Skip to main content

This job has expired

Wildlife Specialist - Tonto National Forest

Employer
Conservation Legacy
Location
Payson, Arizona, US
Salary
Competitive
Closing date
May 20, 2021

View more

Sector
Consultancy/Private Sector
Field
Informatics / GIS
Discipline
GIS
Salary Type
Salary
Employment Type
Full time
Title: Wildlife Specialist Resource Assistant - Tonto NF (1 Internship position)

Start Date: May 10th

Stipend: $18.75/hour ($750/wk)

Term: 26 weeks

Reports To: Christina Akins (Zoned District Wildlife Biologist, USFS)

Location: USFS Payson Ranger Station (1009 Highway 260, Payson, AZ 85541)

Status: Hourly position

Benefits: Two- year certificate of noncompetitive hiring eligibility and Direct Hiring Authority (DHA) through the USFS Resource Assistant Program (RAP)*

Position Summary:

Conservation Legacy is partnering with the Tonto National Forest to provide a 26-week paid professional opportunity to take place throughout the Payson and Pleasant Valley Ranger Districts of the Tonto National Forest. This position will focus on surveying and monitoring federally listed species under the Endangered Species Act as well as species of special concern. The candidate will conduct field surveys, inventories, and monitoring for like Mexican spotted owls, Chiricahua leopard frogs, narrow-headed garter snakes, northern goshawks, Arizona toads, Gila trout, and eagles. This position also includes data entry and data management using computers and various databases with geographic information system (GIS) software. The candidate will collaborate with multiple specialists and biologists from multiple agencies and assist in various wildlife habitat restoration projects and recovery actions. No housing is available for this position, and housing can be difficult to find in the area.

Position Description/Objective:

This position will work directly with the Forest Service District Wildlife Biologist and biological science technician. The participant is expected to professionally represent the Forest Service (USFS) while working with a variety of agencies. Participant will join wildlife technicians and biologists when conducting surveys in remote areas with rugged terrain to monitor wildlife species during day and nighttime hours. Participant will also assist in a variety of species recovery activities like wildlife releases and translocations, invasive species removal, and habitat restoration projects.

Essential Responsibilities and Functions:

  • Work individually or in a team setting to complete surveys for federally listed species (threatened or endangered), sensitive wildlife (terrestrial & aquatic) and rare plant species. This includes but is not limited to surveying for: Mexican spotted owls, Chiricahua leopard frogs, narrow-headed garter snakes, northern goshawks, Arizona toads, Gila trout, and eagles. All surveys may include hiking up to 8 miles across rough steep terrain during day or night hours.
  • Assist in the removal of non-native invasive species like American bullfrogs.
  • Assist biologists in a variety of projects such as wildlife releases, translocations, stocking, or collecting wildlife DNA or tissue samples.
  • Assists in the evaluation of wildlife habitat using ArcGIS mapping software in combination with field data collection using GPS units and mobile applications on tablets.
  • Assist in the repair and installation of wildlife infrastructure including fences, water catchments, wildlife escape ramps, and drinkers.
  • Enters, proofs for accuracy, and maintains electronic and hardcopy data. Writes field briefings detailing activities and survey results for staff biologists and cooperators.
  • Use specialized wildlife related survey equipment like water quality meters, acoustic recorders, and game cameras. Maintains and inventories wildlife field equipment and vehicles.
  • Uses ArcGIS and ArcGIS Online - Collector Applications to update spatial databases.
  • Uses the Forest Service's Natural Resource Management databases to enter survey data and accomplishments.


Qualifications:

  • Pursuing or holding an Undergraduate degree in Wildlife Management, Biology, Natural Resource Management, Parks & Recreation, Forestry, or another environmental/conservation related field; OR strong outdoor and hiking skills with a passion for wildlife and nature.
  • Experience with four-wheel drive vehicles and navigating rough roads is preferred.
  • Experience or skills with computers, databases, and data entry is preferred.
  • Teamwork oriented with clear, direct communication and interpersonal skills. Prior experience working in team setting is preferred.
  • Ability to interact with the public, user groups, community organizations, and agency staff.
  • Ability to maintain poise and courtesy under pressure while demonstrating professionalism, both in demeanor and appearance.
  • Ability to quickly develop positive relationships with a wide range of organizations and individuals interested in public lands management.
  • Applicants must pass a criminal history background check and should possess a valid driver's license with a clean driving
  • To successfully perform essential functions, the individual is required to sit, stand, walk, hike speak, observe wildlife (hear, see), write/document. May be required to stoop, kneel, crouch, climb, or crawl for significant periods of time and be able to safely lift 50 pounds on a routine basis.
  • Ability to hike over rough terrain for up to 8 hours in difficult environmental conditions both day and night.
  • Ability to work in varied outdoor conditions including exposure to adverse weather conditions at elevations of up to 6,000 feet. Ability to hike on steep, rocky terrain for extended periods of time.
  • Ability to remain adequately hydrated, fed, and properly dressed to remain generally healthy and safe, avoiding environmental injuries.
  • Reasonable accommodations may be made for qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.


Physical Requirements:

  • To successfully perform essential functions, the individual is required to sit, stand, walk, hike speak, observe wildlife (hear, see), write/document. May be required to stoop, kneel, crouch, climb, or crawl for significant periods of time and be able to safely lift 50 pounds on a routine basis.
  • Ability to hike over rough terrain for up to 8 hours in difficult environmental conditions both day and night.
  • Ability to work in varied outdoor conditions including exposure to adverse weather conditions at elevations of up to 6,000 feet. Ability to hike on steep, rocky terrain for extended periods of time.
  • Ability to remain adequately hydrated, fed, and properly dressed to remain generally healthy and safe, avoiding environmental injuries.
  • Reasonable accommodations may be made for qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.


Participation and Expedition Behavior:

  • Contribute to a safe learning environment, no harassment of others for any reason.
  • Work effectively as a member of a team despite potentially stressful and difficult conditions.
  • Willingness and ability to complete all aspects of the program.
  • Appropriately represent Conservation Legacy and the U.S. Forest Service at all times, including properly wearing the agency uniform when appropriate.
  • Follow through on commitments.
  • Be consistently trustworthy and show leadership while accomplishing wildlife program goals.
  • Take initiative to meet deadlines and anticipate requirements.
  • Solve problems with creativity.
  • Have fun and be aware that your attitude can impact those around you.
  • Be honest, respectful, and understanding to everyone - always.
  • Be an attentive, open and an active listener.
  • Be available, supportive, and highly responsive.
  • Respect sensitive or confidential information.


Safety and Judgement:

  • Assist in the development of weekly tailgate safety talks.
  • Effectively communicate danger to others in the form of either a warning of dangers others may be encountering or a notification of personal distress, injury, or need of assistance. Must be able to do so at a distance of up to 50 meters and in conditions with limited visibility or loud background noise such as darkness or high winds.
  • Effectively perceive, understand, and follow direction by others so that you will be able to successfully execute appropriate and perhaps unfamiliar techniques to manage hazards. These directions may be given before the hazard is encountered or may need to be given during exposure to the Ability to respond appropriately to stress or crises that may arise.
  • Stay alert and focused for several hours at a time while traveling and working in varied weather conditions.
  • Independently manage personal and team safety in rugged, isolated locations and implement risk assessment and mitigation.
  • If taking prescription medications, participants must be able to maintain proper dosage by self- medicating without assistance from others.
  • Abide by agency COVID safety protocol


Environmental Ethics:

  • Learn and practice "Leave No Trace"


Substance Free:

  • In accordance to a drug free workplace, alcohol and drugs are prohibited while participating in program activities and while on organization property.


Term Schedule:

Typical schedule will be 8- or 10-hour days Monday - Friday. Schedule flexibility is beneficial, so that the individual can join opportunities to accompany the agency wildlife professionals. Survey work will include evening hours as late as 2400 hours (midnight) during certain wildlife seasons. Participant can expect 3-4 field days and 1-2 office day per week. Teleworking opportunities may be available.

*The USFS Resource Assistant Program (RAP) is a rigorous, immersive, paid internship providing developmental and training opportunities for individuals interested in learning more about Forest Service careers. After completing a minimum of 960 hours of satisfactory work and an associate degree, RA's may acquire a two-year certificate of noncompetitive hiring eligibility. The certificate enables participants to apply to internal merit announcements for qualifying permanent General Schedule FS positions as well as a Direct Hire Authority for FS Career positions.

To Apply: please submit an updated resume and cover letter and three professional references along with the online application at https://sccorps-openhire.silkroad.com/epostings/index.cfm?fuseaction=app.jobinfo&jobid=2677. If you have questions, contact Program Coordinator Brian Atwater at batwater@conservationlegacy.org

For more information on the USFS Tonto National Forest, please visit their website at Tonto National Forest - Home (usda.gov).

Required Skills

Required Experience

Get job alerts

Create a job alert and receive personalized job recommendations straight to your inbox.

Create alert