Technicians and Lead Technician for Avian Surveys and Banding in Sierra Nevada Meadows

Technicians and Lead Technician for Avian Surveys and Banding in Sierra Nevada Meadows

We are seeking a Seasonal Lead Technician (1 position) and Seasonal Technicians (2 positions) to collect demographic data on birds breeding in meadow habitats in the iconic Sierra Nevada Mountains of California. Field work includes nest searching, nest monitoring, territory mapping, banding, and vegetation and habitat surveys for birds breeding in meadow habitats of the iconic Sierra Nevada Mountains of California. These positions collect data that will be used to inform the restoration and stewardship of meadows in the Sierra Nevada and Southern Cascades.

Point Blue is committed to increasing diversity, equity, and inclusion. We strongly encourage applications from people with backgrounds that are under-represented in the conservation community.

Duration: 
•    Lead Technician: April 22 – August 16, 2024. Start date is subject to delay based on snowpack conditions.
•    Technician: April 29 – August 9, 2024 (Chester); May 13 – August 9, 2024 (Truckee). Start dates are somewhat flexible depending on experience, and subject to delay based on snowpack conditions.

Location: Chester and Truckee, CA
•    Lead Technician: This position will be based near Chester and work primarily in Childs Meadow. May require occasional travel to other meadows in the northern Sierra Nevada region.
•    Technician: One position will be based out of Chester and work primarily in Childs Meadow. One position will be based out of Truckee and work primarily in Van Norden Meadow. Both positions may require occasional travel to other meadows in the northern Sierra Nevada region.

Job type: Full-time, seasonal

Compensation: Lead Technician: $24 per hour, depending on experience, with overtime pay according to California State law. Technician: $21 per hour, depending on experience, with overtime pay according to California State law. Shared housing or campsite, and utilities, are provided at a cost of $60.16 per week. Benefits limited to 40 hours of sick pay.

Primary duties include but are not limited to: Territory mapping, nest searching, and nest monitoring for 8 passerine species; vegetation and habitat surveys; data entry and proofing; navigating cross-country in wetland habitats with dense vegetation, standing water, and uneven ground. The Lead Technician will serve as the lead bander in charge at 2 MAPS stations. The Technicians will assist with banding and extracting birds at two MAPS stations, depending on prior experience. All positions may assist with point count surveys depending on experience. The Lead Technician will train and supervise the two Technicians to ensure data is collected and entered accurately, completely, and to-protocol. Work weeks vary from 5-6 days and are typically 40-45 hours but vary from 35-50 hours.

Qualifications:
•    Lead Technician: Must have at least one full season of work experience nest searching and territory mapping for passerine species.
•    Lead Technician: Must have at least one season of work experience banding passerine and near-passerine species as a lead bander.
•    Technician: Must have work experience nest searching for passerine species.
•    Must be able to identify 10 bird species by sight and sound following 1 week of in-field training. We will provide species lists, audio recordings and links to learning resources before the positions begin.
•    Must feel confident in your ability to hike and navigate cross-country in complex wetland habitats with uneven ground and dense shrub cover.
•    We require self-motivation, enthusiasm, good sense of direction, the ability to cope with inclement weather, willingness to spend long hours in the field observing birds and their habitat with additional time in the office, and the ability to work well independently and in a group living situation.
•    Must a valid U.S. driver’s license, at least two years of driving experience, and will be asked to provide information to verify their good driving record with one or fewer moving violations in the last three years. 
•    Position may require the use of a personal vehicle. If a personal vehicle is used, you must have proof of insurance. We reimburse for mileage at the Federal IRS rate for using a personal vehicle for work.
Preferred Qualifications:
•    Ideal candidates will have one full season of work experience nest searching and territory mapping for passerine species, specifically in the Western U.S. or Western Canada.
•    Ideal candidates will have completed at least one season of point counts in the Western U.S. or Western Canada.
•    Lead Technician: Ideal candidates will have previous work experience supervising technicians collecting field data.
•    Technician: Ideal candidates will have work experience banding Western birds.
•    Ideal candidates will have a background in ecology, environmental studies, or related field.

Work environment & physical requirements: The work environment includes locations with limited cell phone reception, wet and uneven terrain, often in a solitary capacity, with chances to encounter predatory wildlife. All field locations are in close proximity to a paved road with vehicle access. Must be able to lift and carry up to 40 pounds and hike up to 5 miles.

Application instructions: To apply, please visit our application form or copy and paste https://forms.gle/XSm7uWAKjQoVtyHWA into your browser. Qualified candidates will be hired as they are identified.

Point Blue is an equal employment opportunity employer and does not discriminate against applicants or employees because of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, citizenship status, disability status of an otherwise qualified individual, membership or application for membership in an uniformed service, or membership in any other class protected by applicable law and will make reasonable accommodation for applicants  with disabilities to complete the application and/or participate in the  interview process.