Wildlife Technician

Description: FWS Forestry California, LLC, is looking to hire a minimum of one (1) wildlife technician for the 2025 field season. The ideal applicant would be based out of Siskiyou or Modoc county. The main responsibilities of this position are to conduct protocol-level surveys for northern spotted owls and American goshawks, and camera trap surveys for mesocarnivores to support a large fuels reduction project near Medicine Lake in the Modoc National Forest. Additional wildlife assignments are likely, depending on need, interest, and timing. Past technicians also gained experience in meadow restoration, frog surveys, and the use of automated recording units (ARUs). Attention to detail, excellent communication skills, and a good attitude are required.

Responsibilities:  

Safely drive and/or hike remote forest roads and trails, often at night, to access survey 

stations.

Conduct electronic broadcast surveys for northern spotted owls and American goshawks according 

to established protocols.

Take detailed field notes and accurately map locations for target species heard or seen.

Conduct daytime surveys as needed to follow up on nighttime detections of spotted owls, 

including daytime visits to historic nest or roost locations.

Conduct baited camera surveys for mesocarnivores using established protocols.

Regular data entry, team meetings, road clearing, and additional duties as required.

Potential to assist with tree marking, inventory, flagging, and/or GIS work for qualified 

applicants.

Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in Natural Resources, Wildlife Management, Wildlife Biology, or related field 

is preferred. Candidates without degrees, but with adequate experience, are encouraged to apply.

Familiarity with California native wildlife species is preferred.

Chainsaw safety certification is a plus.

A minimum of one (1) year of field experience.

Candidates with prior experience with spotted owl surveys and/or night work will be given preference.

Must be able to identify American goshawks and northern spotted owls by sight and/or sound, including the ability to differentiate between spotted owls and barred owls.

Experience with or sufficient demonstrable understanding of navigation techniques including topographic maps, GPS, compass, and/or PLSS systems.

Excellent communication skills.

Must be able to adhere to company safety protocols.

Candidates must be able to hike, sometimes traveling long distances, at night along closed roads or trails, and during the day off-trail in roadless areas, often in steep, brushy terrain.

Must be comfortable working in all weather conditions with the possibility of encountering (potentially dangerous) wildlife and vegetation (i.e. bears, mountain lions, poison oak).

Candidates must be able to confidently, safely, and efficiently navigate infrequently maintained logging roads with a 4WD vehicle or ATV in areas with little or no cell phone reception, often at night.

Must be able to work independently and alone in the field. A high degree of self- motivation, attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and a sense of humor are essential.

Must be willing and prepared for occasional camping and/or multi-night stays out of town near field sites (up to 5 days at a time).

Learn more and apply here.