On Call Avian Biologist / Field Ornithologist

On Call Avian Biologist / Field Ornithologist
 

Location: Any (United States) – Work from where you are! - We are seeking candidates to add to our national network of biologists with a flexible ability to travel within 200 miles from where they are based for Avian Stage-of-Nesting surveys as needed.
 

Start Date: Spring 2023

About the Organization: Cell Tower Osprey Management (CTOM) provides technical assistance and compliance support to the wireless communications industry when birds are found nesting on their equipment and structures.
 

Position Overview: On call biologists will survey cell towers and other structures that host nests to identify nesting species, determine stage-of-nesting, monitor service restoration work near nesting birds to minimize disturbance and support compliance, and monitor inactive nest removals when authorized. Survey periods range from two hours to multiple days depending on the nesting species and specific project needs.
 

Please note: This is an as-needed contract position, most active during March-August. Surveys may be necessary outside of this window to rule out species of concern from nest sites. Scheduling is flexible to fit around your other commitments and the work can move and travel with you.
 

Essential Skills, Experience and Responsibilities: On call biologists should have good avian identification skills and understand the behavior of most tower-nesting birds including Ospreys, Bald eagles, Red-tailed hawks, and Corvids. Biologists may be required to age chicks when present from ground-level.

Surveys are time sensitive and require the biologist to be on-site within 2-3 days of notification. Legible note taking and photographs are required. There are times when locals within line-of-sight of the tower-nest will need to be interviewed for their knowledge on the nesting birds. A willingness to interface with the tower crews may also be required.

A degree in biological sciences or equivalent field experience with strong avian identification skills, familiarity with avian nesting behaviors, familiarity with Microsoft Excel, and ornithology field experience preferred.
 

Materials and Equipment Required: Reliable transportation, binoculars, high-powered spotting scope with cell phone adapter or a high-quality digital camera with telephoto optics, and computer with internet access are all required.
 

Compensation: This is a consultant role paid per site. Mileage, hotel, and tolls are reimbursed and a per diem is issued for any travel over 200 miles. Hourly observation rates, depending on experience, range from $75 to $100 per hour. Office/administration hours for data entry are paid $50 per hour. Invoices are paid monthly.

To Apply: Please send a resume and/or CV to principal Kathy Maechtle at kathy@ctompro.com.