Position Title: Oregon Coast NWRs Invasive Plant Control Technician (2 Positions)

Hiring Agency: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Oregon Coast National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) Complex

Location: Cloverdale, OR. Technicians will be stationed at Nestucca Bay NWR, 7000 Christensen Road, Cloverdale, OR 97112 and will be working primarily on the National Wildlife Refuges along the north and central Oregon Coast, including Nestucca Bay, Siletz Bay, Cape Meares, and Oregon Islands NWRs.

Term of Service: Approximately April 1, 2025 through September 30, 2025 (6 months)

Position Summary:  Participate in and serve as part of a two person invasive species control “strike team” for the Oregon Coast National Wildlife Refuges.  The primary duties for the position consist of invasive plant control tasks, including searching for specific invasive plants, herbicide application, mechanical treatments, and mapping of infestations and treatments, on refuge lands along the central and northern Oregon coast. Other duties will include maintaining tools and equipment, herbicide inventories, assisting with prairie restoration, fence building, trail clearing, and potential to assist with wildlife and habitat surveys.  Technicians will receive training in target plant identification, reading and understanding herbicide labels, PPE, and equipment use and maintenance. PPE and all necessary equipment will be supplied.

Major Duties include, but are not limited to:

• Identify, monitor, map, and remove invasive plants including velvet grass, foxglove, oxeye daisy, hairy cat’s ear, tansy, thistles (bull and Canada), Himalayan blackberry, scotch broom, bamboo, and many others
• Assist as needed with other field tasks
• Conduct early detection rapid response (EDRR) surveys for invasive species
• Participate in Oregon Silverspot Butterfly and other biological monitoring programs

Technician Requirements (you must have all of these to qualify):

• An undergraduate degree in wildlife biology, botany, zoology, environmental science or a related field
• S. citizen, national or lawful permanent resident
• Possession of a valid driver’s license
• Strong interpersonal skills and willingness to engage with partner agencies
• Technician must have some prior experience working with plant identification and habitat management, preferably in the coastal Pacific Northwest region
• Ability and willingness to spend the majority of the workday outdoors, including hiking over rugged terrain
• Experience conducting plant-based biological surveys and invasives species
• Ability to work independently in a remote location

Preferred Qualifications: Applicants must have the ability to perform the physical duties of the position including being able to hike and climb over difficult terrain and being able to lift and carry at least 30 pounds. Experience with ArcGIS products is essential to this position. Applicants must be able to work with minimal supervision, be very independent and easy-going, and be able to work with the public of all ages in a professional manner regarding conservation issues.

Benefits Include:

• GS-5 hourly pay, annual and sick leave
• Health insurance optional
• Shared government housing (furnished modern bunk house) available (monthly rent ~$425), no pets or emotional support animals allowed

Transportation Information:

• Government vehicle is available for official work duties
• Technician is responsible for personal transportation

Questions about the position?

Contact: Refuge Manager Alex Cook, alexandra_cook@fws.gov, 541-347-1470