Individual Placement - Biological Field Technician at Fort Hood

Position Summary 

The Fort Hood Natural and Cultural Resources Management Branch protects, sustains and enhances the natural and cultural resources on Fort Hood to enable Soldiers to conduct mission training. This work will add to the understanding of monarch butterfly and other pollinator species distribution, timing, and occurrence on the Installation. This is critical information for writing Biological Assessments, Section 7 consultation and Biological Opinion compliance, making ecosystem and species level management decisions, and assessing ecosystem impacts/resiliency IAW natural resource management plans and military training landscape plans. Work will also involve avian species-at-risk work and participation in outreach and education events. The individual will gain exposure to a variety wildlife and cultural resources topics as well as hands on-field experience gathering data utilizing a variety of methods and wildlife survey equipment. Additionally, the candidate will gain experience planning and executing field surveys, collecting and managing field data, and collating/organizing data for analyses.

Hosting Organization

Fort Hood

Location 

Fort Hood, TX

Schedule 

March 15, 2027 - October 8, 2027

Key Duties and Responsibilities 

Monarch butterfly surveys are conducted in the spring and fall. Surveys follow Monarch Joint Venture's Integrated Monarch Monitoring Program (MJV IMMP) protocol monitoring specific transects throughout the installation. These surveys resume in the fall, with the addition of tagging monarch butterflies during their fall migration to their overwintering grounds in Mexico. In addition to tagging, biometric data is also collected, such as mass, wing condition, measurements, sex, and Ophryocystis elektroschirra (OE) parasite samples. Bumble bee surveys follow a non-lethal protocol of capturing bees in specific plots, recording the nectar source the bee is feeding on, and taking pictures of the bee for ID purposes. These surveys begin late spring and continue into the fall.

Marginal Duties 

Data entry/management/office work; Professional development such as online training, public speaking, and software skill development. In addition to the working in grassland habitats, the individual will also have the opportunity, if interested, to observe/job shadow biologists who monitor golden-cheeked warblers, study black-capped vireos, trap cowbirds, control wildpigs/invasive species, survey for freshwater fish, and spotlight for white-tailed deer and engage in outreach activities. There are several wildlife refuges a few hours drive from the Installation.

Required Qualifications 

Experience working with monarch butterflies and other pollinator species, and work with migratory bird species; Off road 4 wheel drive experience.

Preferred Qualifications 

B.S. in Biology or related field.

Hours 

40 per week

Living Accommodations 

Housing is not provided for this position.

Compensation  

Living Allowance: $680/week; Housing Allowance: $920/month (8 months); Relocation Allowance: $650 (paid once)

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

Personal Vehicle Information

Required

Driving

Driving a motor vehicle for the partner agency/organization is a requirement for this position.

To be able to drive a motor vehicle for the SCA, you must:

• Be able to complete or fulfill all partner driving requirements.  

Additional Benefits 

Defensive Driving Training

Off-Road Vehicle Safety

AmeriCorps: Not Eligible

Equal Opportunity Statement 

The SCA is an equal opportunity employer. Selection decisions are based on merit, qualifications, and performance, without unlawful discrimination.