Natural Resources Field Technician 04078 NWRC

Location: Salt Lake City, UT/Idaho Falls, ID (With work travel to Utah)
Title: Natural Resources Field Technician
Schedule (FT/PT): Temporary Full Time
Travel Required: Yes (75-100%)
Government Clearance: Ability to Obtain

Incorporated in 2011, North Wind Resource Consulting's core capabilities include environmental documentation and permitting; natural and cultural resource surveys; wildlife and botanical expertise; National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) technical services; historic and prehistoric surveys; environmental consultation such as Section 106 for cultural resources, Section 404 for wetlands, and Section 7 for endangered species); and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and mapping capabilities. North Wind Resource Consulting maintains offices across the country.

POSITION PURPOSE:
This is a field-based position that requires working outdoors in environments where weather and terrain can be demanding. Field teams generally work 10–12-hour days with an 8 days on/6 days off schedule. The technician will work closely with a team, typically with a Field Technician Lead, to collect data and complete survey tasks. This position requires someone who can quickly learn new tasks, demonstrate attention to detail, and can be trusted to make smart decisions without constant supervision. Technicians are encouraged to show initiative, maintain a strong work ethic, and be proactive in supporting the team's goals. The position will report to a Project Manager in Idaho Falls, Idaho, though the technician may be stationed near the survey area.

The anticipated start date for this position is around April/May, with exact dates to be confirmed closer to the field season. The position is expected to run until September 30, with potential opportunities for extension based on performance and project needs. Start and end date flexibility to accommodate college schedules can be arranged if necessary.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Work closely in a team of 2-3 in data collection and field sampling assignments, assisting in all aspects of data collection related to the NRCS's National Resources Inventory (NRI) methodology.
• Follow established field protocols, ensuring safety standards and quality of work during outdoor field operations.
• Demonstrate a willingness to learn new skills and techniques in vegetation sampling, soil characterization, and other relevant tasks.
• Participate in maintaining the accuracy and completeness of collected data, ensuring it is properly entered, reviewed and uploaded to the appropriate channels.
• Provide assistance to the Field Lead and other team members as needed to ensure data quality, safety, and efficiency during fieldwork.
• Assist in navigating off-trail and operating 4WD vehicles on remote, unmaintained roads.
• Support in proper care and maintenance of all equipment, including vehicles, to avoid unnecessary damage or loss.

ADDITIONAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assist with logistical planning and preparation for field hitches, including preparing materials such as maps and equipment.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Education and Experience:

• High School Diploma
• Experience and knowledge related to working and traveling in outdoor, remote environments
• Knowledge of or Interest in learning vegetation identification, soil sampling techniques, and data collection protocols.

Skills and Abilities:

• Willingness to learn and attention to detail.
• Ability to work effectively in a team setting, under the guidance of a field lead, contributing to the team's success and goals.
• Demonstrated initiative and self-reliance in completing tasks and solving challenges in a remote environment.
• Proactive attitude and a commitment to improving technical skills and knowledge.
• Good communication skills and ability to take direction and follow protocols while taking responsibility for assigned tasks.
• Ability to make safe, intelligent decisions in the field with guidance from the team lead.

Special Requirements:

• Ability to travel and work a rotating schedule of 8 days on and 6 days off with overtime.
• Valid driver's license.
• Must be able to pass a pre-employment drug test and background check.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Applicants working toward a degree in botany, range science, soil science, biology, or a related field with relevant coursework (e.g., plant identification, natural resources, etc.) and/or prior experience in vegetation sampling, soil characterization, or related outdoor fieldwork are preferred.
• Experience safely operating 4WD trucks on paved and unpaved roads, often in remote, rugged terrain
• Experience with identifying vegetation to species and/or knowledge of vegetation and soil survey monitoring techniques
• Familiarity with NRCS's National Resources Inventory (NRI) methodology and/or BLM's Assessment, Inventory, and Monitoring (AIM) protocols
• Demonstrated interest in leadership and potential to grow into a team lead role
• GPS experience

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Ability to walk long distances (up to several miles per day) over rugged and uneven terrain while maintaining an efficient pace to meet project deadlines and team productivity standards
• Must have the physical stamina to work outdoors for extended hours, often in challenging hot or cold weather conditions, and carry equipment and supplies weighing up to 30 pounds

WORKING ENVIRONMENT:

• Extended travel and outdoor fieldwork in remote, rugged environments
• Long drives in company vehicles to access survey locations, often traveling between remote areas, hotels, and project sites on both paved and unpaved roads. Drive times can vary depending on project location and where the employee is stationed.

North Wind offers a competitive pay and benefits package to include health, life, and disability insurance benefits, 401(k) with company match, generous paid leave and tuition reimbursement for eligible employees. As a company, we are committed to employee wellness, professional development, and work-life balance. We value safety, reliability, and commitment to our people! For more information about our benefits or hiring philosophy, visit the North Wind Career Opportunities Page.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The nature of those accommodations will be determined on a case-by-case basis. If you are an individual with a disability and require a reasonable accommodation to complete any part of the application process, or are limited in the ability or unable to access or use this online application process and need an alternative method for applying, you may contact our Helpline Show phone number or use the Request for Reasonable Accommodation ( form to get assistance.

North Wind is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer and welcomes all qualified applicants. Applicants will receive fair and impartial consideration without regard to race, sex, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic data, religion, or other legally protected status. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.

Proof of citizenship will be required as a condition of employment.

Candidates may be required to obtain and hold a Secret or Higher US Government Clearance.