Avian Field Technicans (Point Counts): Arizona, New Mexico, Utah (Two Positions)

Title:                                  Avian Field Technician

FLSA Status:                     Seasonal / Hourly / Non-Exempt

Reports to:                        Seasonal Crew Leader

Direct Reports:                 None

Location:                            Arizona, New Mexico, Utah

Salary:                                $17.44-$18.03 hourly, depending on experience. Some overtime hours may be required. In addition to pay, reimbursement for project-related travel and camping and lodging will be provided.

Duration:                           Approximately 12 weeks (mid-April to early-July)

Benefits:                             None

Start Date                          4/26/2022 (tentative)

About the Organization:

Bird Conservancy of the Rockies conserves birds and their habitats through an integrated approach of science, education and stewardship. Our work extends from the Rockies to the Great Plains, Mexico and beyond. Our mission is advanced through sound science, achieved through empowering people, realized through stewardship and sustained through cross-border collaborations. We monitor and identify population trends, research habitat needs, engage landowners and managers in wildlife and habitat stewardship, and inspire audiences of all ages to be better stewards of the land. Together, we are improving native bird populations, the land, and the lives of people. Learn more about our work and programs at our website: www.birdconservancy.org

Job Duties and Responsibilities:

OVERVIEW

Bird Conservancy of the Rockies is seeking experienced field technicians to conduct point counts throughout Arizona, New Mexico, and Utah for the Integrated Monitoring in Bird Conservation Regions (IMBCR) program. The position will run from approximately April 26th and continue through early to mid July. Surveys are located on both public and private lands throughout Utah, Arizona, and New Mexico including scenic areas such as the Wasatch Range, Moab, the High Uintas Wilderness, Flaming Gorge, Coronado NF, Kaibab NF, and Lincoln NF while advancing avian conservation at regional scales. Technicians will monitor birds in a large variety of elevations and habitats including salt desert scrub, riparian, sagebrush, pinyon-juniper, and montane forest.

Successful candidates must be able to attend a mandatory 5-day paid training beginning in mid-April. Upon successful completion of training, technicians will work independently conducting bird surveys. Survey work will include long days in the field and working a variable schedule. Technicians must be able to identify all bird species found in Arizona, New Mexico, and Utah by sight and sound upon completion of training, and should expect to hike long distances off-trail in steep and rugged terrain on a regular basis. Primitive camping, often without phone service or facilities, and some overnight backcountry travel to survey remote, roadless areas will be required. Please visit the IMBCR Webpage  for additional information about the IMBCR program or check out this blog post to hear about the position from a previous technician in Wyoming.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
Applicants should be enthusiastic, physically fit, enjoy travel, and be willing to work long hours in the field. The successful applicant will need to be comfortable hiking and surveying in areas with potentially hazardous wildlife including rattlesnakes, black bear, moose, and mountain lion. Applicants must enjoy working independently with multiple days of solitude. The ability to identify all avian species that breed in Arizona, New Mexico and Utah by sight and sound is required. Technicians will be required to pass a bird identification quiz at the end of training before starting field work.  A valid driver's license, proof of auto insurance, binoculars, camping gear, basic computer skills, a strong work ethic, and enthusiasm for conservation and conducting fieldwork are also necessary. Applicants with personal 4WD/AWD vehicles are strongly encouraged to apply; however, Bird Conservancy may be able rent vehicles for qualified applicants that do not possess 4WD/AWD vehicles if they are at least 21 years of age. Desired qualifications include prior experience conducting point count surveys, camping, long-distance hiking, and navigating in the backcountry.

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Ability to identify Western avian species by sight and sound is required

Driver’s license, proof of insurance, and experience driving 4WD vehicles is required

Prior experience conducting avian point counts is highly desired

Backcountry travel, navigation, and camping experience is highly desired

Housing: Bird Conservancy of the Rockies will provide reimbursement for work related lodging fees including camping fees and hotel fees. Most nights will involve dispersed camping on public lands.

Equal Opportunity Employer: Bird Conservancy of the Rockies is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating a diverse work environment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

COVID-19 Policy: Bird Conservancy is committed to protecting and enhancing the welfare of its employees during the COVID-19 pandemic. As a condition of employment, all newly hired employees must provide to Bird Conservancy’s human resources representative proof of full vaccination at employment start date. In addition, Bird Conservancy may require employees to be tested for COVID-19 under certain conditions, including but not limited to, exposure to a person infected with the virus, experience of COVID-19 symptoms or travel outside of the assigned work area. All employees must follow Bird Conservancy’s other safety protocols for COVID-19, which are based on current Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines. Any proof of vaccination or test results submitted to Bird Conservancy will remain confidential.

To Apply:

Email a cover letter detailing your bird identification knowledge and dates of availability, a resume, and three references as a single PDF document to: Jessie Reese at jessie.reese@birdconservancy.org. In the email please include where you saw the job posting announcement. Positions will be filled as suitable applicants are found.