Meadow Bird Monitoring Technician, Truckee, CA

Technician for Sierra Nevada Meadow Bird Monitoring

Point Blue Conservation Science is a growing and internationally renowned non-profit with over 160 staff and scientists based in Petaluma, California. Founded in 1965 as Point Reyes Bird Observatory, our mission and programs have evolved over time to include a broad range of conservation activity, from restoration to environmental education to innovative work in the field of regenerative agriculture.  We have a proven track record of scientific excellence.

One Seasonal Technician is needed to conduct nest searching, nest monitoring, territory mapping, banding, point counts, and vegetation and habitat surveys for breeding birds in meadows of the beautiful Sierra Nevada Mountains of California. This position offers a unique opportunity to do field work with a clear purpose: guide the application of restoration and stewardship of mountain meadows of the Sierra Nevada.

We recognize that increasing racial, gender, cultural, and other diversity, equity, and inclusion factors at Point Blue and in our partnerships is essential for the success of our mission, vision, and strategy. We are actively engaging in a process to create lasting organizational change. We seek applicants from all backgrounds to join our teams. We strongly encourage applications from people with backgrounds that are under-represented in the conservation community.

Duration: 1 June through 11 August 2023 (start date flexible between 1 and 15 June depending on experience)

Location: Truckee, CA. Based out of Truckee with work primarily in Van Norden Meadow. May require occasional travel to other meadows in the northern Sierra Nevada region.

Job type: Full-time, seasonal

Compensation: This position is posted at $21.00 per hour depending on experience, with overtime pay according to California State law. Shared housing and utilities are provided at a cost of $58.22 per week. Benefits limited to 24 hours of sick pay.

Primary duties include but are not limited to: Territory mapping, nest searching, and nest monitoring for 8 passerine species; multi-species point count surveys; vegetation and habitat surveys; data entry and proofing; navigating cross-country in complex wetland habitats. Work weeks vary from 5-6 days and are typically 40-45 hours but vary from 35-50 hours.

Qualifications:

• Experience nest searching and territory mapping for passerine species, preferably in the Western US.
• All candidates must feel confident in their ability to hike and navigate cross-country in complex wetland habitats with uneven ground and dense shrub cover.
• All candidates must be able to identify 10 bird species by sight and sound following 1 week of training. We will provide species lists, audio recordings and links to learning resources before positions begin.
• We require self-motivation, enthusiasm, good sense of direction, the ability to cope with inclement weather, willingness to spend long hours in the field observing birds and their habitat with additional time in the office, and the ability to work well independently and in a group living situation.
• Successful applicants will need a valid U.S. driver’s license, at least two years of driving experience, and will be asked to provide information to verify their good driving record with one or fewer moving violations in the last three years.
• Position may require the use of a personal vehicle. If a personal vehicle is used, you must have proof of insurance. We reimburse for mileage at the Federal IRS rate for using a personal vehicle for work.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 40 pounds and hike up to 6 miles.

Preferred qualifications:

• Ideal candidates will have completed at least one season of point counts in the Mountain West.
• Ideal candidates will have experience banding Western birds.
• Ideal candidates will have a background in ecology, environmental studies, or related field.

Work environment & physical requirements: Operates in locations with limited cell phone reception, wet and uneven terrain, often in a solitary capacity, with chances to encounter predatory wildlife. All field locations are in close proximity to a paved road with vehicle access.

Application instructions: To apply, please see https://forms.gle/mx3vNwdafjYLSC2p9. Qualified candidates will be hired as they are identified.

Point Blue is an equal employment opportunity employer and does not discriminate against applicants or employees because of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, citizenship status, disability status of an otherwise qualified individual, membership or application for membership in an uniformed service, or membership in any other class protected by applicable law and will make reasonable accommodation for applicants  with disabilities to complete the application and/or participate in the  interview process.