Individual Placement - Cave and Natural Resource Management Assistant at Oregon Caves National Monument & Preserve

Position Summary

This interdisciplinary natural resource management position supports multiple wildlife and cave habitat monitoring efforts at Oregon Caves National Monument and Preserve. The participant will assist with acoustic monitoring of owls and bats, cave climate monitoring, International Dark Sky Park monitoring, GIS and GPS inventory and mapping, wildlife camera review, pollinator surveys, and general natural resource data collection. Work will include both office-based data processing and field-based monitoring in rugged terrain and variable weather conditions. The role contributes directly to resource stewardship by producing accurate datasets, draft maps, reports, and updated standard operating procedures. The participant will also complete an independent project aligned with ongoing natural resource priorities.

Location

Cave Junction, OR

Schedule

May 11, 2026 - October 30, 2026

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Participate in natural resource monitoring, including hydrological, biological, and cave-related fieldwork
• Assist with owl and bat acoustic field equipment deployment and data collection, processing, compiling, and error-correcting
• Conduct GIS and GPS inventory and mapping tasks, including draft maps and project collaboration
• Review and identify wildlife camera images and maintain associated datasets
• Perform database management, data entry, and data quality checks
• Draft reports and collaborate on written documentation for resource management projects
• Update Standard Operating Procedures and associated safety materials.

Marginal Duties

• Contribute to bee and salamander habitat modeling using available datasets and software tools
• Assist with bat capture events using mist nets
• Assist with general office tasks, equipment organization, or field preparation as needed
• Support additional resource management projects depending on seasonal priorities or emerging needs
• Provide occasional assistance with outreach or resource education activities when appropriate

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or recent coursework in natural sciences, ecology, conservation, or GIS
• Valid driver's license and a safe driving record
• Ability to successfully complete a federal background clearance prior to appointment. Ability to work both independently and as part of a team in office and rugged field settings
• Ability to traverse uneven terrain, slopes, wet areas, and snow-covered areas
• Competence in collecting data following established protocols and accurately maintaining records
• Ability to analyze and translate scientific information for reports and documentation
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office software

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

Caving experience and familiarity with safe caving protocols Experience with wildlife monitoring or wildlife camera data review and ID Callback survey experience with owls Skills in R statistical analysis or GIS analysis tools; Experience processing bat acoustic files using Sonobat or Kaleidoscope software;

Hours

40 per week

Living Accommodations

Park housing is available and provided at no cost to the participant. Accommodations will consist of a shared or private room within a shared house or dormitory-style building. Housing includes full kitchen appliances, a furnished living room, dishes, a bathroom and shower, laundry facilities, food storage space, a closet, a chest of drawers, a twin bed, and a mattress. Wi-Fi is available, though connectivity may be limited. The housing is located near the cave area, surrounded by the majestic forests of the Pacific Northwest. Participants should plan to bring their own clothing, personal items, outdoor gear, bedding, and food.

Compensation

• $1,100 travel allowance (one-time) – Personal vehicle highly recommended
• $615 weekly living allowance (paid bi-weekly)
• All Weather SCA Uniform Package
• Housing on site provided

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

Personal Vehicle Information

Recommended

Additional Benefits

Defensive Drive Training

First Aid/CPR

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.