Lake Monitoring Technician

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High Desert Partnership

Malheur National Wildlife Refuge near Burns, Oregon

Job Type: Full-Time (Seasonal)

Salary: $17-$22/hour DOE

Start / End Dates: Late April/ Early May to Late September, 2026

About HDP 

High Desert Partnership is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting collaboration to tackle some of our community’s most complex challenges, such as restoring forests and wetlands, mitigating wildfires, creating opportunities for local youth, and growing our rural economy. Monitoring projects are one of the many support systems used to assist and inform our Collaborative Partners while remaining impartial in the data collection process. To view the culture and natural beauty of Harney County, see our video  Land Water Sky Soul and check out the High Desert Partnership website to learn more about the missions and goals of each collaborative we are involved in. 

About the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge 

Malheur National Wildlife Refuge is located in southeastern Oregon’s high desert, at the northern end of the Great Basin. It is adjacent to Steens Mountain, from which the Wild and Scenic Donner und Blitzen River flows into the Refuge’s southern boundary. The Refuge is famous for spectacular concentrations of wildlife, which are attracted to the Refuge’s habitats and abundant water resources in an otherwise arid landscape. Visitors are drawn to Malheur’s abundant wildlife and natural resources, and the variety of recreational opportunities the Refuge provides for visitors to enjoy. To learn more about Malheur National Wildlife Refuge, check out their website.  

Job Description: 

We are hiring 1 Lake Monitoring Technician to complete aquatic monitoring data on Malheur Lake, at Malheur National Wildlife Refuge. Fieldwork will occur on weekdays on a 4/10 schedule and the technician will be expected to be prepared for the adverse conditions present at Malheur National Wildlife Refuge, including being aware of the hot weather, biting insects, and ticks. The technicians will have the opportunity to gain experience collecting biological data while following USGS and USFW protocols and interacting with the public, agency employees, contractor personnel, and special interest groups. Experience gained will be similar to a biological science technician at the federal GS level of 03-05. 

Fieldwork 

  • Follow protocols and data collection methods
  • Collect water quality data using water quality monitors
  • Collect aquatic macroinvertebrates
  • Assist in collection of submergent and emergent vegetation data
  • Assist in collection of bird monitoring data 
  • Work safely from airboats

 

Office/Lab Work 

  • Identify aquatic macroinvertebrates to family
  • Process aquatic macroinvertebrates for biomass
  • Calculate, prepare, and summarize biological data using various computer programs 
  • Assist senior staff with preparation of final technical reports

 

 Leadership 

  • Work independently or as part of a team to follow specific guidelines in the form of manuals, handbooks, and oral or written instructions
  • Communicate effectively with co-workers and supervisors to complete daily tasks 

Qualifications / Experience Level Required:

Qualified candidates have prior experience or knowledge in the following:
  • Aquatic macroinvertebrate sampling and identification
  • Follow safety protocols and procedures when collecting data, especially in extreme or variable environmental conditions
  • Knowledge or willing to learn the tools, terminology, processes, methods, and procedures that are involved in supporting fish and wildlife management
  • Skilled in both written and verbal communication to understand, record, and converse with coworkers
  • Knowledge of elementary biological techniques, practices, and procedures to complete assignments
  • Familiar with scientific field instruments and equipment such as water quality monitors, D nets, and microscopes
  • Live or work in rural/remote locations.
  • Successful applicants must have a valid driver’s license and an acceptable driving record.

Housing: Yes

Contact:

Melissa Petschauer

melissa@highdesertpartnership.org

Apply for This Position: https://podio.com/webforms/30640382/2596830

Application Closes: 04/01/26

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© High Desert Partnership. This site is managed by High Desert Partnership. High Desert Partnership strives to promote collaboration across communities of Eastern Oregon and is actively engaged in protecting diversity, enacting equity, and fostering inclusion. Our ambition is to contribute to building a sustainable and inclusive community in which ethnic, religious, gender, political and ideological differences are heard and respected.