Natural Resources Field Technician 04078 NWRC

About the role

Incorporated in 2011, North Wind Resource Consulting specializes in environmental documentation and permitting; natural and cultural resource surveys; wildlife and botanical expertise; NEPA technical services; historic and prehistoric surveys; environmental consultation; GIS and mapping capabilities. The company operates across the country.

Position Purpose

This is a field-based position requiring outdoor work in demanding environments. Teams generally work 10–12-hour days with an 8 days on/6 days off schedule. The technician works closely with a team, typically with a Field Technician Lead, to collect data and complete survey tasks. Reporting to a Project Manager in Idaho Falls, Idaho, the technician may be stationed near the survey area. The anticipated start date is around April/May, with an expected duration until September 30, with potential extensions based on performance and project needs. Start and end date flexibility can be arranged for college schedules.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Work closely in a team of 2-3 in data collection and field sampling assignments, assisting in all aspects of data collection related to the NRCS's NRI methodology.
• Follow established field protocols, ensuring safety standards and quality of work during outdoor field operations.
• Demonstrate a willingness to learn new skills and techniques in vegetation sampling, soil characterization, and other relevant tasks.
• Maintain the accuracy and completeness of collected data, ensuring it is properly entered, reviewed, and uploaded to the appropriate channels.
• Provide assistance to the Field Lead and other team members as needed to ensure data quality, safety, and efficiency during fieldwork.
• Support in proper care and maintenance of all equipment, including vehicles, to avoid unnecessary damage or loss.

Additional Duties And Responsibilities

• Aid in logistical planning and preparation for field hitches, including preparing materials such as maps and equipment.

Minimum Qualifications

• High School Diploma
• Experience and knowledge related to working and traveling in outdoor, remote environments
• Knowledge or interest in learning vegetation identification, soil sampling techniques, and data collection protocols

Skills And Abilities

• Willingness to learn and attention to detail
• Ability to work effectively in a team setting, under the guidance of a field lead, contributing to the team’s success and goals
• Demonstrated initiative and self-reliance in completing tasks and solving challenges in a remote environment
• Proactive attitude and a commitment to improving technical skills and knowledge
• Good communication skills and ability to take direction and follow protocols while taking responsibility for assigned tasks
• Ability to make safe, intelligent decisions in the field with guidance from the team lead

Special Requirements

• Ability to travel and work a rotating schedule of 8 days on and 6 days off with overtime
• Valid driver’s license
• Pass a pre-employment drug test and background check

Preferred Qualifications

• Working toward a degree in botany, range science, soil science, biology, or a related field with relevant coursework (e.g., plant identification, natural resources, etc.) and/or prior experience in vegetation sampling, soil characterization, or related outdoor fieldwork
• Experience safely operating 4WD trucks on paved and unpaved roads, often in remote, rugged terrain
• Familiarity with NRCS's National Resources Inventory (NRI) methodology and/or BLM's Assessment, Inventory, and Monitoring (AIM) protocols
• Demonstrated interest in leadership and potential to grow into a team lead role
• GPS experience

Physical Demands

• Ability to walk long distances (up to several miles per day) over rugged and uneven terrain while maintaining an efficient pace to meet project deadlines and team productivity standards
• Must have the physical stamina to work outdoors for extended hours, often in challenging hot or cold weather conditions, and carry equipment and supplies weighing up to 30 pounds

Working Environment

• Extended travel and outdoor fieldwork in remote, rugged environments
• Long drives in company vehicles to access survey locations, often traveling between remote areas, hotels, and project sites on both paved and unpaved roads
• Drive times can vary depending on project location and where the employee is stationed

Pay And Benefits

North Wind offers a competitive pay and benefits package including health, life, and disability insurance benefits, 401(k) with company match, generous paid leave, and tuition reimbursement for eligible employees. The company values employee wellness, professional development, and work-life balance.

Reasonable Accommodations

If you are an individual with a disability and require a reasonable accommodation to complete any part of the application process, or are limited in the ability or unable to access or use this online application process and need an alternative method for applying, you may contact our Helpline +1.208.528.8718 or use the Request for Reasonable Accommodation form to get assistance.

EEO Statement

North Wind is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer and welcomes all qualified applicants. Applicants will receive fair and impartial consideration without regard to race, sex, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic data, religion, or other legally protected status. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.