AmeriCorps Biological Technician; USFWS, Southeast Idaho Refuge Complex

Ameri Corps Biological Technician (USFWS, Southeast Idaho Refuge Complex) Great Basin Institute - Rupert, Idaho, United States

Position Title:

Ameri Corps Biological Technician (USFWS, Southeast Idaho Refuge Complex)

Position Type:
Temporary Position

Application Review Begins:
Friday, February 13, 2026

Department/Division:
Research Associate Program

City:
Rupert, Idaho, United States

General Information:
The Research Associate Program at GBI, in cooperation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, is recruiting up to one (1) Ameri Corps member to serve as a Biological Technician. The Biological Technician will serve closely with the USFWS Biologists to implement a wide variety of projects that aim to maintain and enhance the quality of the National Wildlife Refuge Complex located within Southeast Idaho.

The primary focus of these positions will be conducting baseline pollinator inventories, experimental wet meadow restoration in support of pollinator populations, and continuing implementation of new invasive species management programs. These pollinator-centric practices represent some of the first stages of pollinator focused monitoring and restoration at National Wildlife Refuges in this region and will set the stage for critical work in this field.

They are one aspect of a larger invasive species management strategy that emphasizes habitat restoration and quantitative methods of evaluation. Additionally, technicians will participate in other aspects of the Southeast Idaho National Wildlife Refuge Complex biology program.

• Minidoka NWR:
  Late April/early May; 26 week appointment;
• Full time (40 hours/week);
• Schedule:
  
  9-hour days with every other Friday off.

Minidoka National Wildlife Refuge is located on the Snake River Plain in south-central Idaho, 12 miles northeast of Rupert. It includes 80 miles of shoreline around Lake Walcott, from Minidoka Dam upstream about 25 miles. The refuge headquarters is located in Lake Walcott State Park. The USFWS manages the refuge. The US Bureau of Reclamation operates the dam and power plant and controls the water levels in the reservoir.

The Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation manages Lake Walcott State Park, a 30-acre park near the dam that offers campgrounds, picnic areas, a disc golf course, cabins, and a boat ramp. About half of the refuge’s ~24,000 acres are open water and wetlands. The rest of the refuge is low, rolling uplands covered by sagebrush, grasses and isolated juniper patches amongst scattered outcrops of basalt.

In this arid landscape, open water and wetland resources serve as an oasis drawing numerous wildlife species from miles around. Minidoka NWR attracts migrating and nesting waterfowl, shorebirds and songbirds as well as pronghorn, mule deer, porcupine, raccoon, and mink. Rare wildlife on the refuge includes elk, moose, otter, bobcat, mountain lion and the St. Anthony Dune Tiger Beetle. Over 230 species of birds can be seen on the refuge, and from July – September, we can have over 100,000 molting ducks and geese.

Groceries, medical care, and other services are 15 minutes away in Rupert and Walmart and Smiths are 30 minutes away in Burley. Larger stores and dining options can be found 1 hour away in Pocatello and Twin Falls. Minidoka NWR is central to exceptional outdoor recreation opportunities and larger cities including 2 hours to the mouth of the Sawtooth Mountains and Craters of the Moon National Monument & Preserve, 2.5 hours from Boise and Salt Lake City, 3.5 hours from Yellowstone National Park, 4 hours from Grand Teton National Park, and 6.5 hours from Great Basin, Arches, Canyonlands, Zion, Bryce Canyon and Capitol Reef National Parks.

Living Allowance: $325.00 weekly before taxes;
Segal Ameri Corps Education Award: $3,697.50 upon successful completion of term;

• Company-paid comprehensive medical, dental (with option to upgrade in coverage), and vision insurance;
• $25,000 Basic Life & AD&D insurance at no cost;
• Access to Pro Deals.
• Housing:
  Will be provided for selected participants at no additional costs.

After successfully completing an Ameri Corps term of service members…