Black Rail Technician

Job Description:  Technicians (2) will conduct Black Rails call back surveys in high marsh habitat. Surveys will take place at four sites in the Great Bay estuary that have known or potential presence of Eastern black rail, with each having distinct landscape and habitat settings.  Field work requires navigating to survey points by boat/kayak/canoe during both daylight and nocturnal hours; walking in marsh habitat under various conditions; collecting data, data entry and data management.

All field work conducted at NJ Audubon adheres to NJA’s Field Work Protocol following COVID-19 precautions, complying with federal, state, and local guidelines and restrictions and following industry best practices. Health and safety of staff, volunteers, program and project participants and the public are the top priority.

Major Responsibilities

·        Identifying access to marsh points on foot or by boat

·        Conducting broadcast surveys for rails during and nighttime

·        Recording detailed observations and data in the field

·        Maintaining equipment as needed

·        Data entry and management

Qualifications, Knowledge and Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in wildlife biology, ecology, environmental science or similar field preferred.
• Experience with playback surveys of secretive marsh birds.
• Experience conducting surveys from boats/kayaks, preferred; previous experience and ability to follow boat safety procedures required.
• Willingness to work during nighttime hours under sometimes difficult field conditions.
• Attention to detail, ability to follow detailed data collection protocols.
• Ability and willingness to work collaboratively co-workers and partners.
• Proficiency with GPS and range finders preferred.
• Proficiency with MS Office, including Excel or Access, required.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills required.
• Excellent interpersonal and leadership skills with the ability to relate to and motivate a diverse range of people, exercise cultural competence and inclusion, and accept direction and constructive feedback.
• Motivated self-starter with capacity to work independently or in a team setting with the ability to demonstrate initiative and a positive attitude.
• Punctual with excellent organizational, time and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple projects, shifting priorities and meet deadlines.
• Strong professionalism and work ethic with the ability to exercise discretion and maintain confidentiality.
• Flexibility to adjust hours to meet the special needs of the program and organization.
• Ability to walk long distances in uneven, muddy, or wet terrain, sometimes in inclement weather.
• Ability to move materials and lift 25 lbs. as needed.
• Must have own reliable transportation, and a valid driver’s license.

Start Date:  April 25, 2022

End Date:   July 15, 2022

Salary:        $1,040 bi-weekly; mileage reimbursement provided

Housing:     Provided

Application Deadline:  Feb 12, 2022.

Qualified individuals may apply by emailing cover letter of interest, resume, and three references as a single PDF document (including email and phone contact info) to hr.research@njaudubon.org

Please indicate in the subject line the position for which you are applying so that your application is directed to the appropriate department.

We are committed to building a diverse team and strongly encourage all qualified professionals to apply.  The New Jersey Audubon Society is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, age, national origin, ethnic background, disability or any other characteristic protected by law.