Avian Field Technician at the H.J. Andrews Experimental Forest

Avian Field Technician at the H.J. Andrews Experimental Forest

Position Period: 8 May - 26 July 2024

Location: H.J. Andrews Experimental Forest, Blue River, Oregon

Hourly Rate: $18/hr

Project Description: This study continues long-term monitoring of the forest bird community in the Andrews montane system. The goal of our research is to investigate the influences of climate and habitat on forest bird distributions, by collecting long-term data on forest bird abundance and microclimate (temperature) in a post-fire landscape.

Position Description: The field technicians will assist in: (1) the re-establishment of survey sites after Lookout Fire (2) conducting avian point count surveys along transects on trails, dirt roads, and by bushwhacking through forest, (3) downloading and maintaining temperature loggers and automatic playback-recording devices on the forest floor and within the canopy, (4) entering data and organizing data.

This work requires hiking in steep mountainous terrain off trails, travel on dirt roads by 4WD vehicle (valid driving license and clean record required), very early mornings, and working outside for extended periods in cold and wet (or hot and dry) conditions.

Applicants should have a strong work ethic, be self-motivated, and comfortable with working in remote areas alone. Being a team player is necessary for group work/living. We expect applicants to have knowledge and capability of conducting bird point counts, bird identification skills of Pacific Northwest forest avifauna, and ability to traverse steep, post-fire terrain. Our transects are on steep mountain slopes and across valleys with old-growth forest towering 200 feet or more. Point-count experience, ability to identify birds of the Pacific Northwest by sight and sound are preferred. The ability to adapt to a variable work schedule is also necessary.

Accommodations: Apartment-style housing is provided at the H.J. Andrews with shared rooms for both intern and technician positions. The field station is located in the Willamette National Forest near Blue River, OR and provides access to great hiking and mountain biking trails, swimming holes, and hot springs.

Please apply at https://jobs.oregonstate.edu/postings/147761

Applications will be reviewed as they are received. The final date to apply is January 15, 2024.

To learn more about our research, visit the H.J. Andrews Experimental Forest website (https://andrewsforest.oregonstate.edu), the Betts Forest Landscape Ecology Lab page (https://flel.forestry.oregonstate.edu/home), and our features by Oregon Public Broadcasting and other press (https://www.opb.org/television/programs/oregon-field-guide/article/climate-change-heat-oregon-washington-hermit-warbler-birds/), (https://www.opb.org/news/article/old-growth-forests-songbird-refuge-climate-change), (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hWrWB7f3BV8), (https://scopeweb.mit.edu/the-sleepless-forest-observers-a8f52525af57), (https://www.madavor.com/wp-content/uploads/magazine/BWM/birdwatchingdaily-august-2023.pdf), (https://lternet.edu/stories/a-forest-of-sensors/).