Acoustic Monitoring Specialist

POSITION DESCRIPTION: The Institute for Bird Populations (IBP) seeks a California-based acoustic
monitoring specialist to collect, manage, and process avian acoustic data from multiple research and
conservation projects across California and the western US. Duties will include organizing and archiving
acoustic data; processing acoustic data with automated sound classifiers (e.g., OpenSoundscape,
BirdNET); listening to subsets of recordings to verify AI (artificial intelligence)-generated species
identifications; managing AI classifier output and human annotation data in a database;
programming, deploying, and maintaining autonomous recording units (ARUs) for multiple projects;
training other staff to use ARUs; occasionally conducting avian point counts or single-species surveys
to validate or augment ARU results; fulfilling other needs related to the development and
implementation of a growing portfolio of projects collecting and using avian acoustic data to study
and conserve wild birds. The successful candidate will have skills in computer science (e.g. writing,
editing, and implementing scripts in R or Python; database design and/or management), ability to
identify western birds by sound, and experience working with ARUs and acoustic data. We are looking
for a highly organized, systematic thinker with experience managing large amounts of data (in hard
storage and cloud storage) and accompanying metadata; and enthusiasm to travel and work in the field
about 10% of the year. This is a full-time, salaried staff position, with health insurance and other fringe
benefits.

ABOUT IBP: We are an international avian research and conservation organization based in Petaluma
California, with staff across the U.S. We enable science-based conservation of species and habitats by
studying the abundance, demography, and ecology of birds and other wildlife. We collaborate locally,
nationally, and globally with government agencies, universities, and NGOs to assess the effects of
climate change, land management actions, and other ecological stressors on bird populations, and
prescribe practical solutions to conservation challenges. More information is available at
www.birdpop.org.
SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE: The successful candidate will ideally have all or most of the following
attributes.

• Experience querying and/or building relational databases.
• Programming experience in R, Python, or similar computing language.
• A Bachelor’s degree in biological science, computer science, software engineering or information technology; or equivalent work experience.
• Exceptional data management and organizational skills.
• Experience processing avian acoustic data with software tools.
• Experience programming, deploying and maintaining Autonomous Recording Units (ARUs).
• Ability to identify western birds by sound.
• Experience conducting multi-species bird surveys.
• Sufficient physical ability/fitness to work in rugged terrain.
• A sense of humor and a desire to integrate into a friendly, highly collaborative team that includes other acoustic monitoring specialists.
• A clean driving record and a personal vehicle that can be driven to field sites (a normal passenger vehicle should be sufficient). Mileage reimbursement for travel to field sites will be provided.
• Availability for occasional multi-day travel to field sites throughout California.
• Meeting occasional fieldwork needs throughout California will require being based in California. Ability to work in our Petaluma office at least one day per week (or up to full-time if desired) is preferred but not strictly required.

COMPENSATION: This is a year-round staff position starting at $4,000-$4,500/month depending on skills
and proximity to our Petaluma office. Fringe benefits including health insurance will also be provided.

START DATE AND HIRING SCHEDULE: Employment will begin in early January. Application review will
begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

TO APPLY: Please email a resume, cover letter, and contact information for up to 3 references to Mandy
Holmgren at: mholmgren AT birdpop DOT org. Please specify ‘Acoustic Monitoring Technician’ in the
Subject line. No phone calls please.

IBP values diversity and encourages people from all backgrounds to apply. All qualified applicants will
receive consideration regardless of race, religion, gender identity or expression, or sexual orientation.