Avian Field Technician - Bird Bander and Point Count Surveyor

Location: Sequoia National Park & Eastern Oregon

Number of Openings: 1

Salary: $16.28 per hour, 40 hours a week x 6 weeks

Job Description: The Quantitative Wildlife Ecology and Conservation Lab at Washington State University is looking for one seasonal, full-time avian technician to assist with two avian research and conservation projects in Sequoia National Park, Sequoia National Forest, and BLM lands in eastern Oregon.

Technicians will have the opportunity to contribute to a graduate research project, work closely with a doctoral candidate, and gain training and experience in various field research techniques, including bird mist netting, banding, fitting of radio tags, and collection, processing, and storage of blood samples.

All fieldwork days will require camping in developed campgrounds or dispersed camping. Camping gear such as chairs, stoves, and other basic supplies will be provided. All camping fees will be covered as well as weekly transportation for grocery shopping. Fieldwork will be conducted in a field vehicle, and transportation between California and Oregon field sites will be provided.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Natural Resources, Wildlife Management, Wildlife Biology, Zoology, Environmental Science, or a related field.
• At least one season of bird banding experience (please list your estimated number of birds processed).
• Ability to conduct unsupervised banding operations, including mist netting, bird extraction, and banding.
• Ability to identify western songbirds by sight and sound.
• Ability to identify birds in hand and age/sex them accurately.
• Must be in strong physical condition, able to hike at least 10 miles, through steep terrain carrying 15 lb. of field equipment (not a typical fieldwork day, but possible).
• Ability to conduct work independently in the field, start work before dawn and hike to survey sites before daylight.
• Willingness to have atypical weekend days and work irregular hours on occasion.
• Possess a valid U.S. driver's license.
• Be at least 18 years of age.

Desired Qualifications (training will be provided):

• Experience collecting bird blood samples through brachial or jugular venipuncture.
• Experience conducting point counts or transect surveys.
• Navigation skills using satellite imagery and experience using ESRI Field Maps app.

To apply

1. Applicants should email a single PDF file to Edwin Jacobo (edwin.jacobo@wsu.edu), which includes:
2. A cover letter stating your interest in the position and availability dates.
3. A resume.
4. Names and contact information (email and phone) of three references.

Our lab is committed to diversity and equity and welcomes applications from Indigenous persons, women, persons with disabilities, ethnic minorities, persons of minority sexual orientation or gender identity, visible minorities, and others who may contribute to diversification.

For questions and requests for additional information, please reach out to edwin.jacobo@wsu.edu