RebeccaBracken

Job Description: Gulf Coast Bird Observatory is seeking two (2) research interns for the summer breeding season. One position will start in mid-April and the second will start in early to mid-May; both will end in August. GCBO interns work on a variety of field projects and also spend one to two days a week doing office work. Under supervision of a GCBO biologist, interns will gain experience with: Monitoring nesting American Oystercatchers by boat including capturing and banding adults and chicks (February – July), Monitoring nesting Black Skimmers by boat including banding chicks (April – September), Monitoring nesting Wilson’s Plovers and Least Terns on the beach including capturing and banding adult and chick Wilson’s Plovers (April – July), Posting signage around nesting and loafing areas, Participating in Beach Nesting Birds outreach events, Spring Fling, monthly bird banding, and other outreach and fundraising events Equally important is office work which consists of entering field data, volunteer hours, and helping with filing tasks. Interns will also help with various fund raising and other events including Bird Camp (June). GCBO internships are designed to give recent college graduates experience in avian research, conservation, and non-profit management while they pursue a full time job or continuing their education. Qualifications: The applicant should be a recent college graduate (within the last two years) with a Bachelor’s degree in a wildlife discipline or be in their last year of study towards a degree in a wildlife discipline. All applicants must have demonstrated a desire to pursue a career in avian research and/or conservation through prior experience as a volunteer or work-related employment. Applicant must be comfortable viewing birds through binoculars and high-powered scopes, standing and walking outside along long stretches of beach habitat, riding in UTV or 4WD truck while looking for shorebirds, and monitoring from a small boat in Texas bays. Weather conditions vary and may include cold, strong winds, rain and storms, extreme heat, and high humidity – biting insects and venomous snakes may be prevalent. Candidate must be able to physically and mentally work in these conditions. A personal vehicle is required for non-work-related activities. Compensation: Housing is provided onsite at GCBO headquarters. Pets can be considered on a case by case basis. While we do not offer interns a salary, we can offer a $200/week stipend. Application Instructions: Send cover letter, resume, 3 references, and unofficial college transcript to: Dr. Rebecca Bracken at rbracken@gcbo.org. Application deadline for the summer internship is March 31st.

Gulf Coast Bird Observatory is recruiting a coastal bird technician to contribute to a project monitoring Wilson’s Plover, Least Tern, and Black Skimmer along the upper Texas coast. The successful applicant will conduct field research activities at multiple sites across coastal Texas from early to mid-April through mid-August 2024 (start and end dates flexible for the right candidate) Duties and Responsibilities Surveying for Wilson’s Plover, Least Tern, and Black Skimmer on beaches, dunes, and oyster reefs Nest searching for and monitoring of Wilson’s Plover and Least Tern Nest monitoring of Black Skimmer Assisting with capture and handling of adult and hatchling Wilson’s Plover and Black Skimmer for banding Posting signage around nesting and loafing areas Ensuring timely and thorough data entry and inventory of biological samples Appropriately filling out time sheets and mileage logs Maintaining equipment as needed Interacting with refuge managers and volunteers during project surveys and trapping days Assisting with other programs as needed, including American Oystercatcher and Black Skimmer monitoring by boat, bird camp, and outreach events Position Requirements Prior field experience surveying for and monitoring nesting shorebirds Proficient at identifying shorebirds by sight and comfortable using both binoculars and high-powered scopes Excellent organizational and data management skills Strong interpersonal skills to establish and maintain collaborative and effective working relationships with a diverse team Flexibility to live and work with variable schedules as required for fieldwork A personal vehicle is required for non-work-related activities Physical Requirements Sitting, standing, and/or hiking for extended periods of time Ability to operate a 4WD vehicle and UTV on beaches (vehicle and UTV are provided, prior experience preferred) Ability to work in coastal environments Comfortable working in adverse weather conditions, including cold, wind, rain, high humidity, and heat Comfortable working around biting insects and venomous snakes Physical agility to lift 30lbs to shoulder height and carry, push, or pull objects The above statements describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this classification. This is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties required of personnel so classified. Salary and Benefits Salary is $15 per hour. Housing will be provided on site for duration of field season. Pets can be considered on a case by case basis. This is a contract-based position. Additional benefits, including health insurance, are not provided. Application Details Individuals that meet some but not all of the position qualifications are encouraged to apply, especially those from traditionally underrepresented groups in the STEM and wildlife ecology disciplines including but not limited to women, people of color, members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community, and members of indigenous communities. To apply, please email Dr. Rebecca Bracken at rbracken@gcbo.org with: Cover letter detailing how the applicant meets the required qualifications, and why the applicant is interested in this position. Detailed resume with 3 references (please indicate your relationship to each) Please include “Coastal Bird Technician” in the subject line. Applications will be reviewed as they are received.