Alaska Avian Technicians (shorebirds & landbirds)

Dates:  
May – July 2022 

Description: 
The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Migratory Bird Program at the Alaska Regional Office in Anchorage is currently hiring seasonal Biological Science Technicians (Avian) for the 2022 summer field season. Technicians will work on a variety of projects studying landbirds and shorebirds throughout Alaska. Technicians can expect to work on one or more projects including but not limited to 1) shorebird and landbird migration tracking and vital rate studies (at U.S. Air Force installations) and/or 2) the Alaska Landbird Monitoring Survey.  

Duties:
Technicians hired to work on shorebird and landbird migration tracking and vital rates studies will work in tundra/boreal forest habitats accomplishing a variety of tasks which include all-species surveys, nest-searching and monitoring, resighting, capturing, banding, and tracking device retrieval and deployment. Study species vary by location and have included Lesser Yellowlegs, Solitary Sandpiper, Upland Sandpiper, Short-billed Dowitcher, Red Knot, and Surfbird in past years. Applicants should expect to hike up to 8 km/day in uneven, soggy, difficult terrain, with dense vegetation, copious insects, and the potential for wildlife encounters (bear and moose). Housing will be provided, and crews will live and work together near their field sites.  

Technicians hired to conduct Alaska Landbird Monitoring Surveys will be responsible for completing backcountry bird point-counts following a standardized protocol. Technicians will work in teams of two to survey plots in National Wildlife Refuges accessed by small aircraft and/or motorized boats. Applicants should expect to hike up to 8 km/day in uneven, soggy, difficult terrain, with dense vegetation, copious insects, and the potential for wildlife encounters (bear and moose). Technicians are expected to be able to work and camp in close proximity with one other person and must conduct themselves safely and respectfully at all times. Applicants with experience and confidence working in remote locations are desired. The ability to thrive in difficult, uncomfortable, and unpredictable situations is a necessity. For an overview of the Alaska Landbird Monitoring Program, please visit  https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/329cf9ade18248ccb71ad05b32ba762b. 

All positions require technicians to be able to identify Alaska bird species by sight and sound, be in good physical condition, and be comfortable working and camping/living in close proximity with other people.  

How to Apply: 
We will be hiring up to 5 technicians at GS-5 & 7 levels. The application period is now open and will CLOSE on 17 DECEMBER at midnight EST. Note that each grade level is a separate application and if you would like to be considered at multiple grade levels, you will need to apply separately to each announcement (this is highly encouraged if you don’t know which grade you may qualify for).   
  
All of the jobs are advertised on the USAJOBS website and can be found at the following links: 

https://www.usajobs.gov/job/626496700 (GS-05)  

https://www.usajobs.gov/job/626495600 (GS-07) 

Contact: 
Please reach out to Zak Pohlen (zachary_pohlen@fws.gov) with additional questions. However, to be considered for these positions you MUST apply at the above USAJOBS links.