Individual Placement - Wildlife Biologist with The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE)

Position Summary 

A 9-month (39-week) position from February 8 – November 05, 2027 - The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) is currently recruiting two crew members who will assist with wildlife surveys and habitat management in and around the USACE’s 13 reservoirs in the Willamette Valley Region of Oregon. Crew members will work primarily with herpetofauna and avifauna.

Hosting Organization

Willamette Valley Project

Location 

Junction City, OR

• This position is primarily in a front country setting where emergency services are accessible, but may be delayed by 1-2 hours. SCA Members regularly interact with members of the public. Access to public transportation at work site is limited or not possible. Cell phone reception at the office is available, but cell service in the field is occasionally spotty or not available.

Schedule 

February 8, 2027 - November 5, 2027

Key Duties and Responsibilities 

The USACE’s mission includes environmental stewardship, which prioritizes inventory, monitoring, and management of sensitive species and their habitats. Crew members will conduct northwestern pond turtle nest searches, turtle hatchling excavations, turtle visual encounter surveys, removal of non-native turtles, amphibian egg mass surveys, Western Purple Martin nest box surveys and management, grassland bird surveys, Bald Eagle surveys, and data management and entry. Additional duties may include working with ArcGIS, native plant surveys, assisting with plant nursery operations, Oregon chub surveys, and cultural resources monitoring. Cross training opportunities are seasonally dependent and vary based on the time of year.

Northwestern pond turtle nest monitoring, hatchling excavations, and visual encounter surveys – 35%

Purple Martin nest box monitoring and repairs – 30%

Bald Eagle nest surveys – 15%

Grassland bird surveys and songbird box monitoring – 10%

Data entry, file organization, and ArcGIS – 10%

Amphibian egg mass surveys – 5%

Marginal Duties 

• ArcGIS support — Assist with creating, updating, and organizing spatial datasets related to wildlife monitoring sites, nest locations, and habitat features.
• Native plant surveys — Conduct periodic vegetation assessments to document species composition, invasive presence, and habitat condition.
• Plant nursery assistance — Help with propagation, watering, transplanting, and maintenance of native plants used for habitat restoration.

Required Qualifications 

• Coursework and degree in biology, zoology, or environmental science
• Leadership skills gained through professional positions, internships, or extra-curricular activities
• Ability to work outdoors in remote settings and inclement weather with biting insects
• Familiarity with biological concepts and wildlife survey techniques
• Interest in wildlife and conservation
• Willingness and ability to work well independently and as a team in remote areas
• Ability to lift and carry up to 40 lbs (day pack/survey gear), hike in remote areas, bend, and kneel for extended time periods.
• Ability to navigate by maps, aerial photos, compass, and GPS
• Effective written and verbal communication skills
• Attention to detail
• A positive attitude
• Knowledge of MS Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint and willingness to bring your personal computer to the office to conduct office work as needed
• Willingness to ride in and work from boats
• Valid driver’s license and the ability to report on time to the USACE Fern Ridge Lake office
• Willingness to work a 40-hour work week with shifts ranging from 8-10 hours, depending on surveys.
• Knowledge of Northwestern U.S. fauna and/or coursework in wildlife biology and ecology

Preferred Qualifications 

• Experience using ArcGIS and Field Maps applications
• Familiarity with Pacific Northwestern fauna identification
• Experience using binoculars and spotting scopes for avian surveys
• Experience handling wildlife

Hours 

• 40 per week
• Two crew members will serve a 9-month (39-week) term of service starting approximately February 8, 2027 and ending approximately November 05, 2027.
• The crew members will work full-time (40+ hours a week) for the entire 9-months.

Living Accommodations 

The Wildlife Biologist crew members will report daily to the USACE Fern Ridge Lake office, 26275 Clear Lake Rd, Junction City, OR 97448. The crew members will be responsible for finding their own housing. No government housing is available. The crew members must own a vehicle to reliably get to and from the field office. Field sites may include any of the 13 reservoirs in the Willamette Valley Project, and the position may occasionally require the crew members to use their personal vehicle (miles reimbursable) during work hours.

Compensation  

• $960 weekly allowance (includes living expenses, commuting allowance, and housing allowance)
• $1,500 duty travel reimbursement (receipts required)
• UP TO $650 one-time round-trip relocation travel reimbursement for non-local candidates (not available for candidates who do not relocate)
• Optional monthly health insurance (10 total)
• The crew members may attend trainings, local workshops, or complete other online classes. 

The living allowance is taxable. Service eligibility is contingent upon the results of a Federal government background check and driving record check

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 

First Aid/CPR

Health Insurance (Optional)

AmeriCorps: Not Eligible

Equal Opportunity Statement 

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