Malheur Biological Technician (3-year Term)

**Location: Malheur National Wildlife Refuge and Harney Basin, Oregon

Job Title: Malheur Biological Technician (3-year Term)

Department:  Conservation 

Reports to:  Eastern Oregon Biologist

Classification:  Limited Seasonal Term (3-year / 860 hours per year), Hourly, Non-Exempt

• Full-Time (On-site) April 1st - June 30th (Target Hours: approximately 528 / 32-40 hours per week) 2024-2026
• Part-Time (Hybrid/Flexible) July 1st - March 31st  (Target Hours: approximately 332 / 8-12 hours per week) 2024-2026

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Biological Surveys: This position is responsible for completing all land bird point counts at Malheur National Wildlife Refuge. Additional work may include waterfowl surveys, duck banding, shorebird surveys, sandhill crane pair counts, marsh bird surveys, breeding bird index project, and will assist with autonomous recording units in the Harney Basin. 
• Data entry: This position will include entering data into the Avian Knowledge Network portal (training will be provided) and some data entry in Excel or other database (TBD). There will be some work with manual clean-up and cataloging of ARU data as well (training will be provided).
• Stewardship Work Parties: Work with the Eastern Oregon Program Manager to lead Community Science Weekends.  
• Outreach: Assist with community outreach, including school groups, and outings for Bird Days of Summer
• Conservation Policy: Opportunity to attend collaborative meetings with Portland Audubon staff, in order to gain experience with collaborative policy work.
• Other duties as assigned. 

Qualifications:

• Valid Driver's License and access to a vehicle;
• Ability to pass a USFWS mandated defensive driving course;
• Recent or current Graduate or Undergraduate student in biological sciences, wildlife conservation, wetland ecology, environmental science, natural resources, or related field;
• Ability to identify birds by sight and ear;
• Familiarity with bird survey protocols (or willingness to learn them), map reading, and GPS navigation skills;
• Professionalism in written and oral communications;
• Ability to follow instructions and work independently to carry out a task;
• Demonstrated initiative engaging and working with people from diverse backgrounds with a particular focus on engaging rural communities on conservation initiatives;
• Demonstrable commitment to the principles of diversity, equity and inclusion;
• Experience working with and leading volunteers is strongly preferred

Working Conditions:

• Ability to hike several miles per day, off-trail, under remote conditions.
• Refuge housing will be provided near Frenchglen. It’s possible that there will be access to camping closer to Refuge headquarters. 
• Ability to drive on remote, unpaved roads. Access to government vehicles will be provided for all work on Refuge. 
• Work off refuge will require the use of a personal vehicle, mileage reimbursement will be available or miles driven for work in personal vehicles.