Individual Placement - Habitat Rehabilitation Technician at Hart Mountain National Antelope Refuge

Position Summary 

The primary project will be assisting Refuge Managers and Biologists with restoration of damaged or otherwise degraded shrub-steppe habitats on the Complex Refuges. Efforts will include application of native seed and seed mixes, assessment and monitoring of installed tubeling plants and seed caches, collection of native seed and other plant materials, propagation of native plants from local sources, conducting monitoring of shrub-steppe habitats and related rehabilitation efforts, and invasive species surveys, mapping, and treatment. The majority of work will be completed on Hart Mountain National Antelope Refuge related to the Warner Peak Fire, which burned over 65,000 acres in 2024; however, work will also be done on Sheldon National Wildlife Refuge in relation to ongoing mesic management and reclamation efforts and other post-wildfire restorative efforts (i.e., for fires other than Warner Peak). While most work will focus on shrub-steppe habitat rehabilitation, the member may also assist with mesic resource restoration and wildlife surveys, to include sage-grouse lek counts, pika surveys, and pygmy rabbit surveys. The member will work alongside Refuge staff, other seasonal field technicians, and volunteers to complete their work.

 

Hosting Organization

Sheldon-Hart Mountain NWR Complex

 

Location 

Plush, OR

 

Schedule 

September 7, 2026 - July 9, 2027

 

Key Duties and Responsibilities 

• Restoration of stream, spring, and meadow hydrologic functions and their associated vegetative communities and habitats
• Installation of Post-Assisted Log Structures (PALS), Beaver Dam Analogs (BDAs), and other Low-Tech Process Based Restoration (LTPBR) and Zeedyk structures
• Stream crossing stabilization
• Mesic revegetation and habitat rehabilitation, to include planting of native plant stock and application of native seed and seed mixes (both ground broadcast and hand)
• Collection of native seed and other plant materials, and propagation of native woody riparian plants
• Stream, meadow, spring and springbrook condition assessments and mapping
• Monitoring of restoration and revegetation efforts
• Photo point monitoring
• Invasive species surveys, mapping, and treatment
• Data management and entry

 

Marginal Duties 

• Assist in implementation of other post-wildfire restorative efforts (e.g., support, monitor, and evaluation of upland plant installation, application of upland native seed and seed mixes, monitoring of seed production phenology)
• Bighorn sheep water source availability and habitat assessments
• Bat monitoring and surveys
• Sage-grouse lek counts
• Other wildlife surveys
• Report writing
• Volunteer/outreach events
• Assist with other routine Refuge management activities as necessary

 

Required Qualifications 

• Interest in stream restoration and aquatic/hydrologic systems
• Interest in botany and plant identification
• Interest in fire ecology, restoration ecology, and wildland rehabilitation
• Willingness to live remotely
• Ability to utilize hand-held GPS units or mobile phones for navigation and/or data collection, along with basic computer skills
• Ability to hike rough, rocky, and steep terrain
• Ability to operate 4WD trucks on and off-road
• Possess a valid, state-issued driver’s license and clean driving record

 

Preferred Qualifications 

• A Bachelor's degree in Conservation, Ecology, Biology, Environmental Science, or a related field
• Experience with low-tech process-based stream restoration
• Knowledge and experience in operating off highway vehicles, which includes Utility Terrain Vehicles (UTV), and All-Terrain Vehicles (ATV)
• Experience towing and backing up a trailer, and proper securement of loads

 

This SCA Position is authorized under the Public Land Corps Authority. All participants must be between the ages of 16 and 30, inclusive, or veterans age 35 or younger. Participants must also be a citizen or national of the United States or lawful permanent resident alien of the United States. Hours served can be applied toward the Public Land Corps (PLC) hiring authority.

 

 

Hours 

40 per week

 

Living Accommodations 

This position will be principally housed at the Hart Mountain NAR bunkhouse, although the member will be temporarily housed at the Sheldon NWR bunkhouse for projects on that Refuge. Both bunkhouses are fully equipped to meet basic living needs, including a full kitchen with dishes/cookware and appliances, a laundry room, and bedrooms with twin beds. Both bunkhouses have potable water, hot water, heat, and air conditioning. Bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms, and living rooms are communal. Each bedroom has two beds and are generally double occupancy during busy periods. Wi-Fi is usually available at the bunkhouses, although it can be erratic in speed and availability given the remoteness of the area. Both Refuges are very remote with groceries, medical care, and other services located 2 hours away in Lakeview, OR, or also 2 hours away in Winnemucca, NV, when on Sheldon NWR. A 4WD truck will be provided for all work-related travel

 

Compensation  

• $1,100 RT Travel Allowance
• $600 Weekly Living Allowance
• $2,000 Duty‑Related and Member Expense Reimbursement

All allowances are subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes. 

 

Personal Vehicle Information

Required

 

Additional Benefits 

Defensive Driving Training

First Aid/CPR

Off-Road Vehicle Safety

AmeriCorps: Not Eligible

 

Equal Opportunity Statement 

The Student Conservation Association, Inc., is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The SCA strives to cultivate a work environment that encourages fairness, teamwork, and respect among all staff members and is committed to maintaining a work atmosphere where lifestyles may grow personally and professionally.