Seasonal Beaver Restoration Technician

About the Role

Seasonal Beaver Restoration Technician will report directly to the Restoration Program Director and will be responsible for helping implement TU's beaver restoration program in the Upper Columbia River region. This includes implementation of low-tech process-based restoration, installation of beaver coexistence devices, and relocation of beavers, among other duties, to restore and enhance the landscapes of Central Washington. The Beaver Restoration Technician will share the Wenatchee-Entiat Beaver Project's mission through public outreach. A successful candidate will complete assigned duties safely and efficiently, and work collaboratively with the Beaver Restoration Project Managers. The primary duty station will be the Leavenworth National Fish Hatchery in Leavenworth, WA.

Responsibilities

• Restoration (Beaver Dam Analogues, etc.) site preparation, construction, and maintenance (45%)
• Trapping, handling, acclimating, and releasing beavers (20%)
• Field site evaluation, preparation, and monitoring (10%)
• Acclimation facility and equipment preparation, maintenance, and cleaning (10%)
• Construction and maintenance of drip irrigation system and maintenance of riparian planting site (5%)
• Public outreach, and education/interpretation (5%)
• Administrative, collecting/analyzing field data, grant writing, reporting (5%)
• Other duties as assigned. This is a non-supervisory position and does not have budget management responsibilities. This is not an all-inclusive list of duties and responsibilities.

Requirements

• Field experience in fisheries, wildlife, or other natural resources discipline (gained through education and/or employment)
• Enthusiasm for natural resources conservation
• Ability to work well independently and in a group setting with people of different ages and backgrounds
• Ability to problem-solve, think creatively, and handle conflict and contentious situations to achieve a conservation mission
• Must be adaptable to challenging field conditions and changing schedules
• Ability to write and speak about complex or controversial information in a way that is both understandable and non-confrontational to different audiences
• Ability to take interest in and understand the perspective of others
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Must have a valid driver's license and willingness to drive unimproved roads; no special certifications required
• Ability to walk several miles on/off trail in remote forested, mountain, range, and stream settings
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience conducting restoration projects
• Experience handling/trapping fish/wildlife, particularly mammals
• Experience collecting/analyzing field data
• Knowledge of culture, language, customs and traditions of Colville, Yakama, or other tribes
• Experience with hand tools and power equipment
• Experience using Microsoft Office applications, ArcGIS software (including Field Maps and Survey123 applications), and GPS units
• College-level coursework or degree in fisheries, wildlife, natural resources, water, parks and recreation management, landscape architecture, watershed planning, geography, land use planning, biology, forestry, environmental studies, or a related field
• Experience communicating with resource professionals and the public

Working Conditions

Works primarily in a field setting, with minimal time in an office setting. Beaver trapping and acclimation will occur in parks, agricultural settings, a fish hatchery, and on both public and private properties. Beaver relocations will occur in mountain streams within public and/or private forest and range lands. Applicants will work in swift streams, thick brush, heat/cold, and may be exposed to biting insects, thorny plants, and other challenging field conditions. Flexibility and a positive attitude are imperative.

Health, Safety, or Administrative Requirements: Capable of walking over rough terrain for short distances regularly or occasionally over long distances. Must be able to negotiate water in emergency situations.

Position duration: end date flexible depending on needs of the program. Beaver trapping will require an early morning and evening schedule. Overnight travel will be infrequent but may be required for training or work purposes.

Tools and Equipment: Hydraulic post pounder, grip hoist, powered winch, shovel, saw, loppers, and other hand tools, laptop computer, tablet, and cellphone.

Pay

This is a temporary, full-time position with a pay range of $20-$22 (DOQ).

Benefits

Technicians accrue sick leave biweekly. A personal vehicle may sometimes be required, and mileage will be reimbursed at the current federal rate. These positions are not eligible for other benefits and the program is not able to offer housing.