Grays Lake National Wildlife Refuge – Range Technician Individual Placement

Northwest Youth Corps is seeking a Range Technician for a 16-week placement at Grays Lake National Wildlife Refuge in Wayan, ID, from June to September. The role involves repairing barbed wire fences, posting boundaries, and assisting with vegetative surveys. Candidates must be aged 18-30 (up to 35 for veterans), a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, and possess a high school diploma or GED.
Position Summary


The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is recruiting one 16-week individual placement beginning June- September to provide Range Technician Individual Placement support at Wayan, ID. The members will serve with the National Wildlife Refuge System. The Individual Placement will assist staff with repairing and maintaining barbed wire fence necessary to implement the prescribed grazing program. Other duties will include posting Refuge boundaries and assisting with vegetative surveys and control.


About Northwest Youth Corps (NYC)


Northwest Youth Corps was created in 1984 to offer teenagers and young adults an education-based, work experience modeled after the historic Civilian Conservation Corps of the 1930’s. Today, we serve over 1,000 youth and young adults each year across a four-state region who restore critical habitat, build trails, lead volunteers, and educate youth and young adults to learn, grow and experience success.


About Grays Lake National Wildlife Refuge


Grays Lake National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1965 for the purpose of protecting parts of the historic Grays Lake wetland which provide habitat for waterfowl, shorebirds, and wading birds, including sandhill cranes. This unique refuge consists of 22,000 acres of predominantly wetland habitat and is North America’s largest contiguous montane bulrush marsh. Other focal habitat types include wet meadow, sagebrush steppe, and aspen/conifer forest. Grays Lake is bordered on the east side by the Caribou-Targhee National Forest and is overlooked by Caribou Mountain, the tallest peak in the Caribou range. Wildlife is diverse with about 200 species of birds having been observed at Grays Lake. Native wildflowers are also abundant here, with gorgeous and diverse blooms dotting the landscape from May to July. At approximately 6,500 feet elevation, the growing season is short and cool temperatures at night are common. Weather can be unpredictable, with hailstorms occurring in mid-July, and the first frost occurring as early as late August. The refuge headquarters and lodging are located in the Grays Lake valley, Wayan ID, in northern Caribou and southern Bonneville counties. Grays Lake is the most remote refuge in the Southeast Idaho complex. The nearest amenities (groceries, gas, medical care, etc.) are ~45 minutes away in Soda Springs, ID (40 miles) or Thayne, WY (32 miles). Cell phone service is sparse to non-existent at Grays Lake depending on the provider. It is a 1.5-hour drive to Jackson Hole, WY, which is a gateway to Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks. It is also approximately a 1.5-hour drive to Pocatello and Idaho Falls, ID, larger cities in southeast Idaho. These cities offer more grocery and dining options as well as local, popular events including farmers markets, rodeos, and festivals.


Duties and Responsibilities



Build and repair barbed wire fences, post Refuge boundaries with posts and signs (75%)
Assist with monitoring prescribed grazing results through vegetative surveys (25%)
Successfully complete USFWS ATV training and safely operate ATVs

Required Qualifications



Ages 18-30 (up to 35 for veterans)
U.S. Citizen or lawful, permanent resident
Must pass a background/driver check
High school diploma/ GED

Desired Qualifications



Driver’s License
Personal transportation
Ability to work outside in all weather conditions
Ability life 50lbs and walk over uneven terrain over long distances

Duty Location


Duties are performed within Grays Lake NWR. A bunkhouse is on site and a room will be available. Shared laundry and common kitchen/appliances are available for use.


Terms of Employment


One individual placement will complete a term of service of 16 weeks (640 HR), starting June through September for a total of 16 Weeks. The individual placement will average 640 hours of labor per week, minus holidays. Individual placements are responsible for providing their own personal transportation and food. Housing may be provided.


Program Benefits


Individual placements will earn $10,240 living allowance dispersed on a monthly basis throughout the 16 weeks. The living allowance is taxable.


Application Instructions


Application Deadline: Until Filled. Interviews: Will occur as qualified applications are received. Type of position: Individual Placement. Service Dates: June – September 2026. Length of Term: 16 weeks. HOW TO APPLY: Please submit a cover letter, resume, and contact information for three professional references and completely fill out the application form found at https://nwyouthcorps.workbrightats.com/jobsearch/?job_board_classification=Internships. Please select “Grays Lake National Wildlife Refuge- Range Technician Individual Placement” when applying.


Additional Information


If you have questions about the position, please reach Northwest Youth Corps Internship Department at interns@nwyouthcorps.org or Jeremy Trimpey at jeremy_trimpey@fws.gov. All job offers are contingent upon the completion of a satisfactory background check (criminal history and driving history).