Wildlife Management Technician (USFW, Ruby Lake Natural Wildlife Refuge)

The Research Associate Program at GBI, in cooperation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service at Ruby Lake Natural Wildlife Refuge, is recruiting two (2) AmeriCorps members to serve as Wildlife Management Technicians.

The National Wildlife Refuge System (NWRS) is dedicated to maintaining the biological integrity, diversity, and environmental health of fish, wildlife, and plant resources. The Technicians will gather scientific data on waterfowl, pronghorn and other ungulates, pygmy rabbits, sagebrush and salt desert scrub habitats, and various other species and ecosystems. The Technicians will also support NWRS priorities by the mapping and treatment of invasive plant species on the refuge; thereby allowing us to maintain and restore critical waterfowl habitat as well as more accurately track herbicide treatments and results so that appropriate measures can be taken to control infestations in subsequent years. This work will familiarize the technician with current methods of GIS data collection and all aspects of herbicide Application. There will also be opportunities to gather scientific data on waterfowl to support population estimates in one of the most important waterfowl areas in Northeast Nevada by providing waterfowl trapping and banding information.

Primary Responsibilities:

• GIS mapping of invasive plant species location using ArcGIS Field Maps;
• Chemical and mechanical treatments of invasive plant species;
• Habitat assessments (sagebrush, salt desert scrub, grassland/meadows, wetlands);
• Wildlife surveys (pygmy rabbits, ungulates, sandhill cranes, shorebirds);
• Wildlife habitat enhancement;
• Trapping and banding of waterfowl;
• Adhering to field protocols and office procedures to ensure timely, accurate, and safe completion  of project tasks;
• Implementing wildlife surveys and monitoring activities;
• Conducting and supporting project research, environmental policy (e.g. NEPA, CEQA, ESA  Section 7) consultations, and document preparation;
• Creating and manipulating data and maps using geographical information system (GIS);
• Entering data into databases (e.g. Microsoft Access and Excel) and completing appropriate  Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) procedures; and
• Assisting with outreach and education activities.

*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:

• May to October 2026, 24 weeks;
• Full time (40 hours/week); and
• Schedule: Monday – Friday, 8 hours daily.

Location:

Ruby Lake NWR sits at an elevation of 6000 ft and comprises~ 40,000 acres of marsh, meadows, and sagebrush steppe. The refuge is very remote. It is 52 miles to Spring Creek and 63 mi to Elko, which are the nearest places for groceries, restaurants, and entertainment. Recreation opportunities, including hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing, abound in this region.

Compensation and Benefits:

Living Allowance:  $1,440 biweekly (before taxes); not to exceed $17,280;

Segal AmeriCorps Education Award (900 hour): $3,697.50 upon successful completion of term;

Benefits: 

• Company-paid comprehensive medical, dental (with option to upgrade in coverage), and vision insurance;
• $25,000 Basic Life & AD&D insurance at no cost;
• Access to Pro Deals; and
• Eligibility for SNAP benefits, Loan Forbearance, and Loan Interest Accrual Repayment.

Housing: Will be provided to the selected participant at no additional costs

Segal Education Award:

After successfully completing an AmeriCorps term of service members are eligible to receive the Segal AmeriCorps Education Award. Award varies based on term of service. You can use the award to repay qualified student loans and to pay current educational expenses at eligible institutions of higher education and training programs.

Student Loan Forbearance:

If you are currently paying on any federal student loans you have the option to put those loans into forbearance during your time as an AmeriCorps volunteer, that will allow you to cease payments while serving.

Interest Accrual Repayment:

As an AmeriCorps alum, you are eligible to have the National Service Trust pay all or a portion of the interest that accumulated on your qualified student loan(s) during your term of service. These payments are made in addition to the Education Award, and are not deducted from your Education Award balance. To be eligible to have accrued interest paid: The loan must have been placed in forbearance for the service period, and you must have successfully completed a term of service and received an Education Award.

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Eligibility:

AmeriCorps Volunteers may be eligible for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

Qualifications:

Required:

(This AmeriCorps position is open to US Citizens, Nationals, or Permanent Residents age 17 or older)

• Bachelor’s degree or coursework and experience in biology, ecology, or a related field;
• Field experience that included adhering to field data collections protocols and accurately collecting and recording field data;
• Knowledge of wildlife ecology and plant taxonomy including use of technical keys;
• Must pass National Safety Council Defensive Driving Course;
• Must pass USFWS UTV/ATV training;
• Must follow all safety protocols while conducting work;
• Must pass USFWS background check to obtain Personal Identity Verification (PIV) card;
• Driving: Must provide a valid driver’s license and possess a clean driving record;
• Successful applicants must complete a Department of Interior (DOI) Background Investigation (BI) or submit paperwork to USFWS human resources indicating an active and fully adjudicated BI has already been completed prior to beginning position. If you already have a fully adjudicated BI, please let us know in your application; and
• 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.

Preferred:

• Experience with ArcGIS Field Maps and Survey 123;
• Experience operating 4WD trucks on and off-road, including mountain forest roads;
• Experience with invasive plant management;
• Experience with ID and banding of waterfowl;
• Self motivated and passionate about conservation; and
• Possess strong attention to detail, time management, and organizational skills.