Invasive Amphibian Hunting Technician

Job Description:

In partnership with Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) and the U.S Forest Service (USFS), Mt. Adams Resource Stewards (MARS) is seeking motivated candidates to serve as a hunting technician for the Bullfrog Removal Action Team. Working together, these organizations are achieving a mutual goal: preservation of native species through removal of the American bullfrog.

In a team of two (team will consist of one supervisor and one hunting technician) the hunting techs’ primary focus will be to search for, identify, and remove American bullfrogs from various sites along the Columbia River Gorge. This position is part of a dedicated and collaborative team that directly supports ecological restoration and recovery efforts for the Western pond turtle and other native species. This work is directed at removing an invasive species, the American bullfrog, which is not native to the Columbia River Gorge. The American bullfrog is a direct predator of, and competitor with the Western pond turtle. The work will take place at various sites along the Columbia River Gorge, and employees will be based out of the Pierce National Wildlife Refuge field station.

Pierce NWR is located 36 miles east of Vancouver, WA just past Beacon Rock State Park. Comprised of wetlands and uplands, Pierce NWR acts as an undisturbed sanctuary for a variety of wildlife along the Columbia River, and opportunities to view wildlife abound. Technicians have the option of free shared housing on site at Pierce NWR and can expect quiet nights, incredible views of the Columbia River, and first rate access to recreational activities such as hiking, climbing, biking, fishing, hunting, and kayaking.

Main duties (to include, but not limited to):

• Work as a small team on lethal control of bullfrogs, primarily at night
  • Including implementation of lethal control methods such as (but not limited to): use of firearms, use of gigs, spotlighting with hand capture, fyke nets, dip-netting, and other potential methods
  • Includes egg mass removal work and tadpole netting.
• Conduct biological survey work to document pond turtle presence and bullfrog removal
• Assist with data collection regarding bullfrog removal
• Work with community volunteers and partner agencies

Position Requirements:

• Previous firearm experience, preferably hunting, with small caliber rifles (We typically use high-powered .177 and .22 caliber air rifles)
• WA Hunter Education certification
• Must pass a background check and driving record check
• Must be comfortable euthanizing bullfrogs on a frequent and repeated basis
• Excellent track record of safety with on/off road vehicle operation
• Ability to maintain constant situational awareness and behave proactively to support a safe work environment
• Ability to collect and enter data following project protocols
• Ability to carry up to 50 pounds for extended periods
• Ability to work in inclement weather conditions, mostly at night, and individually on occasion
• Strong navigation/orientation skills
• Flexibility to change tasks as conditions change
• Working in wetlands, wearing waders, and walking long distances at night
• Ability to understand and follow instructions and maintain good communication with supervisor and project coordinator
• Ability to pay attention to detail, juggle multiple responsibilities, be flexible, and maintain professionalism
• Ability to be a courteous housemate in shared housing for six months
• Must bring a positive attitude to work and support strong team-focused morale
• Must be able to swim

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities Preferred:

• Theory, principles, and techniques of natural resources conservation and wildlife habitat management
• Bachelor’s degree in a related field (Wildlife Biology, Ecology, Zoology, or similar)
• Demonstrated and strong proficiency with all aspects of hunting-specific firearm safety/use
• Experience with hunting, trapping, fishing, and/or capturing bullfrogs or similar species
• Persistence in capturing highly evasive and resilient animals (hunter’s instinct)
• Skill in oral communication to effectively work with others in accomplishment of tasks
• Ability to safely use a multitude of hand tools and small equipment
• Demonstrated ability to work well in a small team
• Experience handling/identifying animals, particularly amphibians
• Current CPR/WFR certification
• Experience driving 4×4 trucks on dirt roads and muddy conditions

Work Schedule and Conditions:

Position will begin April 16^th, 2024. Work will be centered around a 40hr/week schedule, with the acknowledgment that season length may be adjusted with changes to funding. Tentative weekly schedule will be Sunday-Thursday. A typical work day starts before dusk and ends in the early morning. Work is mainly outdoor, in secluded wetland environments. Position is seasonal (approximately April through the end of September) with the potential opportunity based on successful performance to return in future field seasons. Weather conditions are varied and may include: cold, rainy, foggy, to hot and humid. Temperatures range approximately from 35-100 °F. Work in muddy, shallow wetlands is required. Poisonous and venomous flora/fauna likely present. Mosquito presence can be heavy at times. During the spring people with allergies can be severely affected.  Work is physically demanding, including lifting and carrying up to 50 pounds. Required to operate a government or MARS vehicle and possess a valid driver’s license. Free shared housing at Pierce NWR is available.

Compensation:

Pay will start at $16.28/hour. Bunkhouse-style housing provided in-kind.

How to Apply:

Applications should include (1) a cover letter that states why you are interested in the position and would be an asset to the project, and (2) a resume that includes education, field experience (particularly related to hunting and biological field work) and contact information (email addresses and phone numbers) for three references who are familiar with your firearm/field experience. To apply, email applications (formatted as a single PDF document) to Riley Janquart ([email protected]). The application deadline is April 1^st, 2024 but we will be reviewing applications on a rolling basis.

Becoming familiar with both Mt. Adams Resource Stewards, Pierce/Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge, and the Columbia River Gorge is strongly encouraged prior to applying. Information about Mt. Adams Resource Stewards is available at http://mtadamsstewards.org/ and information about Pierce National Wildlife Refuge is available at https://www.fws.gov/refuge/pierce.