Avian Field Biologist (San Clemente Loggerhead Shrike)

Avian Field Biologist (San Clemente Loggerhead Shrike)

Job Description: The Institute for Wildlife Studies (IWS) is seeking applicants for 1 full-time avian field biologist to assist with the release and monitoring of the San Clemente Loggerhead Shrike (SCLS), a federally endangered, endemic subspecies on San Clemente Island (SCI), California. SCI is the southernmost of the California Channel Islands, located 68 miles off the coast of San Diego.

Expected Start Date: September 1, 2024.

Field Biologist duties include, but are not limited to:

1.      Nest searching and monitoring.

2.      Behavioral observation and color-band re-sighting of wild and captive shrikes.

3.      Releasing captive-origin shrikes and providing supplemental food to captive and released shrikes.

4.      Trapping and banding (depending on permitting qualifications) nestling and adult shrikes.

5.      Cage construction and maintenance.

6.      Data management in Microsoft Access, Microsoft Excel, and in ArcView GIS.

7.      Day-to-day upkeep of the field station and IWS equipment.

8.      Assisting with other projects on island as needed.

Qualifications: We are seeking enthusiastic biologists with strong fieldwork and research backgrounds who are committed to conservation and applied ecology. This position requires extreme patience, sharp observation skills using spotting scopes and binoculars, and the ability to hike daily in steep, rugged terrain.

Because this work is conducted on a military installation, each applicant must be a citizen of the United States or be covered under a TN NAFTA work visa. A valid U.S. driver’s license is also required. In addition, the Navy will perform a post-hire background check before issuing a base access credential.

Applicants should have a B.S. in wildlife biology, ecology, or a related field and have experience with avian biology.

Preferred qualifications include experience with:

·         At least one season of nest searching and monitoring.

·         Behavioral observations of color-banded passerines.

·         Operating 4-wheel drive vehicles on primitive roads.

·         Experience hiking or backpacking in steep terrain.

Applicants should be in excellent physical condition and be comfortable hiking alone for 3–7 miles with a 30–40 pound pack in steep, rocky, cactus-covered terrain and in temperatures ranging from 40–100°F.

SCI is owned and operated by the U.S. Navy as a training facility. Personnel will be required to follow established military protocols and rules, including keeping working and living spaces clean and organized.

Applicants should enjoy living as part of a small research community in a busy field station, interacting with biologists working on other projects, and working with military personnel and members of other organizations who may have varying missions, opinions, and personalities. Additionally, applicants must be willing to participate in the day-to-day upkeep of a busy field station, including cleaning work vehicles and shared kitchen/office space. Flights on and off the island are provided at no cost. All employment offers are contingent on the insurability of the applicant by IWS and applicants will be asked to provide information to verify their driving record. Additional information regarding IWS research on SCI is available on the IWS website (www.iws.org).

Compensation: The work schedule is 10 days on San Clemente Island, and 4 days off (off-island), which averages 40 hours of work a week. Compensation is based on an hourly rate of $18.41/hr. However, scheduled overtime results in average gross earnings of approximately $4,000 per month.

Additional compensation includes:

·         Housing during 10-day stints on SCI.

·         Food reimbursement of up to $12.50/day on island.

·         Fully stocked kitchen with some Navy-supplied food items.

·         Benefits including employer-paid health insurance, sick leave, and paid holidays.

Please Note:

·         Housing is only provided for 10-day stints on island. Employees are not on SCI for their 4 days off and arrange their own lodgings on days off.

·         Pets are NOT allowed on SCI.

Application Procedure: To apply send a single PDF file containing a combined cover letter, resume, and names and contact information for 3 professional references (including telephone number, email, and work address). Send application materials to Caleb Arellano at iwsjobs@iws.org. Please indicate “Shrike Biologist Application” in the subject heading.  

Applications will be accepted until August 9, 2024. Applications will be reviewed in the order they are received, and we therefore encourage interested individuals to apply promptly.