Sagebrush rangelands provide habitat for many species, contribute to the livelihoods of agricultural producers, and support rural communities. Over the past several decades, sagebrush rangelands have experienced significant degradation due to the spread of invasive annual grasses, juniper encroachment, drought, mismanagement, fragmentation, and wildfires. Sage-grouse, which rely upon intact sagebrush habitat, are facing range-wide population declines including populations within Baker County, Oregon. Through a Focused Investment Partnership (FIP) grant awarded through the Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board (OWEB), the Baker Sage-grouse Local Implementation Team (LIT), made up of local, state, and federal agencies, implements numerous restoration projects to improve sagebrush habitat with the hopes to stabilize and increase local sage-grouse populations.
Tri-County Cooperative Weed Management Area (CWMA), a Baker LIT core partner, is recruiting one (1) biological science technician to conduct pre/post restoration project habitat surveys using 3-spoke line point intercept (LPI), upland/lotic ecological site evaluation (using the threat-based land management approach; https://sageshare.org/), and rapid habitat assessment. The candidate should have knowledge of Great Basin flora, however, training will be provided for survey methods including an Assessment, Inventory, and Monitoring (AIM) workshop provided by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). Habitat data collected for Baker LIT restoration efforts will inform project effectiveness and direct adaptive management if needed. While monitoring efforts will assist with local objectives, data collected will also contribute to range-wide restoration/rehabilitation efforts by contributing to the U.S. Geological Survey’s Land Treatment Exploration Tool (LTET; https://chsapps.usgs.gov/apps/land-treatment-exploration-tool/) database.
Job duties include, but are not limited to:
- Rapid habitat assessment
- Upland/lotic ecological site evaluation
- LPI monitoring
- Coordinating/communicating with local landowners
- Working with Baker LIT partners (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Baker County, Oregon Department of Wildlife, Bureau of Land Management, Natural Resource Conservation Service, Powder Basin Watershed Council, and private landowners)
Habitat surveys will occur across beautiful Baker County, Oregon with terrain varying from easy to challenging and primarily be located on private lands. The technician must be able to stand and walk for extended periods of time over rough terrain while carrying field equipment. Field work occurs under a variety of conditions (e.g., rain, heat, high winds, etc.) and crew members may encounter ticks and rattlesnakes. While agency staff will assist initially and as needed, the technician will be expected to work independently and develop a work schedule that will ensure that tasks are completed. The technician will directly work with the project Crew Lead, but will have regular and ongoing support from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Tri-County CWMA. Crew members will need to use their own vehicle (AWD/4×4 capable, reimbursed at a rate of $0.67/mile office to field site/field site to office) and should be comfortable driving/navigating backcountry roads. Housing is not provided, but the candidate can work with Baker LIT partners for local housing opportunities. This position offers work flexibility, but will not exceed 40 hours/week.
Depending on conditions, workload, and the Baker LIT’s needs, the technicians will likely assist on other projects related to the Baker LIT’s objectives and may include, but is not limited to, raven work, data entry/map building, report writing, and assisting with the Sage-grouse Candidate Conservation Agreement with Assurances program. There will likely be an opportunity for the candidate to shadow Baker LIT partners.