Position Title: Oregon Coast Invasive Plant Strike Team Lead- South Coast (1 Position)

Hiring Agency: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Oregon Coast National Wildlife Refuge Complex

Position: GS-05 Step 1, Biological Science Technician, Not to Exceed 180 day appointment ($19.33 per hour)

Location: Technician will be stationed at South Coast Refuge Office, 83673 North Bank Lane, Bandon, OR 97411 and will be working at Bandon Marsh and Oregon Islands National Wildlife Refuges.

Term of Service :Flexible start date. Approximately April 1, 2026 through September 30, 2026 (6 months)

Position Summary: The technician will be responsible for leading onsite refuge tasks related to habitat management and invasive plant control within Bandon Marsh NWR and Oregon Islands NWR. The technician will serve as part of the Oregon Coast National Wildlife Refuge Complex staff to achieve refuge operations, conservation and restoration needs and gain a wide variety of experience. The technician will serve as the field lead for a variety of refuge projects including the Crook Point coastal prairie restoration project. Additional biological monitoring, such as shorebird and seabird monitoring as well as refuge tasks at Bandon Marsh NWR will be assigned as needed. 

Major Duties include, but are not limited to:

• Identify, monitor, map, remove and treat invasive plants at a variety of refuge sites, including coastal headlands, offshore islands, and uplands
• Serve as the onsite refuge lead for the Crook Point coastal prairie restoration project
• Conduct early detection rapid response (EDRR) surveys for invasive species
• Participate in seabird and other biological monitoring programs
• Organize volunteer events for invasive removal projects
• Assist as needed with habitat management and other field tasks at other Oregon Islands NWR sites and at Bandon Marsh NWR
• Work closely with the refuge operations intern and Refuge Manager
• Technician Requirements (you must have all of these to qualify):
• An undergraduate degree in wildlife biology, botany, zoology, environmental science or a related field
• U.S. citizen, national or lawful permanent resident
• Possession of a valid driver’s license
• Strong interpersonal skills and willingness to engage with partner agencies
• Technician should have prior experience working with plant identification and habitat management, preferably in the coastal Pacific Northwest region
• Ability and willingness to spend the majority of the workday outdoors, including hiking over rugged terrain and overnight
• Experience conducting avian or plant-based biological surveys, invasives species monitoring, and a familiarity with marine and estuarine ecosystems
• Willingness to work a flexible schedule, including occasional weekends, evenings, and overnight travel/camping
• Ability to identify seabirds, intertidal creatures and marine mammals of Oregon Islands National Wildlife Refuge and use of binoculars, field guides and spotting scopes
• Ability to work independently in a remote location

Preferred Qualifications: Applicants must have the ability to perform the physical duties of the position including being able to hike and climb over difficult terrain and being able to lift and carry at least 35 pounds. Prior experience working on National Wildlife Refuges is preferred but not required. Previous experience with chemical and mechanical treatment of invasive plants is desired. Experience with ArcGIS products is essential to this position. Applicants must be able to work with minimal supervision, be very independent and easy-going, and be able to work with the public of all ages in a professional manner regarding conservation issues.

Benefits Include:

• GS-5 hourly pay, annual and sick leave
• Health insurance optional
• Shared government housing (furnished modern bunkhouse) available (monthly rent ~$300), no pets or emotional support animals allowed

Transportation Information:

• Government vehicle is available for official work duties only
• Technician is responsible for personal transportation needs