Avian Fatality Monitoring Field Lead

Corvus Ecological Consulting is seeking qualified biologists for an avian fatality monitoring position in Desert Center, California. The position will begin August 8, 2022 and the project willl be completed at the end of February in 2024. We are looking for 6-month committment minimum.

The field lead is responsible for overall project coordination and conducting carcass persistence and searcher efficiency trials. Field lead will oversee 3 avian fatality monitors and should be comfortable in a supervisory role. Additional tasks will include report writing assistance, data entry, data review, game camera management, photo management, equipment upkeep, transportation of injured birds, trial specimen inventory and management, and trial specimen procurement. The ideal candidate will be good at time management, problem solving, interpersonal communication, and have a strong work ethic and attention to detail. 

The work takes place in the Mojave Desert of Southern California and is year-round including summer months where temperatures often exceed 110 degrees F. Applicants should have experience working in extreme climates. 

Minimum requirements are as follows:

• Ability to walk 10 miles per day (average 40 miles per week) on uneven terrain
• Have exceptional knowledge and experience with avian communities of the Mojave Desert
• Ability to identify birds of the Mojave Desert by sight
• Have experience with GPS units, basecamp software, and topographic maps
• Experience with digital data collection systems or databases
• Bachelor of Science in biology or related field
• A minimum of 2 years of field experience working with birds. Work conducted as part of a university course is not included, thesis or dissertation experience can be included.
• Have a keen eye for details
• A valid driver’s license and clean driving record
• Have experience working with individuals from a variety of backgrounds

Preference will be given to candidates that have experience conducting avian surveys on renewable energy facilities especially, related to fatality monitoring. 

Compensation includes:

• Shared housing in Desert Center, CA
• $52,000/year as a salaried position
• Reimbursement for vehicle use for onsite project miles

To apply please send a cover letter, résumé, and list of 3 references with phone numbers and email addresses to jobs@corvusecological.com.  No phone calls please. References, cover letter and résumé should specifically address the qualifications outlined in this announcement and the candidate’s experience. If the minimum requirements outlined above with respect to field experience are not demonstrated in application packet, you will not be contacted for an interview. The preferred method of attachment is as a single document or a zip file of separate documents.