pollinator inventories, experimental wet meadow restoration in support of pollinator populations, and continuing implementation of new invasive species management programs. These pollinator-centric practices represent some of the first stages of pollinator focused monitoring and restoration at National Wildlife Refuges in this region and will set the stage for critical work in this field. They are one aspect of a larger invasive species management strategy that emphasizes habitat restoration and quantitative methods of evaluation. Additionally, technicians will participate in other aspects of the Southeast Idaho National Wildlife Refuge Complex biology program.

Service duties may include any or all of the following:

Primary duties (all refuges):

• Assisting with riparian, wetland and/or vegetation monitoring and inventorying to assess resource status;
• Implementing assessments using established, as well as emerging tools (e.g. monitoring protocols) to conduct accurate field measurements;
• Conducting plant surveys and mapping efforts in order to refine population boundaries for species of management concern;
• Monitoring, inventorying, and treating (by hand, mechanically, and/or chemically) noxious and invasive weeds;
• Participating in restoration efforts (e.g. fence repair, native species plantings, cattle guard maintenance, trailhead maintenance, etc.);
• Maintaining, updating and refining program database and documents, and responding to data calls and informational research tasks;
• Safely operating an ATV, UTV, and/or large 4WD spray rig (truck) while traveling on remote 4WD roads;
• Inventory distribution of and collect seed from native flowering plants of value to pollinator species;
• Baseline invasive plant inventory;
• Document phenology of native flowering plants; and
• Baseline pollinator species richness and diversity surveys.

Secondary duties may include:

• Monitor hydrology, riparian and wetland vegetation, and wildlife response to wetland restoration (All refuges);
• Activities related to common carp control (Bear Lake, Minidoka);
• Long-term vegetation monitoring(Camas);
• Pollinator garden maintenance and enhancement(Camas);
• Growing ~90,000 native grass, forb, and shrub plugs for plantings (Minidoka);
• Chemical control of noxious weeds(All refuges);
• Invasive weed treatment efficacy monitoring(Camas, Minidoka, Bear Lake);
• Early detection of & rapid response (EDRR) for rush skeletonweed and white bryony (Camas);
• Russian olive removal and riparian habitat restoration(All refuges);
• Monitoring of and/or surveillance for invasive submerged aquatic vegetation (Eurasian watermilfoil, Curly leaf Pondweed)(All refuges);
• Shelterbelt and riparian habitat restoration and monitoring (Camas, Minidoka);
• Assist with maintenance and operation of 36 water control structures/fish screens (Bear Lake);
• Banding of various avian species to include various waterfowl (Camas, Minidoka, Grays Lake), songbirds (Camas), White-faced Ibis (Bear Lake), and Western and Clarks grebe (Minidoka);
• Acoustic monitoring and potential captures of bat species (All refuges); and
• Vegetation and wildlife surveys tracking abundance and trends of species on the refuge (All refuges).

Through these projects, the technicians will gain a broad understanding of the habitat management and wildlife issues facing the Intermountain West. These projects span habitats (shrub-steppe, grassland, wetland, and riparian) and encompass three categories of tools available for invasive species control (mechanical, chemical, biological). Furthermore, the technicians will be exposed to various elements of pollinator ecology and the habitat restoration process. The technicians will be provided with first aid, ATV/UTV, and plant identification training. Technicians will also assist in other biological monitoring projects such as bird banding, bat acoustic monitoring, and a variety of avian surveys as opportunities arise. Each technician will be stationed at a specific refuge, however, there will be opportunities to travel throughout the Southeast Idaho National Wildlife Refuge Complex and assist in various activities.

Timeline:

• Bear Lake NWR: (1) up to 28-week appointment beginning May
• Camas NWR: (2-4 positions) 19-28 week appointments beginning in late April/late May
• Minidoka NWR: (2) 22-week appointments beginning in late April/early May
• Grays Lake NWR: (2) 22-week appointments beginning in May
  • Full time (40 hours/week)
  • Schedule: Varies by refuge

Location:

Bear Lake National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1968 to protect and manage habitat for waterfowl and other migratory birds. Located seven miles south of Montpelier, ID, the refuge encompasses 18,200 acres of bulrush marsh, open water, and flooded meadows that are managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The refuge provides valuable habitat for waterfowl and colonial nesting water birds. Portions of the refuge include scattered grasslands and brush-covered mountain slopes. Primary management species of focus are redhead ducks, sandhill crane, Bonneville cutthroat trout, and Canada goose. With close proximity to the highly utilized recreational area of Bear Lake and its beaches, U.S. Forest Service lands, and several National Parks that are within reasonable driving distances, there are many outdoor recreational opportunities in close proximity to the duty station.

Camas National Wildlife Refuge was established for the protection of migratory waterbirds and is a mosaic of wetland, grassland, and sage-steppe habitat. It is located approximately 40 miles north of Idaho Falls, Idaho near the small rural community of Hamer, Idaho. The area is fairly remote, with the nearest gas station existing 20 miles away (to the north in Dubois or to the south in Roberts). Groceries, medical care, and other services are available ~40 miles away (to the south in Idaho Falls or to the east in Rexburg).The refuge is set within the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem which provides ample world-class outdoor recreation activities. Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks are approximately a 2 to 3 hour drive east. Craters of the Moon National Monument, the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness, and the Salmon-Challis National Forest are a 1 to 3-hour drive to the west.The Caribou-Targhee National Forest is a 45 minute to an hour drive to the north and east. The refuge is set within the Snake River Plains, at an elevation of about 4500 feet.Summers are typically warm and dry with cool nights. Daily highs are in the 80s and low 90s. Afternoon thunderstorms are common.

Minidoka National Wildlife Refuge is located on the Snake River Plain in south-central Idaho, 12 miles northeast of Rupert. It includes 80 miles of shoreline around Lake Walcott, from Minidoka Dam upstream about 25 miles. The refuge headquarters is located in Lake Walcott State Park. About half of the refuges ~24,000 acres is open water and wetlands. In this arid landscape, these resources serve as an oasis drawing numerous wildlife species from miles around. Many species use the bulrush and cattail habitat that lines the lakes small bays. Others use the willows, cottonwoods and other trees growing near shorelines. The rest of the refuge is low, rolling uplands covered by sagebrush, grasses and isolated juniper patches amongst scattered outcrops of basalt. The USFWS manages the refuge. The US Bureau of Reclamation operates the dam and power plant and controls the water levels in the reservoir. The Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation manages Lake Walcott State Park, a 30-acre park near the dam that offers campgrounds, picnic areas, a disc golf course, cabins, and a boat ramp

Grays Lake National Wildlife refuge was established in 1965 for the purpose of protecting the historic Grays Lake wetland and providing habitat for migratory waterbirds. This unique refuge consists of a 22,000-acre bulrush marsh bordered by wet meadow and upland habitat, some of which is grazed by cattle. Grays Lake hosts the largest breeding population of sandhill cranes in North America. The refuge headquarters and lodging are located in the Grays Lake valley, 35 miles north of Soda Springs, ID and 30 miles west of Thayne, WY in Southeast Idaho. These are the nearest towns for groceries, gas stations, medical care, and other services. While Grays Lake is a remote site, there is no shortage of beautiful views, idyllic wildlife and plant sightings, and nearby recreational opportunities. Nearby destinations include the Caribou Targhee mountains, Blackfoot Reservoir and Grand Teton National Park. The refuge is also 1.5 hours away from Jackson, WY, a popular destination for outdoor recreation including fishing, whitewater rafting, horseback riding, and wildlife tourism.

Compensation and Benefits:

Living Allowance: $325.00 weekly before taxes;

Segal AmeriCorps Education Award (varies by term length/availability): $2,817.14- $3,697.50 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; and
• Access to Pro Deals.

Housing:

• Will be provided for Camas, Minidoka, & Grays Lake NWR selected participants at no additional costs;
• Bear Lake participants will receive a weekly housing stipend of $175.00 and are expected to procure housing on their own.

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).

Required:

(This AmeriCorps position is open to US Citizens, Nationals, or Permanent Residents age 17 or older)

• Knowledge and interest in botany and plant identification;
• Prior experience with invasive plant management preferred;
• Willingness to utilize chemical herbicide treatment methods;
• Experience utilizing hand-held GPS units and/or PDRs for navigation and/or data collections, along with basic computer skills;
• Ability to carry backpack sprayer or up to 40 pounds in a backpack, and otherwise maintain good physical condition;
• Experience operating 4WD trucks on and off-road, including mountain forest roads;
• Knowledge and experience in operating off highway vehicles, which includes Utility Terrain Vehicles (UTV), and All-Terrain Vehicles (ATV), desirable;
• Experience with towing and backing-up a trailer, desirable; and
• Must provide a valid drivers license and possess a clean driving record.

Additional requirements:

• Ability to self-direct and self-motivate;
• Possess good organizational skills;
• Tolerant of working in variable weather conditions, willing and able to work outdoors in adverse weather conditions, and able to hike 2-5 miles daily on uneven terrain;
• Ability to work productively as part of a team to accomplish mutual goals and follow safe working practices;
• Ability to communicate effectively with team members, GBI and agency staff, and a diverse public;
• Ability to perform physical labor for extended periods of time (e.g., digging, bending over, hauling material, hiking);
• Must pass US Fish and Wildlife Service UTV/ATV training; and
• 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 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.

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.

EEO Statement:
We conform to all the laws, statutes, and regulations concerning equal employment opportunities and affirmative action. We strongly encourage women, minorities, individuals with disabilities and veterans to apply to all of our job openings. We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin, age, disability status, Genetic Information & Testing, Family & Medical Leave, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We prohibit Retaliation against individuals who bring forth any complaint, orally or in writing, to the employer or the government, or against any individuals who assist or participate in the investigation of any complaint or otherwise oppose discrimination.