Golden Eagle/Sage-Grouse Field Technician

Title: Golden Eagle/Sage-Grouse Field Technician
Classification: Temporary/Seasonal Positions
Location: Vernal, Utah
Salary: $2600/month
Start Date: Mid-March

Job Description:

HawkWatch International (HWI) is seeking one experienced field technician to assist with spring field work. Exact start and end dates are somewhat flexible, but the position will last approximately 8-9 weeks from mid-March to mid-May. The primary duties will be conducting Greater Sage-Grouse lek counts and raptor points counts, and Golden Eagle nest monitoring as part of a collaborative study focused on Golden Eagle predation of Greater Sage-Grouse. Other duties include collecting eagle fecal and pellet samples, conducting rabbit surveys, investigating sage-grouse mortalities, and entering data. The technician will be required to conduct daily fieldwork starting before dawn. Surveys will require attention to detail, following a detailed data collection protocol, and strong observational skills. Observational surveys will be conducted from a provided vehicle. Field work will be conducted 6 days per week, requiring 40-50 hours per week.

Field work will take place in northeastern Utah. The study area is located near Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area and Dinosaur National Monument and has many recreational opportunities. During the field season, the technician will stay in a small rustic trailer with a field biologist (who is also the position’s supervisor). The trailer is equipped with lighting, a stove and oven, and a mini fridge and freezer. There is no running water, but water is transported to the site. There are laundromats in town, along with showers at the recreational center. The technician may be able to stay at the HWI field house in Salt Lake City, Utah, at the beginning and end of the season or for days off. Accommodations will be in a private or shared bedroom, depending on available space.

Qualifications:

• Previous experience conducting avian surveys—especially for Golden Eagles, other raptors, and/or sage-grouse
• Previous experience working on observational studies or wildlife research projects
• Attention to detail, a keen eye for searching, and excellent note-taking skills
• Ability to maintain focus and a positive attitude during long observation periods
• Ability to work independently and follow detailed data collection protocols
• Experience operating 4x4 vehicles on unmaintained roads
• Experience operating vehicles in winter conditions, including snowy and icy roads
• Experience with basic vehicle maintenance and repair (changing tires, getting unstuck from mud and snow, etc.)
• A valid driver’s license
• Experience getting along with others in tight quarters
• Ability to communicate with people of various backgrounds in a respectful manner
• Experience working in harsh weather conditions
• Flexibility to adjust hours to meet project needs
• Ability to legally work in the U.S. without employer sponsorship

To apply, send a cover letter, resume/CV, and contact information for three references in a single PDF to Tori Thorpe at tthorpe@hawkwatch.org. In your cover letter, please include relevant experience, why you are a suitable fit for this position, and your availability to start in mid-March and end in early to mid-May. All applications must be submitted by January 15, 2024. However, applications will be reviewed as they are received and until a suitable candidate is chosen. Applicants are considered for positions for which they have applied without regard to gender identity or gender expression, race, color, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, pregnancy, or other characteristics protected by law.