Endangered Marsh Bird Research Technician

Duration: March – July 2024

Pay range: $16-19/hr DOE

Job Description:  We are seeking motivated and enthusiastic technicians to assist with on-going research on the federally endangered Yuma Ridgway’s rail in the southwestern U.S. The work will primarily occur in the Salton Sea region of California and along the Lower Colorado River. The work is multi-faceted and aims to better understand the: 1) dispersal and migration behavior of this rail; 2) contaminant risk to breeding rails at the Salton Sea; and 3) spatial and temporal patterns in marsh bird abundance along the Lower Colorado River. Our research will help inform conservation and recovery actions of Yuma Ridgway’s rails. The technicians will help trap, band, collect tissue samples, and attach solar-powered satellite transmitters to Yuma Ridgway’s rails. Technicians may have the opportunity to assist with standardized broadcast surveys by boat and/or on foot. Overnight travel may occur. Tasks will vary depending on project needs and will change over the course of the field season.

Field work will occur on and around refuges in southeastern California and along the Lower Colorado River north of Yuma, Arizona. This area is a major migratory stopover point for many species of birds. The Salton Sea is an hour away from Joshua Tree National Park, 1.5 hours south of Palm Springs, and 2 hours east of San Diego. This area is very hot during the summer months, especially in late June and July where temperatures regularly exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Working within the marsh system can be humid and buggy (mosquitos). On trapping days, we begin work before sunrise. Shared housing options are available as long as USFWS refuge policies are followed. Field technicians will work alongside University of Idaho staff (graduate student and research scientist) and will interact with state and federal agency biologists (USFWS, BLM, and CDFW). The position will start in March and conclude in mid-July. There is some flexibility with the start and end dates.

Duties will likely include but are not limited to:

1. Capturing and banding rails in wetlands

2. Collecting blood and feather samples from captured rails

3. Attaching solar-powered satellite transmitters to the rails

4. Placing game cameras on rail nests and collecting eggshells

5. Collecting rail prey samples for contaminant analyses

7. Conducting standardized broadcast surveys

Qualifications: 

Required skills/experience:

-an undergraduate degree or currently working toward one in wildlife biology/zoology or related ecology field

-a strong work ethic and good interpersonal skills

-a valid U.S. driver’s license (will drive federal vehicles)

-be willing to live and conduct field research in hot weather conditions

-be comfortable working during early mornings, in remote areas, and on boats

-be enthusiastic about avian research

Preferred skills/experience (not required):

            -ability to correctly identify marsh bird vocalizations

            -operating/trailering boats

            -previous avian research

To apply: Please send a single PDF document containing a cover letter describing prior experience relevant to this position, a resume/CV, and contact information for ≥3 references to ksliwa@uidaho.edu. Please write “Marsh Bird Tech Application” in the subject line.