Individual Placement - Richard J. Guadagno Habitat & Wildlife Fellow at Student Conservation Association

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Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

12 Mar, 26

Salary

600.0

Posted On

12 Dec, 25

Experience

0 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Waterbird Surveys, Water Quality Surveys, Vegetation Surveys, Dune Abiotic Monitoring, Invasive Plant Mapping, Public Outreach, Environmental Education, GIS, GPS, Database Management

Industry

Environmental Services

Description

Position Summary Richard J. Guadagno was a passenger on United Flight 93 on September 11, 2001. His love for animals and the outdoors, led him to a career as a biologist with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, dedicating his life to protecting the environment. After graduating from Rutgers University, he worked for seventeen years in refuges in New Jersey, Delaware, Oregon, and finally, Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge where he was a Refuge Manager. In Richard’s memory, the Guadagno Family sponsors one exceptional candidate to continue their career aspirations through the Richard J. Guadagno Fellow experience at Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge in California and a second Fellow at the Flight 93 Memorial annually. The Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge Complex is seeking a motivated individual to serve as the Richard J. Guadagno Fellow from April 13, 2026 to September 28, 2026. This unique Refuge is home to a wide variety of habitats, communities, and species and the incumbent will perform a variety of work that matches this diversity. Through the peak of winter migratory bird activity, work will be focused on bird surveys and waterbird habitat management. Late-spring and summer work will focus on native dune and salt marsh restoration and management. The incumbent will also have opportunities to assist with environmental education and interpretive tours. This is also a great opportunity to connect to a network of land managers and leading researchers in their respected fields. Location Loleta, CA Schedule April 13, 2026 - September 18, 2026 Work is typically 30-40 hours / week, mostly on weekdays, but with special events on some weekends. Key Duties and Responsibilities Waterbird surveys Water quality surveys Vegetation surveys Dune abiotic monitoring Invasive plant mapping and removal Public outreach and environmental education Marginal Duties Facilities maintenance and light construction Required Qualifications Ability to work outside in coastal California Natural Resources (Biology, Wildlife, Botany) BS or MS (preferred) Strong desire to learn and contribute to refuge conservation priorities Water bird ID skills (preferred) GIS/GPS experience (preferred) Database management (preferred) 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 Knowledge of local plant species Local candidates and students/alum from Cal Poly Humboldt's Wildlife Conservation Department Some experience counting large flocks Hours 40 per week Living Accommodations There is a bunkhouse located on the Salmon Creek Unit in Loleta, CA. Refuge vehicles are available to travel between work sites; however, due to the remote location of the bunkhouse we recommend having a personal vehicle. While refuge housing provides an amazing opportunity to live amongst the resources, there is a lack of connectivity; meaning no broadcast TV and no internet (though there is a strong 4G LTE signal). Compensation Living allowance - $600/week Housing allowance - $800/month All allowances are subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes. Personal Vehicle Information Recommended 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.

Responsibilities

The incumbent will conduct waterbird surveys and manage waterbird habitats during winter migratory bird activity. In late spring and summer, the focus will shift to native dune and salt marsh restoration and management.