Grassland Bird Technicians, Colorado and Kansas

Job Description:  Assist research team studying grassland bird responses to cattle grazing in CRP grasslands in eastern Colorado and central Kansas, late spring-summer 2024.  Two position categories available: 1 bird surveyor and 4 nest searchers (please note position of interest in cover letter of application).  (1) Surveyor: Performs transect surveys of adult birds by sight and sound and coordinates and assists with nest searching and monitoring in eastern Colorado.  Orientation begins ~May 15; work ends ~July 26.  Bird surveys will require the first ~3 hours of each morning; majority of each field day assisting with nest searching/monitoring.  (2) Nests: Individuals to assist with nest searching and monitoring, 2 in central Kansas and 2 in eastern Colorado; ~May 20 - July 26.  All technicians will also assist with vegetation measures.                    

Qualifications:  Academic training in biology / ecology / natural resources.  The transect surveyor must have previous experience with bird identification by sight and sound, will ideally have experience with line transect or point-count surveys, and must be >21 years of age and have a valid driver’s license for driving rental vehicles.  Nest searchers will ideally have previous nest searching and monitoring experience, though other demonstrated field skills will be considered.  All applicants must be able to work independently and with a team, be cordial to landowners, and be tolerant of hot weather, physical labor, early starts, long hours, 6-day work weeks, living in close quarters with other technicians in rural areas, and be able to transport themselves to field station residences in eastern Colorado or central Kansas for the start of work. 

Salary:   $6000 / 10-week season.  Housing and field vehicles provided.

Deadline for applications:       Open until filled

To apply, email a cover letter, noting position of interest, and CV with 3 references to Dr. William E. Jensen at wjensen1@emporia.edu (physical address:  School of Science and Mathematics, Emporia State University, 1 Kellogg Circle, Emporia, KS 66801).