Wildlife Biology Technician

Summary

American Conservation Experience a nonprofit Conservation Corps in partnership with USFS Grand Mesa and Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests is seeking one (1) Wildlife Biology Technician Member to contribute to wildlife biology projects alongside Paonia Staff.

For more information about ACE please visit our website.

Start Date: May 18 2026

Estimated End Date: October 2 2026

*a 16-week minimum commitment is required *

Location Details/Description: The Grand Mesa Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests (GMUG) are comprised of three individual national forests that are administered as a single unit from the Forest Supervisors Office in Delta CO. However this was not always the case. The Grand Mesa and Uncompahgre were joined in 1954 and the Gunnison was added in 1973. The earliest segment of the Forests dubbed the Battlement Mesa Forest Reserve was established in 1892. Today the three forests total almost 3 million acres and are managed by 5 Ranger Districts.

For more information about The Grand Mesa Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests please visit the USFS website.

Position Overview: The selected applicant with other interns will serve as part of the Paonia district wildlife crew and under mentorship and guidance from USFS wildlife biologists. Wildlife technicians would perform field data inventory for wildlife resources and data analysis using Geographical Information System (GIS) techniques in accordance with Forest Service standard procedures protocols and regulations. This opportunity is intended for enthusiastic professionals with a deep interest in advancing their career goals in natural resource management and conservation.

The selected applicant will join the wildlife field crew in the Paonia district with potential assistance to other districts as needed. This role involves 80-90% field work including various wildlife surveys (e.g. Goshawk bumble bee vegetation) and geospatial data collection using ESRI mobile applications. While some office work will be conducted in a provided shared space most tasks will focus on data entry GIS product development and report writing.

Field work will involve strenuous activities such as hiking in steep terrain carrying heavy equipment and working in varying weather conditions. Training in communication protocols and safety will be provided. Candidates should bring a backpack and sturdy hiking boots; other equipment will be supplied. The 18-week season includes 1 to 1½ weeks of training emphasizing professional development and networking opportunities in conservation fields.

This individual placement is meant to facilitate professional development and promotes exposure to land management agencies and networking with professionals. This could include gaining experience in different conservation fields and shadowing different work groups.

Schedule: Typically Monday Thursday between the hours of 7am 5:30pm MST. Occasional weekend and evening shifts may be necessary for project general schedules are described as flexible in an open-conversation guidance environment.

Position Benefits

Living Allowance: The ACE Member is expected to contribute 40 hours/week and will receive a living allowance of $800/week to offset the costs of food and incidental expenses dispersed bi-weekly. The living allowance is a fixed rate determined by the USFS and ACE and is not flexible.

Public Land Corps Hiring Authority: Members serving under this agreement may be eligible for a federal hiring authority upon completion of their term of service and 640 hours of service. If the duration of a PLC-eligible term is not long enough for Members to accrue 640 hours of service (16 weeks) the total hours served at the completion of the term may be eligible to be combined with hours accrued from another PLC-eligible term to meet the 640 hours requirement. PLC projects also include specific eligibility requirements such as age and citizenship. Please see the ACE website for more information on PLC eligibility.

This position is part of the Public Land Corps Hiring Authority: Members serving under this agreement must meet the PLC Eligibility requirements to be considered for this position. Members may be eligible for a federal hiring authority upon completion of their term of service and 640 hours of service. If the duration of a PLC-eligible term is not long enough for Members to accrue 640 hours of service (16 weeks) the total hours served at the completion of the term may be eligible to be combined with hours accrued from another PLC-eligible term to meet the 640 hours requirement. PLC projects also include specific eligibility requirements such as age (You must be between the ages of 16 and 30. Some agencies also interpret these guidelines to include veterans up to age 35) and citizenship. Please contact ACE staff with questions about eligibility or view general eligibility information on our website.

Housing: ACE members may be accommodated in the USFS Paonia bunkhouse at no cost.

Relocation Assistance: ACE members will have access to up to $500 (if applicable) to be used for eligible relocation expenses. Further details regarding distribution of these funds will be provided during the interview process.

Provided Training/Orientation: ACE members will receive position specific training and an orientation outlining ACE policies and procedures clear guidance on prohibited activities and networks for support.

Qualifications

Required:

• Members must be authorized to work in the United States. ACE does not provide sponsorship for employment visas.
• Willing and able to represent ACE and the partner organization in a professional positive and enthusiastic manner.
• Ability to be both self-directed/work alone and be a positive contributing member of a group.

• A valid drivers license and an insurable driving record (documentation to be provided upon request). Members must be 21 to drive due to ACEs insurance and liability requirements.

• Willing to undergo and must pass the required criminal history checks
• Ability to perform the essential duties of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.
• ACE Members will need to complete bi-weekly timesheets beginning of term feedback forms end of term evaluations and for longer terms a mid-term evaluation.
• To learn more about eligibility requirements please visit our website.

Preferred:

• Competitive applicants for this position can hold or be pursuing a wildlife biology or natural resource management degree and/or have relevant experience in subject areas such as wildlife technician natural resources technician (or similar).
• All candidates are encouraged to apply though local candidates will be strongly considered.

• Knowledge of GPS devices (including navigation and routing placemarks) map reading (printed or digital) and compass usage Geospatial (geographical) field data collection performed using ESRI mobile applications on tablets and skills in geographical information systems (GIS) and modeling are desired though not required.
• Field data collection skills consist of a high desire to achieve good attention to details as part of field data collection (protocols).
• Experience with raptor surveys especially Goshawk surveys or a high desire to achieve proficient raptor identification skills by both audio and visual methods.

• Ability and willingness to follow field data collection methods using standard protocols complete data entry and database management (within GIS softwares or excel products).
• Deep interest in wildlife biology/ecology and field experience collecting wildlife and plant data.

Physical Demands Work Environment and Working Conditions:

• Physical Demands: Requires frequent sitting standing walking hiking carrying using hands to handle or feel reaching with hands and arms talking and hearing. Manual dexterity required for use of various tools computer keyboard/mouse and other office equipmen.. Required to stoop kneel climb stairs and/or crouch. Ability to hike over rough terrain and camp overnight under field conditions.
• Vision Requirements: Requires close distance peripheral and depth perception vision as well as the ability to focus especially using binoculars.
• Weight Lifted or Force Exerted: Frequently moves up to 50 lbs. ability to move up to 50 pounds.
• Environmental: Outdoor and indoor conditions. Work environment conditions can change frequently; working under adverse weather conditions and in various climates.
• Noise Environment: Moderate to high noise such as hand and power tools and the use of bird play back calls.
• Travel: This position may require domestic travel. This position does not require unique travel.

Environmental Conditions/Hazards: The ACE member(s) may encounter environmental conditions/hazards including extreme heat or cold rocky terrain swamp or wetland conditions biting insects and potentially dangerous wildlife. The member is expected to conduct duties in a safe and orderly manner so as not to endanger self fellow staff/members or resources.

Vehicle and Equipment Use/Safety:If a vehicle is required for the accomplishment of the duties one will be provided by the USFS or ACE. Any tools required for the accomplishment of the duties will be provided by the USFS. Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) typically provided by the USFS will be mandatory for any activity that requires it. Strict adherence to USFS and ACE equipment training certification and safety protocols is required.

To Apply: Please submit your resume a cover letter demonstrating your interest and experience and contact information for three professional/academic references to ACEs online application page for this position on our website. Early consideration will be given as applications are received. This position may close at any time. If you have any questions regarding this position please feel free to contact Member Manager Yunielis Clemente at

If you meet at least 70 percent of the qualifications we want to hear from you!

ACE participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information when you are enrolled in a program to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.

EEO: Employment or Service with ACE is based upon ability qualifications attitude and job-related factors. Every qualified employee member or applicant has the same opportunity for recruitment hire training transfer promotion compensation demotion termination benefits employee activities and general treatment without regard to race color religion age sex creed national origin pregnancy ancestry citizenship status genetic information veteran or military status physical or mental disability sexual orientation medical condition marital or parental status political affiliation ethnicity hair texture or style arrest record caste hereditary status endogamy or any other classification protected by applicable local state or federal law.

Required Experience:

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