Invasive Species Technician Lead; USFWS, Klamath Basin National Wildlife Refuge

Invasive Species Technician Lead (USFWS, Klamath Basin National Wildlife Refuge) Great Basin Institute – Tulelake, California, United States

Position Title:

Invasive Species Technician Lead (USFWS, Klamath Basin National Wildlife Refuge)

Position Type:
Temporary Position

Application Review Begins:
Wednesday, February 11, 2026

Department/Division:
Research Associate Program

Field:
Invasive Species

City:
Tulelake, California, United States

General Information: The Research Associate Program at GBI, in cooperation with Fish and Wildlife Service at Klamath Basin National Wildlife Refuge, is recruiting one (1) Invasive Species Technician Lead to participate in working directly with FWS staff to oversee the operations of invasive species management on the Complex. The Klamath Basin NWRC manages invasive plants and animals on over 250,000 acres of Refuge habitats between Oregon and California.

This project supports invasive species management through coordinated field operations, mapping, and treatment efforts led in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The Invasive Species Technician Lead will oversee technicians while implementing Early Detection Rapid Response (EDRR) and ongoing control projects using GIS-based tools, herbicide and mechanical treatments, and rigorous data tracking. The work directly contributes to protecting critical wetland and upland habitats within one of the most biologically important refuges in the Pacific Flyway.

• March 16, 2026 - September 12, 2026; 26 weeks;
• Full time (40 hours/week);
• Schedule:
  
  Monday - Friday; 8 hours daily. Flexible Friday schedule available.

The 50,092-acre refuge is a varied mix of intensively managed shallow marshes, open water, grassy uplands, and croplands that provide feeding, resting, nesting, and brood-rearing habitat for waterfowl and other water birds. This refuge is one of the most biologically productive refuges within the Pacific Flyway. Approximately 80 percent of the flyway's migrating waterfowl pass through the Klamath Basin on both spring and fall migrations, with 50 percent using the refuge.

The mission of the National Wildlife Refuge System is to administer a national network of lands and waters for the conservation, management and, where appropriate, restoration of the fish, wildlife and plant resources and their habitats within the United States for the benefit of present and future generations of Americans. The positions will be based at our headquarters on the Tule Lake NWR office at 4009 Hill Road, CA, 96134.

Surveys and treatments of invasive species will take place primarily at Lower Klamath and Tulelake NWRs, with occasional work at Clear Lake, Bear Valley, Upper Klamath, and Klamath Marsh NWRs.

Compensation: $23 hourly

• Company-paid comprehensive medical, dental (with option to upgrade in coverage), and vision insurance premiums;
• $25,000 Basic Life & AD&D insurance at no cost;
• Personal leave and holidays;
• Access to Pro Deals.

Housing:
Will not be provided and the selected participant will be expected to procure housing on their own.

Work is performed outdoors in rugged terrain which may include steep, wet, muddy, rough, uneven, or rocky surfaces. The position requires physical exertions, such as, bending, crouching, stooping, stretching, reaching, and similar activities. Incumbents should be capable of carrying up to 30 lb. packs for long durations including backpack sprayers while wearing required personal protective equipment (PPE) in extreme temperatures. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Required:

• Applicants must be pursuing or have acquired a degree in wildlife biology, zoology, ecology, botany, or related field, or have equivalent specialized experience;
• Ability to identify native and non-native plants in northern California and southern Oregon;
• Ability to oversee and direct the work of others as well as work independently…