Immediate Hire - Avian Field Technician - Colorado

Title: AVIAN FIELD TECHNICIAN – Colorado (1 position)

FLSA Status: Seasonal / Hourly / Non-Exempt

Reports to: Seasonal Crew Leader

Direct Reports: None

Location: Colorado (statewide)

Salary: $18.48-$19.68 hourly, depending on experience. Some overtime hours may be required. In addition to pay, reimbursement for project-related travel and camping and lodging will be provided.

Duration: Approximately 6 weeks (early-June to mid-July)

Benefits: None

Start Date       06/6/2023 (tentative)

About the Organization:
 

Bird Conservancy of the Rockies conserves birds and their habitats through an integrated approach of science, education and stewardship. Our work extends from the Rockies to the Great Plains, Mexico and beyond. Our mission is advanced through sound science, achieved through empowering people, realized through stewardship and sustained through cross-border collaborations. We monitor and identify population trends, research habitat needs, engage landowners and managers in wildlife and habitat stewardship, and inspire audiences of all ages to be better stewards of the land. Together, we are improving native bird populations, the land, and the lives of people. Learn more about our work and programs at our website: www.birdconservancy.org

Job Duties and Responsibilities:

OVERVIEW

Bird Conservancy of the Rockies is seeking experienced field technicians to conduct point counts throughout Colorado for the Integrated Monitoring in Bird Conservation Regions (IMBCR) program. The position will run from approximately June 6th and continue through mid-July. Surveys are located on both public and private lands throughout Colorado and represent an excellent opportunity to explore some scenic areas such as Summit County, San Juan Mountains, Rocky Mountain National Park, and Comanche National Grassland while advancing avian conservation at regional scales. Technicians will monitor birds in a large variety of elevations and habitats including desert scrub, riparian, sagebrush, pinyon-juniper, tundra, and montane forest. 

Successful candidates must be able to attend a mandatory paid training. Upon the successful completion of training, technicians will work independently conducting bird surveys. Survey work will include long days in the field and working a variable schedule. Technicians must be able to identify all bird species found in Colorado by sight and sound upon completion of training, and should expect to hike long distances off-trail in steep and rugged terrain on a regular basis. Primitive camping, often without phone service or facilities, and some overnight backcountry travel to survey remote, road-less areas will be required. Please visit the IMBCR Webpage for additional information about the IMBCR program.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
Applicants should be enthusiastic, physically fit, enjoy travel, and be willing to work long hours in the field. The successful applicant will need to be comfortable hiking and surveying in areas with potentially hazardous wildlife including rattlesnakes, black bear, moose, and mountain lion. Applicants must enjoy working independently with multiple days of solitude. The ability to identify all avian species that breed in Colorado by sight and sound is required. Technicians will be required to pass a bird identification quiz at the end of training before starting field work. A valid driver's license, proof of auto insurance, binoculars, camping gear, basic computer skills, a strong work ethic, and enthusiasm for conservation and conducting fieldwork are also necessary. Applicants with personal 4WD/AWD vehicles are strongly encouraged to apply; however, Bird Conservancy may be able to rent vehicles for qualified applicants that do not possess 4WD/AWD vehicles if they are at least 21 years of age. Desired qualifications include prior experience conducting point count surveys, camping, long-distance hiking, and navigating in the backcountry.

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Ability to identify avian species of Colorado by sight and sound is required

Driver’s license, proof of insurance, and experience driving 4WD vehicles is required

Prior experience conducting avian point counts is highly desired

Experience camping, long-distance hiking, and navigating in the backcountry is desired

Equal Opportunity Employer:

Bird Conservancy of the Rockies is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating a diverse work environment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

To Apply:

Email a cover letter detailing your bird identification knowledge and dates of availability, a resume, and three references as a single PDF document to: IMBCRhiring@birdconservancy.org with “Last Name_First Name_IMBCR Technician Colorado” in the subject line and document file name. In the email please include where you saw the job posting announcement. Applications will be reviewed as they are received and positions will be filled as suitable applicants are found.