About the Organization: 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 on YouTube 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.
High Desert Partnership is committed to science-based adaptive management and supporting collaborative work occurring in Harney County in rangelands, wetlands and forests. We are looking for Technicians who possess an understanding of ecologically-based land management practices in multiple ecosystems to implement aquatic monitoring activities and gather data for adaptive management decisions.
About the Location: Located in Southeast Oregon, where approximately 75% of the land is publicly managed, the region boasts unique high desert ecosystems alongside complex challenges in supporting both wildlife habitat and ranching. Key priorities include increasing the resilience of sagebrush steppe and dry pine forests to wildfire by managing invasive species such as cheatgrass and addressing juniper encroachment. Efforts focus on enhancing wetland habitats in the Harney Basin, a critical stopover for migratory birds along the Pacific Flyway.
Oregon Rangeland Monitoring Protocol Technician will conduct vegetation monitoring across diverse ecosystems, including rangelands, wetlands, and forests. The primary focus of the work will be tracking the progress of habitat restoration and management projects implemented throughout Harney and Malheur Counties by collaborative partners. Technicians will gain hands-on experience with a variety of monitoring protocols and techniques, applied across multiple landscapes and habitat types. This position provides an excellent opportunity to develop field skills, learn about ecosystem management practices, and contribute to long-term conservation efforts in the region. Multi-day camping will be required for this position, and camping gear will be provided by HDP.
Position requires operating 4WD vehicles on rough roads through rangelands and forests; successful applicants must have a valid driver’s license and an acceptable driving record. Employees will camp and work closely with team members, hiking over varied terrain while carrying equipment (weighing up to 50 lbs) to access off-trail survey sites and collect data. Fieldwork will follow a 4/10 schedule (four 10-hour days) and typically start early in the morning. Responsibilities include participating in collaborative meetings, attending an orientation to learn safety and monitoring protocols, and working alongside seasonal and permanent staff. Technicians will also interact with agency personnel, members of the public, contractor teams, and special interest groups. This position offers valuable experience equivalent to that of a Biological Science Technician (GS-03 to GS-05) at the federal level, providing an excellent foundation for career advancement in ecological or biological sciences.