Avian Field Technician - Southern Great Plains

Title:                                     Avian Field Technician – Southern Great Plains

FLSA Status:                       FULL TIME / SALARIED / EXEMPT

Reports to:                         Brittany Leslie

Direct Reports:                  None

Location:                             Eastern New Mexico, Texas Panhandle, Western Oklahoma, Western Kansas, and the Nebraska Panhandle

Salary:                                  $1,368-$1,414, biweekly, depending on experience. In addition to salary, reimbursement for project-related travel and camping and lodging will be provided.

Duration:                             Approximately 11 weeks (mid-April to the end of June)

Benefits:                             None

Start Date                          4/14/2020 (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 biologists to conduct point counts across the Southern Great Plains, from northern Texas and eastern New Mexico up to the Nebraska panhandle for the Integrated Monitoring in Bird Conservation Regions (IMBCR) program. The position will run from approximately April 15 and continue through late June. Surveys are located on both public and private lands in a mix of grassland and shrub habitats including short- and mixed-grass prairie, mesquite bosques, and riparian systems with the opportunity to observe an impressive variety of species as you move across the study area, including Painted Bunting, Cactus Wren, Scissor-tailed Flycatcher, Burrowing Owl, Mississippi Kite, Scaled Quail, Golden-fronted Woodpecker, and Lesser Prairie-Chicken.

Qualified candidates must be able to attend a mandatory 5 day paid training 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 across the Southern Great Plains by sight and sound upon completion of training. Primitive camping, often without phone service or facilities will be required as well as some long days of travel between survey locations. Completion of job duties may periodically require long days in the field. Please visit the IMBCR webpage for additional information or check out this blog post to hear about the position from a previous technician.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
Applicants should be enthusiastic, physically fit, enjoy travel, and be willing to work long hours in the field. A valid driver's license, binoculars, camping gear, basic computer skills, a strong work ethic, and enthusiasm for conservation and conducting fieldwork are required. Desired qualifications include experience conducting point count surveys, the ability to identify Great Plains bird species by sight and sound, experience camping, long distance hiking, and navigating off-trail. Applicants with personal 4WD/AWD vehicles are encouraged to apply; however, Bird Conservancy will rent vehicles for qualified applicants that do not possess 4WD/AWD vehicles if they are at least 21 years of age and pass a motor vehicle background check.

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Ability to identify avian species of the Great Plains 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

Experience camping, long distance hiking, and navigating off-trail is desired

To Apply:

Email a cover letter detailing your bird identification knowledge and dates of availability, a resume, and three references as a single document (PDF or Word) to: Brittany Leslie at brittany.leslie@birdconservancy.org. I will begin reviewing applications in early January and positions will be filled as suitable applicants are found. 

2020AvianFieldTechnician-SouthernGreatPlains-BirdConservancy.docx