Natural Resources Technician – Tinker Air Force Base, OK

Austin Community College; Oklahoma City (OK); On-site; USD 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational institution is seeking a Natural Resources Technician for a seasonal role on-site at Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma. This role provides entry-level training in natural resource management, including fauna and flora surveys, invasive species control, and public outreach. Candidates should be pursuing a B.S. in natural resources with relevant experience in fieldwork. Reliable transportation is required, and the position spans up to 215 working days.

Qualifications

• Pursuing a B.S. in natural resources or related field with senior standing.
• 3 months to 3 years of relevant experience preferred.
• Basic field data collection skills required.

Responsibilities

• Support natural resources program at Tinker Air Force Base.
• Conduct fauna/flora surveys and invasive species management.
• Manage GPS data collection and public outreach.

Skills

Field data collection skills

GPS-based mapping

Flora/fauna monitoring

Habitat restoration

Education

B.S. in natural resources or related field

Tools

GIS software (e.g., ArcGIS Pro)

Powered tools and heavy equipment

Job description

Natural Resources Technician (Seasonal Worker, Full‑time, 40 hours/week) position is available with the Colorado State University (CSU) Center for Environmental Management of Military Lands (CEMML). This position will provide entry‑level training and experience on a range of natural resources projects supporting the Natural Resources Management (NRM) program at Tinker Air Force Base, OK.

The technician will support the natural resources program, as well as, Air Force Conservation, USDA Wildlife Services and USFWS shadowing.

Potential position tasks may include fauna/flora surveys, urban forestry (surveys, pruning, planting, forest product, staging area management), outdoor recreation (tours, trail, fence & signage maintenance, angler checks), invasive species control/management, prairie/woodland restoration.

This position is not‑to‑exceed 215 working days.

This position is onsite, and the Natural Resources Technician must have reliable transportation to the site. The ECDP is unable to provide relocation or housing stipends.

Position Location: Tinker Air Force Base, OK.

Tinker AFB is a 5,580‑acre United States military installation located five miles southeast of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. The Tinker AFB natural resources program is responsible for ensuring the base’s compliance with all applicable environmental laws and regulations, while also managing the undeveloped and semi‑developed portions of the installation to support the mission and provide base personnel with continued access to these outdoor areas.

Fieldwork

• Management of wildlife, vegetation, invasive species, threatened and endangered species, wetlands, forests, and outdoor recreation areas
• GPS data collection, field mapping, photography
• Public outreach and education

Administrative

• Data entry and management
• Public outreach
• Preparing site forms
• Writing technical reports
• Compliance documents
• Database and data management
• Spatial analysis
• Preparing correspondence and other documentation

  Conditions of Employment

  • Pre‑employment Criminal Background Check (required for new hires)
  • Valid driver’s license (or ability to obtain by employment start date)
  • Legal authorization to work in the U.S. by proposed start date; no visa sponsorship
  • Pass federal background investigation to obtain a Department of Defense Installation Access Pass; must possess a Real ID or passport
  • Ability to work long hours independently in remote, rugged field conditions under harsh weather conditions

  Supervision: None

  Minimum Qualifications

  • Pursuing a B.S. in natural resources, cultural resources, ecosystem science, or environmental policy‑related field (at least a senior standing)
  • At least 3 months and no more than 3 years of relevant experience, which may include internships, fieldwork, seasonal jobs, volunteer work, or applied coursework
  • Basic field data collection skills (e.g., vegetation surveys, wildlife monitoring, GPS‑based mapping; academic or field school experience would count)

  Preferred Qualifications

  • Currently enrolled or holder of a Graduate Degree in natural resources, biology, or environmental science‑related fields
  • Experience using GPS equipment to collect field data
  • Experience in flora and/or fauna monitoring or management (specify taxa/ecosystem/regions of prior experience)
  • Experience with threatened and endangered/sensitive species monitoring and management
  • Experience performing habitat restoration or invasive species management
  • Experience with manual labor using powered tools and heavy equipment such as chainsaws, weed‑eaters, mowers, tractors, ATVs/UTVs
  • Proficiency with GIS software (e.g., ArcGIS Pro) and database management