On Call Avian Biologist / Field Ornithologist

Title: On Call Avian Biologist / Field Ornithologist
 

Location: Multiple – Remote
We are seeking candidates with a flexible ability to conduct seasonal avian nest surveys and monitoring work in the following states, with occasional ability to travel over 200 miles:

New York, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Kentucky, Tennessee, Alabama, Georgia
 

Start Date: Spring 2024
 

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 are most often done in a two-hour range; however, this can sometimes scale up to multiple days depending on the nesting species and specific project needs. Work monitoring typically requires weekday morning availability, which is most needed for areas in the Northeast.
 

Please note: This is an as-needed contract position during the breeding season, typically March-August. Nest removal monitoring may occur outside of this window.
 

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: Mileage, hotel, and tolls are reimbursed as well as a per diem for travel over 200 miles. Hourly observation rates start at $85 per hour. Office/administration hours for data entry are paid $50 per hour. Invoices are paid monthly.
 

To Apply: Please send any questions or your resume and/or CV for consideration to Rachael at support@ctompro.com, noting which geographical areas you are available for.