Job Title: Malheur Biological Technician

Department: Conservation

Reports to: Eastern Oregon Biologist and Program Manager

Classification: Seasonal (April 1 - August 31, 2025), Hourly, Non-exempt 

Compensation: $17.00/hour + housing at Malheur National Wildlife Refuge

Location: Malheur National Wildlife Refuge

About Bird Alliance of Oregon: 

Bird Alliance of Oregon has been a leading voice in conservation for over a century. Through conservation advocacy, environmental education, and wildlife rehabilitation, we promote the understanding, enjoyment, and protection of native birds, other wildlife and their habitats. We work statewide with sanctuaries in Portland, on the Oregon Coast, and on Mt Hood; and staff in Eastern Oregon. 

Bird Alliance of Oregon has been engaged with efforts to protect and restore Malheur National Wildlife Refuge and the surrounding landscape since our founding in 1902. Malheur NWR represents one of the most important bird refuges on the Pacific Flyway. We have had full-time staff stationed in Burns, Oregon since 2018, focused on advancing collaborative conservation efforts both on and off refuge, public outreach and engagement, and avian field surveys. 

Bird Alliance of Oregon believes that inspiring all people to love and protect nature is best achieved when we embrace diversity as a value and practice. In the same way an ecosystem needs many types of plants and wildlife, an organization thrives when it includes a diversity of people and perspectives. We recognize that inequities are widespread and create gaps between our present reality and our aspirations. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive environment, reflecting the diversity of our community in our board, staff, volunteers, and members; ensuring our internal culture, business practices, and programs are welcoming and advance our diversity goals.

Position Summary 

The Malheur Biological Technician position includes diverse opportunities for gaining and using a mix of biological, conservation, and outreach skills. This position reports to our Eastern Oregon Biologist and Program Manager and will be based in Harney County. Candidates will be expected to have experience identifying birds by ear, though there will be an opportunity to improve those skills on-the-job. After the field season there is a possibility of extension into a permanent position with full benefits (depending on funding). 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Biological Surveys: This position is responsible for completing field work associated with several Community Science projects (Intermountain West Shorebird Survey and Sandhill Crane seasonal bio blitzes), with point counts and passive acoustic monitoring on and off refuge, and with seasonal duck banding. There may be opportunities to assist with surveys in the Klamath Basin and in Lake County.
• Data entry: This position will include entering data into the Avian Knowledge Network portal (training will be provided) and some data entry in Excel or other database (TBD). There will be some work with manual clean-up and cataloging of Audio Recording Unit (ARU) data as well (training will be provided).
• Stewardship Work Parties: Work with the Eastern Oregon Program Manager to lead Community Science Weekends.  
• Outreach: Assist with community outreach, including school groups and outings for Bird Days of Summer, and other events as needed
• Conservation Policy: Opportunity to attend collaborative meetings with Bird Alliance of Oregon staff, in order to gain experience with collaborative work.
• Other duties as assigned. 

Qualifications:

• Valid Driver's License and access to a vehicle;
• Ability to pass a USFWS mandated defensive driving course;
• Recent or current Graduate or Undergraduate student in biological sciences, wildlife conservation, wetland ecology, environmental science, natural resources, or related field;
• Ability to identify birds by sight and ear (there will be the opportunity to improve these skills on the job);
• Familiarity with bird survey protocols (or willingness to learn them), map reading, and GPS navigation skills;
• Professionalism in written and oral communications;
• Ability to follow instructions and work independently to carry out a task;
• Demonstrated initiative engaging and working with people from diverse backgrounds with a particular focus on engaging rural communities on conservation initiatives;
• Demonstrable commitment to the principles of diversity, equity and inclusion;
• Experience working with and leading volunteers is strongly preferred

Working Conditions:

• Ability to hike several miles per day, off-trail, under remote conditions.
• Refuge housing will be provided near Frenchglen. It’s possible that there will be access to camping closer to Refuge headquarters. 
• Ability to drive on remote, unpaved roads. Access to government vehicles will be provided for all work on Refuge. 
• Work off refuge will require the use of a personal vehicle, mileage reimbursement will be available or miles driven for work in personal vehicles.

Application

Bird Alliance of Oregon does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, sex, sexual orientation, age, religion, marital status, national origin, political affiliation or mental or physical handicap. Candidates of color are strongly encouraged to apply. Bird Alliance of Oregon is committed to building a diverse and inclusive environment, reflecting the diversity of our community in its board, staff, volunteers, and members; ensuring its internal culture, business practices, and programs are welcoming and advancing its diversity goals; and empowering people to make positive changes in their community and environment. All Bird Alliance of Oregon employees are expected to serve diverse audiences and help advance our diversity strategies. More background on our diversity efforts can be found at http:/birdallianceoregon.org/about.

More information can be found at http://birdallianceoregon.org.