Individual Placement - Wildlife Crew Member at Sierra National Forest

Position Summary 

This Wildlife Crew Member will primarily focus on wildlife surveys and wildlife related office work with the potential for experience with other departments within the Ranger District including but not limited to timber/silviculture, visitor information services, recreation, archaeology, range management, and off-highway vehicle trail maintenance.

Location 

Prather, CA

Schedule 

April 1, 2026 - August 28, 2026

Key Duties and Responsibilities 

Assist and participate in surveys for threatened, endangered, or otherwise sensitive wildlife species including but not limited to California spotted owl, great gray owl, Northern goshawk, bald eagle, and Pacific fisher. Wildlife surveys will be in support of various fuel reduction, timber sale, and forest resiliency projects on the Sierra National Forest. Duties are both field-based and office work, including but not limited to reading and understanding survey protocols, studying bird vocalizations, animal husbandry (mice), completing accurate data sheets, data entry, and maintenance of field gear and vehicles. Intern may also receive ArcGIS Pro training and create maps. Work schedule is highly variable, and changes frequently between nocturnal surveys for owls and early-morning follow-up shifts. Owl surveys will be performed in remote mountainous terrain at night in a team of two people. Interns must be comfortable working under these conditions. All field work includes driving on rugged mountain roads with a four-wheel drive truck during day and night hours. Additionally, strenuous hiking long distances over steep, rugged terrain (off trail) with numerous logs and drainages to cross over, carrying a backpack will be required. Housing and survey locations may have limited internet and cell coverage. Cell phone use and iPod/headphones use is not allowed during surveys but fine at other times.

Marginal Duties 

Assist with occasional administrative tasks such as data entry, filing, or inventory tracking as needed.

Support team operations by helping with logistics, equipment organization, or general site upkeep.

Required Qualifications 

Applicants are preferably studying wildlife biology or a related discipline. Interns must be prepared to handle working in all weather conditions and strenuous hiking. Good physical fitness is required. Be sure to bring a heavy coat, 6-inch hiking boots, hat, gloves. You may be asked to survey in the rain, or hike in the snow. Owl surveys occur at night. Valid driver’s license required.

This SCA Position is authorized under the Public Land Corps Authority. All participants must be between the ages of 16 and 30, inclusive, or veterans age 35 or younger. Participants must also be a citizen or national of the United States or lawful permanent resident alien of the United States. Hours served can be applied toward the Public Land Corps (PLC) hiring authority.

Preferred Qualifications 

Strong communication and teamwork skills with the ability to work effectively in diverse groups.

Prior experience in fieldwork, outdoor settings, or similar service‑oriented roles.

Hours 

40 per week

Living Accommodations 

Housing is included. Government housing should be available

Compensation  

$450/week and a one-time $1,100 round trip travel allowance

All allowances are subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes. 

Personal Vehicle Information

Required

Additional Benefits 

AmeriCorps: Not Eligible

Equal Opportunity Statement 

The Student Conservation Association, Inc., is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The SCA strives to cultivate a work environment that encourages fairness, teamwork, and respect among all staff members and is committed to maintaining a work atmosphere where lifestyles may grow personally and professionally.