Avian Conservation Technician

NEEDED ASAP- AVIAN FIELD CONSERVATION TECHNICIAN (1) needed for a study of breeding landbirds on ranches in eastern Montana and South Dakota (mid-May-mid-July) for the World Wildlife Fund- Northern Great Plains Sustainable Ranching Initiative (WWF-SRI).  Technicians will collaborate directly with WWF Ecologists and with Ranchers on private ranches in eastern Montana and South Dakota.  Data will inform grassland conservation and promote bird-friendly beef production.  Duties consist of standardized avian point count surveys, vegetation surveys and data entry. Technicians will travel across diverse habitats identifying hundreds of bird species.  Technicians must be able to attend training in Bozeman, Montana starting May 13.

Qualifications

Qualifications include: 1) the ability to communicate and work effectively with the IBO supervisor, WWF Ecologists, and with Ranchers (2 the ability to identify 200+ species of Western birds by sight and primarily by sound 3) the ability to work independently (alone ≥90% of the time) for the duration of the field season 4) strong physical/mental endurance to complete 1 survey per day per 9-day hitch 5) the ability to navigate off-trail in remote, densely-vegetated, steep and rugged landscapes using topographical maps and GPS units 6) a willingness to work in landscapes occupied by apex predators (bears, mountain lions and rattlesnakes) 7) and careful and accurate data collection/entry/management.  Technicians must provide their own camping gear.  Each applicant must possess strong interpersonal skills in order to communicate and work effectively with private landowners, fellow technicians, and with WWF and IBO supervisors.

This is a fulltime position for the duration of the project (May-July). Hourly pay rate is $13-$16+/hr DOE (PLUS a $3.75/hr. Per Diem which amounts to an additional $1,000 over the season).  Surveying requires EXTENSIVE DRIVING between sites on both paved and dirt roads. Technicians must have a valid driver's license and EITHER use their personal 4WD vehicle (work-related mileage will be reimbursed at the standard state rate) OR IBO can provide a rental SUV. 

Please send a resume with three references (in ONE Document) via e-mail to Christian Meny: christianmeny@boisestate.edu.   Please put “2020 WWF Applicant- (w/ Name)” in the subject line. Positions will be filled as soon as suitable applicants are found.