Post Fire Monitoring Technician

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High Desert Partnership

Malheur National Forest near Burns, Oregon

Job Type: Full-Time (Seasonal)

Salary: $17-$22/hour DOE

Start / End Dates: Late May/ Early June 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 Forest 

The Malheur National Forest is nestled in the Blue Mountains of Eastern Oregon and spans parts of Grant, Baker, and Harney Counties. This forest is dominated by fir and pine trees and consists of 1.7 million acres of diverse ecosystems, including high desert grasslands, sage and juniper woodlands, and alpine meadows. It is managed by three Ranger Districts including the Emigrant Creek Ranger District, Blue Mountain Ranger District, and Prairie City Ranger District, and is surrounded by public land managed by the Bureau of Land Management’s Prineville, Vale and Burns Districts. Recreational information, maps, and Public Use Restrictions can be found on the forest’s website, Malheur National Forest. 

Job Description: 

We are hiring 2 Post Fire Monitoring Technicians to complete vegetation monitoring data in Malheur National Forest. Fieldwork will occur on weekdays on a 4/10 schedule and technicians will be expected to be prepared for the adverse conditions present in Malheur Forest including being aware of the hot weather, smoke, biting insects and ticks. The technicians will have the opportunity to gain experience collecting biological data while following USFS protocols and interact 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.

Duties

Fieldwork

  • Record accurate and legible data
  • Follow USFS protocol for vegetation data collection utilizing ESRI software
  • Hike in various terrain and weather conditions in remote areas to access field site
  • Navigate using topographic maps and GPS equipment and drive long distances on remote forest roads
  • Work safely in post-fire environments

 

Office

  • Calculate, prepare, and summarize biological data using various computer programs such as excel, ESRI products, and R software 
  • Assist senior staff with the 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:
  • Navigate using maps, compasses, and various GPS applications/equipment
  • Follow safety protocols and procedures when collecting data, especially in extreme or variable environmental conditions
  • Knowledge or willingness to learn of tools, terminology, processes, methods, and procedures that are involved in supporting habitat
  • 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
  • Live or work in rural/remote locations
  • Experience with Plant ID
  • Comfortable driving on forest roads that may not be maintained and in various weather conditions
  • Successful applicants must have a valid driver’s license and an acceptable driving record.

Housing: No

Contact:

Melissa Petschauer

melissa@highdesertpartnership.org

Apply for This Position: https://podio.com/webforms/30640375/2596826

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.