The Research Associate Program at GBI, in cooperation with Fish and Wildlife Service at Klamath Basin National Wildlife Refuge, is recruiting one (1) Invasive Species Technician Lead to participate in working directly with FWS staff to oversee the operations of invasive species management on the Complex.

The Klamath Basin NWRC manages invasive plants and animals on over 250,000 acres of Refuge habitats between Oregon and California. This project supports invasive species management through coordinated field operations, mapping, and treatment efforts led in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The Invasive Species Technician Lead will oversee technicians while implementing Early Detection Rapid Response (EDRR) and ongoing control projects using GIS-based tools, herbicide and mechanical treatments, and rigorous data tracking. The work directly contributes to protecting critical wetland and upland habitats within one of the most biologically important refuges in the Pacific Flyway.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Oversee field operations and direct the work of up to two invasive technicians;
• Survey, map, and prioritize invasive species projects;
• Map and treat Early Detection Rapid Response (EDRR) invasive species;
• Use GIS based hardware and software to map invasive species in the field;
• Use a variety of treatment equipment including boom mounted UTVs, backpack sprayers, and mechanical equipment such as shovels, mowers, and clippers;
• Track treatments and locations with GIS based equipment;
• Accurate recordkeeping of all field activities and data entry into provided databases;
• Routine equipment maintenance and repair of vehicles, tools, and treatment equipment; and
• Assist with other biological work (e.g. waterfowl banding, vegetation surveys), and other Refuge work (e.g. public outreach) as opportunities and interest allows.

Timeline:

• March 16, 2026 - September 12, 2026; 26 weeks;
• Full time (40 hours/week); and
• Schedule: Monday - Friday; 8 hours daily. Flexible Friday schedule available.

Location:

The 50,092-acre refuge is a varied mix of intensively managed shallow marshes, open water, grassy uplands, and croplands that provide feeding, resting, nesting, and brood-rearing habitat for waterfowl and other water birds. This refuge is one of the most biologically productive refuges within the Pacific Flyway. Approximately 80 percent of the flyway's migrating waterfowl pass through the Klamath Basin on both spring and fall migrations, with 50 percent using the refuge. The mission of the National Wildlife Refuge System is to administer a national network of lands and waters for the conservation, management and, where appropriate, restoration of the fish, wildlife and plant resources and their habitats within the United States for the benefit of present and future generations of Americans.

The positions will be based at our headquarters on the Tule Lake NWR office at 4009 Hill Road, CA, 96134. Surveys and treatments of invasive species will take place primarily at Lower Klamath and Tulelake NWRs, with occasional work at Clear Lake, Bear Valley, Upper Klamath, and Klamath Marsh NWRs.

Compensation and Benefits:

Compensation: $23 hourly;

Benefits: 

• Company-paid comprehensive medical, dental (with option to upgrade in coverage), and vision insurance premiums;
• $25,000 Basic Life & AD&D insurance at no cost;
• Personal leave and holidays; and
• Access to Pro Deals.

Housing: Will not be provided and the selected participant will be expected to procure housing on their own.

Qualifications:

Required:

• Applicants must be pursuing or have acquired a degree in wildlife biology, zoology, ecology, botany, or related field, or have equivalent specialized experience;
• Ability to identify native and non-native plants in northern California and southern Oregon;
• Ability to oversee and direct the work of others as well as work independently and in small and large groups as part of a team;
• Ability to navigate to field sites using hand-held GPS devices and smart phone maps;
• Experience with tablet data collection and experience with Collector/Field Maps or other databases;
• Willingness to assist with invasive plant management using herbicide treatments and mechanical/manual methods;
• Experience with the routine equipment maintenance and repair of vehicles, tools, and treatment equipment;
• Possess a valid, state-issued driver’s license and clean driving record;
• Must be motivated, self- directed, organized, and detail oriented in order to balance multiple tasks simultaneously;
• Ability to obtain a California Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) and Oregon Department of Agriculture Applicator license or certificate;
• Must provide a valid driver’s license and possess a clean driving record; and
• 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.

Preferred:

• Strong leadership and mentoring skills to effectively oversee field operations;
• Clear verbal and written communication for coordinating with staff and documenting data;
• Excellent organization and time-management skills to juggle multiple projects and priorities;
• Attention to detail for accurate data collection, record keeping, and data entry;
• Ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team environment; and
• Flexibility and resilience when working long days in variable weather and terrain.

Physical Demands:

Work is performed outdoors in rugged terrain which may include steep, wet, muddy, rough, uneven, or rocky surfaces. The position requires physical exertions, such as, bending, crouching, stooping, stretching, reaching, and similar activities. Incumbents should be capable of carrying up to 30 lb. packs for long durations including backpack sprayers while wearing required personal protective equipment (PPE) in extreme temperatures.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions.