Avian Monitoring Technician (Seasonal)

WHO WE ARE

Since 1951, The Nature Conservancy has been doing work you can believe in protecting the lands and waters that all life depends on. As a science-based organization, we create innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that we can create a world in which people and nature thrive. 

We’re rooted in our Mission and guided by our Values, which includes a Commitment to Diversity and Respect for People, Communities, and Cultures. We know we’ll only achieve our Mission by hiring and engaging a diverse workforce that reflects the communities in which we work. Whether it’s career development, work/life balance, or a rewarding mission, there’s lots of reasons to love life #insideTNC. Our goal is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that all of our colleagues around the globe feel a sense of belonging, and that their unique contributions to our mission are valued.

Although you’ll see requirements in our postings, we recognize that people come with talent and experiences outside of a job. Passion, innovation, and diversity are all key components to advancing our Mission and we encourage you to apply.

YOUR POSITION WITH TNC

The Avian Monitoring Technician performs a variety of routine tasks that assists the implementation of bird-friendly agriculture objectives within the California Chapter of The Nature Conservancy. 

We will hire 3-4 technicians for this job, with staggered start dates. Options include: 

(1) mid-August – mid-February
(1) early September – early March
(1) early November – early May
(1) early January – late May

Housing in facilities owned by TNC or a partner agency can be made available, though Avian Monitoring Technicians may also arrange their own housing in the area. Measures will be taken to mitigate COVID-19 risk of exposure. These measures will be discussed during the hiring process to ensure a work environment that is as safe as possible for the technicians. 

Wages are estimated to be a rate of $20 per hour.
 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

To support the establishment of 1,000,000 acres of bird-friendly agriculture in California, the Migratory Bird Initiative is implementing new projects that demonstrate compatible agricultural practices. As these innovative agricultural techniques are yet untested, the Avian Monitoring Technician will work with a team to quantify the biological value of these techniques on Staten Island, CA and other land throughout the Central Valley. Specific duties may include the following functions:

RESPONSIBILITIES & SCOPE

Set up fields for monitoring. Includes wading into flooded areas and installing depth stakes

Conduct visual surveys of birds, focusing on western waterbirds, including waterfowl, shorebirds, and long-legged waders.

Conduct visual surveys of pertinent habitat features at survey sites.

Conduct invertebrate and grain sampling in working lands.

Complete, accurate, and clear record-keeping of field survey observations.

Possible overnight travel to other field sites in California.

Possible assistance with preserve management tasks.

Maintain project records.               

Requires starting some workdays before sunrise

Requires minor physical exertion and/or muscular strain

Present occasional possibility of injury

Exposure to adverse weather conditions (both hot and cold) and long hours in isolated settings

Requires frequent long periods of driving in a full-size 4WD pickup truck or highways that may be heavily trafficked, as well as narrow dirt levee road.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Associates Degree in natural resources; environmental studies or equivalent combination of education and 6 months of work experience.      

Experience identifying western waterbirds (including small difficult to distinguish shorebirds) to species by sight in the field.     

Experience conducting avian surveys with binoculars and spotting scopes, with skills counting birds in large flocks              

Experience managing and prioritizing tasks assigned from multiple people.

Experience independently completion of tasks within assigned timeframes.

Experience using clear communication via written, spoken, and graphical means in English.

Experience working independently and as part of a team.

Possession of a driver’s license valid in California.

Willingness to adhere to established safety protocols

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Multi-language skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.

Expertise in identifying western waterbirds (including small difficult to distinguish shorebirds) by sound.

Experience interacting with rural landowners.

Experience using software, particularly Microsoft Excel and ArcGIS Online

Experience driving 4x4 vehicles off-road.

AUTO SAFETY POLICY

This position requires a valid driver's license and compliance with TNC’s Auto Safety Program. Employees may not drive Conservancy-owned/leased vehicles, rental cars, or personal vehicles on behalf of the Conservancy if considered "high risk drivers." To learn more about the Auto Safety Program, visit https://www.nature.org/en-us/about-us/careers/recruitment/ under the FAQ section.

Employment in this position will be contingent upon completion of a Vehicle Use Agreement, which may include a review of the prospective employee's motor vehicle record.

APPLY NOW

To apply for job ID 51808, submit your materials online by using the Apply Now button at https://careers.nature.org/. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis until filled, and aim to have the first round of interviews at the end of July 2022. Need help applying? Visit our recruitment page or contact applyhelp@tnc.org.

The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our commitment to diversity includes the recognition that our conservation mission is best advanced by the leadership and contributions of people of diverse backgrounds, beliefs and culture. Recruiting and mentoring staff to create an inclusive organization that reflects our global character is a priority and we encourage applicants from all cultures, races, colors, religions, sexes, national or regional origins, ages, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity, military, protected veteran status or other status protected by law.

Do you have military experience? Visit our U.S. Military Skills Translator to match your military experience with our current job openings!

TNC is committed to offering accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application process. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please send a note to applyhelp@tnc.org with Request for Accommodation in the subject line.