Jobs and Careers

Individual Placement - Wildfire Restoration Technician at Sheldon-Hart Mountain National Wildlife Refuge Complex

United Statesfull_timeVerifiedPosted 19 Dec 2025

💰 $30,000/yr

About the role

Position Summary

We are seeking a member to serve as a Wildfire Restoration Technician with the Sheldon-Hart Mountain National Wildfire Refuge Complex (USFWS). The primary project will be assisting the Refuge Manager and Refuge Biologists with wildfire restoration actions to include stream restoration and hydrology work (including installation of beaver dam analogs and other low-tech process-based restoration methods), post-wildfire vegetation monitoring, native seed collection and application, and invasive species surveys and treatment. The majority of work will be completed on Hart Mountain National Antelope Refuge related to the Warner Peak Fire, which burned over 65,000 acres in 2024. Most work will focus on wildfire restoration, however, the member may also assist with wildlife surveys within the fire scar, to include sage-grouse lek counts, pika surveys, and pygmy rabbit surveys. The member will work alongside Refuge staff and other seasonal field technicians to complete their work.

Location

Lakeview, OR

Schedule

March 2, 2026 - February 26, 2027

Key Duties and Responsibilities

Post-Fire Stream Rehabilitation
Low-Tech Process Based Restoration (LTPBR)
Post-Assisted Log Structures (PALS)
Beaver Dam Analogs (BDA)
Meadow/spring assessments
Stream Crossing Stabilization
Wetland Enhancement
Post-fire recovery vegetation monitoring
Photo point monitoring
Invasive species surveys and treatment
Wildlife surveys within the Warner Peak Fire scar
Data entry

Marginal Duties

Sage-grouse lek counts
Bighorn sheep habitat assessments
Bat monitoring and surveys
Report writing
Volunteer/outreach events

Required Qualifications

Interest in fire ecology and wildfire restoration
Interest in stream restoration and aquatic/hydrologic systems
Interest in botany and plant identification
Willingness to live remotely
Ability to utilize hand-held GPS units or mobile phones for navigation and/or data collection, along with basic computer skills
Ability to hike rough, rocky, and steep terrain
Ability to operate 4WD trucks on and off-road
Possess a valid, state-issued driver’s license and clean driving record

This SCA Position is authorized under the Public Land Corps Authority. All participants must be between the ages of 16 and 30, inclusive, or veterans age 35 or younger. Participants must also be a citizen or national of the United States or lawful permanent resident alien of the United States. Hours served can be applied toward the Public Land Corps (PLC) hiring authority.

Preferred Qualifications

A Bachelor's degree in Conservation, Ecology, Biology, Environmental Science, or a related field
Experience with low-tech process-based stream restoration
Knowledge and experience in operating off highway vehicles, which includes Utility Terrain Vehicles (UTV), and All-Terrain Vehicles (ATV)
Experience towing and backing-up a trailer

Hours

40 per week

Living Accommodations

This position will be housed at the Hart Mountain NAR bunkhouse, which is fully equipped to meet basic living needs, including a full kitchen with dishes/cookware and appliances, a laundry room, and bedrooms with twin beds. The bunkhouse has potable water, hot water, heat, and air conditioning. Bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms, and living rooms are communal. Each bedroom has two beds and are generally double occupancy during busy periods. Wi-Fi is usually available at the bunkhouse, although it can be erratic in speed and availability given the remoteness of the area. The refuge is very remote with groceries, medical care, and other services located 2 hours away in Lakeview, OR. A personal vehicle is recommended, but not required. A 4WD truck will be provided for all work-related travel.

Compensation