Great Basin Institute / USFS, Boise & Payette NF

The Basin Range and Forestry Program at GBI, in cooperation with the USFS at Boise & Payette National Forests, is recruiting (2) AmeriCorps members to serve as Wildlife Technicians.

The Wildlife Technicians will support the study and review of proposed actions on the Council and New Meadows Ranger Districts of the Payette National Forest. The technicians will be responsible for performing field surveys, collecting data, and assessing wildlife habitat for various species. Fieldwork will consider federally listed species, candidate species, those proposed for listing, and regional sensitive species while assessing the ecosystems upon which they depend.

The technicians will assist agency personnel with applied management objectives for sensitive, threatened and endangered species. The majority of surveys will focus on the northern Idaho ground squirrel but the surveys may include other sensitive and management indicator species such as the American goshawk, flammulated owl, great grey owl, white-headed woodpecker and Columbia spotted frog. Work will focus on 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. These positions support legally mandated compliance measures and obligations, and will help serve USFS vegetation management and fuels reduction efforts, supporting initiatives for healthy, productive, and resilient forest landscapes and resources.

Primary Responsibilities

Duties may include:

• Increased exposure and responsibility enacting USFS processes, procedures, and compliance measures;

• Assisting in reporting and data entry/quality assurance and control;
• Increased technical experience and expanded opportunities and exposure to additional disciplines (e.g. archaeology, forestry, hydrology, etc.);

• Survey for northern Idaho ground squirrel (~70% of season);
• Broadcast acoustical surveys for American goshawks and white-headed woodpecker;
• Nesting and reproductive status monitoring;
• Frog surveys;
• Maintaining passive and baited camera stations; and
• Setting up bat survey stations.

* Members are required to take a mandatory 30-minute lunch break each service day. This break does not count toward their service hours for the education award.

Timeline:

• April 28, 2025 - October 3rd, 2025, 22 weeks in length;
  • Full time (40 hours/week)

Location:

Boise National Forest is a vast, scenic area located in southwestern Idaho. It spans over 2,600 square miles, offering a mix of rugged mountain terrain, lush valleys, and numerous rivers. Known for its diverse ecosystems, the forest provides outdoor recreational opportunities such as hiking, camping, fishing, and wildlife viewing. Popular spots include the Sawtooth Wilderness, the Boise River, and several hot springs. It’s a haven for nature lovers and adventure seekers, offering both solitude and vibrant landscapes.

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.

Qualifications:

Required:

(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, 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 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.