AVIAN FIELD TECHNICIANS: RIPARIAN BIRDS

BIOLOGICAL SCIENCE TECHNICIANS (up to 5) needed for ongoing population studies of the endangered Least Bell’s Vireo, Southwestern Willow Flycatcher, and other riparian birds in San Diego County, California.  Primary duties include surveying coastal riparian habitat for vireos and flycatchers, nest monitoring, resighting color banded birds, and vegetation sampling.  Additional opportunities may include surveying for Cactus Wrens in coastal sage scrub habitat, and capturing and banding riparian birds at two MAPS stations, if Covid 19 restrictions allow. Employment dates are 15 March –13 August 2021 (end-date is approximate and flexible).  Applicants must be U.S. citizens, and must be reliable, self-motivated, in good physical condition, able to work independently in sometimes remote locations, and able to maintain a positive attitude under beautiful but sometimes challenging field and urban conditions that can include dense vegetation, poison oak, rattlesnakes, biting insects, encounters with homeless persons, and working on military bases.  Applicants must be willing to comply with mandatory USGS Covid 19-related safety procedures, including wearing a mask, sanitizing equipment, and social distancing.  Applicants must also possess a valid driver’s license and be able to operate 4WD vehicles.  Applicants must have working knowledge of Microsoft Excel and Access, and be able to navigate in the field using a compass and GPS (Global Positioning System).  Experience collecting data with ESRI Survey123 and Collector on Android smartphones is a plus.   Preference will be given to applicants holding current endangered species permits authorizing surveying and nest-monitoring of Least Bell’s Vireo and/or Southwestern Willow Flycatcher, or with field experience with these or similar species.  Experience surveying for Cactus Wrens or other coastal sage scrub birds is also preferred. Housing is available at the San Diego State University Santa Margarita Ecological Reserve in Fallbrook, California ($18/day; no pets).  Salary ranges from $18-$22/hour depending on experience.  Please submit a cover letter describing interest and qualifications, a CV or resume, your specific dates of availability, and the names and contact information (including email) of at least two references.  Mail/fax/email applications to SUELLEN LYNN, USGS Western Ecological Research Center, San Diego Field Station, 4165 Spruance Road, Suite 200, San Diego, CA  92101 (fax 619-225-6436, email suellen_lynn at usgs.gov).  Applications will be reviewed as they are received and accepted until positions are filled, but no later than January 29, 2021.