WCC AmeriCorps Individual Placement - Habitat Biologist Technician with Wyoming Game and Fish Department and Bighorn National Forest 

Location: Big Horn National Forest  

Compensation: $8,000 living stipend + $1.956.35 Segal Education Award 

Term of Service: This position has a 450-hour term of service beginning May 18 and ending August 24. Schedule may include occasional evenings, holidays, weekends and variable shifts, primarily in peak times and for events.  

JOB PURPOSE:   

The Wyoming Conservation Corps (WCC) is seeking applicants to fill two (2) WCC AmeriCorps Individual Placement positions with our partner organizations. The position has a 450-hour term of service beginning May 18 and ending August 24. 

The Wyoming Game and Fish Department, in cooperation with the Bighorn National Forest, is currently working on multiple large scale, multi-watershed riparian and aspen enhancement projects for the benefit of wildlife habitat, forest diversity, and wildfire management. Aspen forests and riparian habitat are high priority habitats for wildlife, as well as providing valuable fuel breaks and refugia in the event of wildfire. Due to recent initiation of multiple watershed restoration projects in the Powder River and Tongue Ranger Districts, an opportunity has arisen to develop multiple different aspen and riparian enhancement projects. This position will be responsible for mapping aspen and willow habitat enhancement units and conducting pre and post habitat enhancement monitoring. Also, the selected candidates will have the opportunity to work alongside other land management specialists in developing post-fire projects for watershed enhancement.  

We are seeking two technicians. The selected technicians will work as a pair throughout the summer. The weekly schedule will be determined with the supervisor at the Bighorn National Forest. Sites are remote and long days may be required. Housing will be provided, likely in a bunkhouse or shared living space.  

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Utilize existing digital land cover resources, GIS data, and habitat enhancement data from various sources to develop aspen and riparian enhancement projects. Project specifics could include developing conifer removal and prescribed fire units focused on aspen and riparian habitat enhancement. 
• Utilize tablets, smartphones, and GPS units to map habitat enhancement units. 
• Field evaluation of habitat enhancement units will be required to determine the appropriate treatment to produce the desired habitat objectives. Newly proposed habitat treatment units will require delineation of treatment boundaries, acreage calculations, and current density and size of encroaching conifers to inform forestry thinning contract specifications. 
• Conduct fine scale pre/post treatment habitat enhancement monitoring on select sites to evaluate habitat enhancement treatment success associated with fire and/or mechanical habitat treatment prescriptions. Monitoring will also entail assessing current browse pressure on willow and aspen habitats. Monitoring will require data collection following developed protocol. 
• Function independently in the field or as a team member with United States Forest Service personnel working collectively on habitat related projects. 
• Compile habitat mapping and monitoring data in an organized and comprehensible manner so that data collected can be used for the future development of habitat projects and monitoring. 

PHYSICAL WORKING CONDITIONS: 

• The candidate may be required to work alone or in a small team in a backcountry setting. 
• Outdoor survival skills and navigation are required. 
• The candidate will be required to navigate independently with a map in remote locations. Use of GPS units and basic tablets/smartphones will be required. 
• Ability and willingness to hike extensive distances (3-10 miles/day) during diverse weather conditions and be able to safely operate 4-wheel drive vehicle and ATV on narrow mountain roads. 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: 

• High School Diploma or GED 
• 18 years of age 
• Satisfy the National Service Criminal History Check eligibility criteria 
• Valid driver's license with a motor vehicle record (MVR) compliant with the Driving for University Business SAP and ability to drive a 4WD vehicle.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:   

• Enthusiasm for working outdoors 
• Desire to work with threatened or endangered species 
• Interest in amphibian conservation 
• Ability to interact well with other crew members 
• Work independently with limited supervision. 
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing. 
• Demonstrate knowledge and willingness to learn about the area ecosystems 
• Demonstrate maturity and good judgment 

REQUIRED APPLICATION MATERIALS: 

How to Apply: Interested applicants should submit a résumé and a cover letter describing their relevant experience. Position open until filled. Applications received by April 5 will receive full consideration. 

WORK LOCATION:  

Bighorn National Forest