Experienced Bander/Survey Technician

We are hiring an experienced bird bander/point count technician to work on a project assessing the impact of aspen regeneration projects and wildfires on bird communities near Bondurant, Wyoming. Specifically, we are looking for someone knowledgeable with songbird mist netting and banding, passerine aging, and sexing techniques, familiar with or willing to be trained in the Integrated Monitoring in Bird Conservation Regions (IMBCR) point count protocol, comfortable hiking off trail in mountainous areas, and excited to assist with other research projects. Interested applicants with suitable experience may also extend the position into the fall as our lead owl bander and/or fall migration passerine mist net assistant.

Duration and Salary:
Mid-May to late-August, with possible extension to mid-November
$1500 biweekly 
$20 daily per diem for work-related travel
Up to $350 reimbursement for moving expenses both to and from Bondurant

***Free housing is provided in a beautiful mountain valley, adjacent to a working ranch with Bison and Horses. ***

The Experienced Bander will work with the foundation’s Associate Biologists and Lead Bander to help run our many MAPS banding sites in the Bridger-Teton National Forest. The selected candidate will be responsible for operating several low to mid-volume MAPS stations with one or two mist net assistants (set up and taking down nets, extracting, banding, aging, and sexing birds as well as recording and entering data), and work with the lead bander at our high-volume sites. They will also conduct IMBCR bird surveys, monitor passerine nest boxes, check cameras traps, conduct vegetation surveys, and assist with Clark’s Nutcracker and Common Loon research projects in the surrounding area. The Experienced Bander will also assist the Lead Bander with project management and crew supervision. 

Spring/Summer Responsibilities (May - August):
MAPS songbird mist netting and banding (50%)
IMBCR point counts (20%)
Vegetation Surveys (5%)
Camera trap monitoring and maintenance (10%)
Passerine nest box monitoring (5%)
Yellowstone Clark’s Nutcracker Surveys (5%)
Data entry and proofing (5%)
Other office tasks (net repair, gear cleanup, nest box maintenance, inventory, etc.)

Fall Responsibilities (September – November, tentative):
Owl migration mist netting and banding (60%)
Songbird migration mist netting and banding (20%)
Camera trap monitoring and maintenance (5%)
Yellowstone Clark’s Nutcracker Surveys (10%)
Data entry and proofing (5%)
Other office tasks (net repair, gear cleanup, nest box maintenance, inventory, etc.)

Hours/Schedule: This is a full-time, seasonal positions with somewhat flexible start and end dates. The work schedule is typically 10 days on and 4 days off with extra days for some federal holidays, but weather and project requirements will ultimately determine the schedule. Hours worked beyond the 80-hour/period requirement accrue as comp time to be used later in the season as paid days off. 

Field Conditions: The study area lies at 7,000’ - 8,000’ elevation, so mornings can be frosty, even in summer. Habitat types include aspen woodlands, mixed conifer, and sagebrush steppe. Grizzly bear encounters are possible. Shared housing and transportation for work is provided. Occasional use of personal vehicles for work occurs but is not required. Fuel expenses are reimbursed. Technicians will need their own camping equipment and field gear as well as secure their own transportation to and from Bondurant, WY. Bondurant is a remote town with a population of less than 100 year-round residents. The closest amenities are in Jackson and Pinedale, each a 45-minute drive from town. Recreational opportunities in the surrounding area are truly limitless, with world class fly fishing, backpacking, rafting, climbing and two national parks. 

Qualifications: Substantial songbird mist netting and banding experience required (processed a minimum of 500 birds). Must possess knowledge of aging and sexing techniques and qualify as a sub-permitee on the banding permit. 

Excellent hearing, sight, and the willingness to learn to identify western birds by sight and sound are non-negotiable requirements. Familiarity with Rocky Mountain species of birds, trees, and shrubs is helpful but not required. Excellent note taking and organizational skills is required. Working knowledge of Bandit, MAPSPROG, and Microsoft Office programs (e.g. Word, Excel, and Access) is helpful. For those wishing to stay for the fall season, experience using playback and mist nets to capture and band owls is highly desirable. Experience using reference materials (i.e. Pyle) to age and sex birds, familiarity with both WRP and HP aging systems, maintaining camera traps, monitoring nest boxes, and handling nestlings is also highly desirable.

Applicants should have earned a degree in wildlife biology, related discipline or be working towards completing a degree. A valid driver's license is required. The ability to drive a manual transmission is a plus. Applicants should possess a strong work ethic, be a quick learner, have good navigational skills, be a team player, and willing to share living spaces with coworkers. Ideally, candidates have some experience backpacking with camping and survey equipment into remote areas and knowledge of bear avoidance protocols. Technicians must be in excellent physical condition, able to lift 50 pounds, hike up to 15 miles off trail at high altitude, tolerate early mornings and late nights, long hours, adverse weather, large areas of deadfall, and be comfortable not using mosquito repellents in the field (DEET and birds do not mix). 

To apply: Send a cover letter and resume detailing how your experience and interests make you a suitable candidate as well as three references. Specify your desired start and end dates and whether you are interested in continuing through the fall season. Applicants should include a banding resume detailing locations where experience was obtained as well as rough totals of birds extracted and birds processed. Please send all materials to Josh Lefever at jlefever@rickettsconservationfoundation.com. Applications will be reviewed upon receipt; suitable applicant may be hired before closing date (January 31st).