The Great Basin Institute, in cooperation with the US Forest Service, is recruiting Wildlife Crew Crew Leads to support the study and review of proposed actions in National Forests in the Sierra Nevada. Wildlife Crew Leads will perform field surveys, data collection, and provide technical assistance to assess wildlife habitat for various species. Fieldwork will consider federally listed species, candidate species, and those proposed for listing while assessing the ecosystems upon which they depend. This work is in furtherance of ESA goals that seek the best available scientific information to inform forest restoration planning. 

Work will focus on applied management objectives for sensitive, threatened and endangered species. The majority of surveys will focus on CA Spotted-Owl but may include Northern Goshawk, Pacific Fisher, and Sierra Nevada Yellow-Legged Frog. This includes monitoring populations and surveying habitats used by these species to 1) support population data on specific species; and 2) ensure adequate protections are in place for areas undergoing vegetation management and restoration projects. Crew Members will gain exposure to USFS processes, procedures, compliance measures and reporting, and technical experience. Expanded opportunities and exposure to additional disciplines (e.g., archaeology, forestry, hydrology, etc.) and projects may exist. These positions support legally mandated compliance measures and obligations; some projects will help serve USFS vegetation management and fuels reduction efforts, supporting initiatives for healthy, productive, and resilient forest landscapes and resources.

Wildlife Crew Leads will perform a wide variety of activities to support all stages of project work. Crew Members will provide technical advice for wildlife management programs. This includes gathering, compiling and analyzing data. Duties may include: 

1. Surveys for CA Spotted Owls (~70% of season);
2. Broadcast acoustical surveys for Northern Goshawks; 
3. Nesting and reproductive status monitoring;
4. Salamander surveys;
5. Frog identification;
6. Maintaining passive and baited camera stations;
7. Setting up bat survey stations;
8. Raising and breeding mice for CA Spotted-Owl surveys.