Avian Point Count Technician in Sierra Nevada National Forests

We have up to 8 openings for avian point count technicians during spring/summer 2024 on our meadow and aspen restoration monitoring projects within the central Sierra Nevada, near Truckee and South Lake Tahoe, CA (Sierra, Nevada, Eldorado, Amador Counties). We have the ability to provide training (so please consider this position regardless of your previous point count experience), but applicants with prior point count experience or at least strong bird identifications skills (especially by sound) will be preferred. The study areas are predominately montane meadow and aspen communities, which—besides having gorgeous sunrises every day—house some of the most diverse and thrilling bird communities in the region.

PROJECT DATES: Late April – Mid July (exact dates TBD)

TRAINING: The field season will begin with an intensive 3-week training session in visual and acoustic bird ID skills for those applicants who need training, as well as training in project protocols for conducting multi-species point counts, conducting habitat assessments, and field safety. Surveyors should have a good knowledge of the songs and calls of the Central Sierra before the training period begins and will participate in online review sessions of bird songs prior to the in-person training period.

RESPONSIBILITIES: Working both independently and occasionally in a team of two, biologists will visit and survey restored and unrestored meadow sites on Forest Service and private partner lands in the Central Sierra Nevada (primarily in the Truckee and South Lake Tahoe regions). On a typical day, surveyors will wake up before dawn, drive to survey sites (typically 30 min to 1.5 hr from crew housing or campsite), and spend the morning conducting multi-species point counts and rapid vegetation surveys. The afternoon will then typically be spent entering data into a database (computer provided). Work will be somewhat physically demanding, sometimes involving hiking (typically less than 2 miles) into survey sites through steep terrain. Surveys will require moving through flooded meadow areas and navigating stream crossings (waders will be provided). Off-trail travel will be required at many survey sites. Some long drives and occasional car camping may be required. The typical work schedule will be 5-days on followed by 2-days off, but with crew approval may entail longer trips (to more distant locations).

REQUIREMENTS: We are looking for candidates with prior birding experience and familiarity with (or ability to quickly learn) the songs and calls of western montane birds. Other requirements include a sense of humor, a love of adventure, and an appreciation for montane meadow landscapes. A willingness to communicate and coordinate with others, and to face the rigors of fieldwork and data entry with enthusiasm is important. These rigors include (but are not limited to) physically demanding work, long work days that may begin well before dawn, wet, cold weather, mosquitos and biting flies, occasional contact with bears, and less-than-glamorous housing (likely with shared bedrooms). Successful candidates must be in good physical condition and must be comfortable with off-trail hiking, working in waist deep water (waders provided), and orienteering with a handheld GPS (training provided). Although housing will be provided in a central location, travel to some study sites may require occasional camping.

EQUIPMENT: Crews are expected to provide their own binoculars and camping gear, including hiking boots, knee high rubber boots, tent, sleeping bag, raingear, etc. Please speak to the interviewing biologist if this presents an overwhelming financial burden; it may be possible to find some personal gear for loan for the duration of the season. Additional survey gear including GPS, waders, and laser range finder will be provided by IBP. A personal vehicle is highly desirable but not strictly required.

COMPENSATION: Surveyors will be considered seasonal IBP staff, and will receive payment of $2,900 month (before payroll taxes), free shared housing, and mileage reimbursement for project-related travel, but no fringe benefits.

MORE INFORMATION: For more information about this IBP program, please see https://www.birdpop.org/pages/montaneMeadowsConservation.php

TO APPLY: Please email a resume, cover letter, and the names, phone numbers and email addresses of up to three references to Mandy Holmgren, Biologist at: mholmgren AT birdpop DOT org. Professional references are preferred, but one reference may be a character reference. Many times, references are slow to reply; we will contact all submitted references and encourage submitting more references so that your application can be quickly processed. We are hiring for many different positions; you may apply for multiple positions in one application, but please specify which positions you're applying to. No phone calls please.

IBP values diversity and encourages people from all backgrounds to apply. All qualified applicants will receive consideration regardless of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, or sexual orientation.