Newark bird-building interaction project technician

Position Title:         Newark bird-building interaction project technician

Department:           Research

Field Location:       Newark, Essex Co., NJ

Office Location:     Scherman-Hoffman Wildlife Sanctuary, Bernardsville, NJ

Reports to:              Senior Scientist, Dr. Nellie Tsipoura

Job Classification:  Seasonal,  Full Time, 40 hours/week, non-exempt (August 19 - November 22, 2024)

Job Description:  The Newark bird-building interaction project technician will be responsible for data collection to evaluate building/bird interactions in Newark, NJ.  Modern tall building in US cities, including Newark, have the potential to cause significant mortality to migrant birds.  The technician will conduct daily surveys for dead or injured birds by walking the perimeter of twelve buildings, including the PSEG building, Prudential Tower. Seton Hall Law School, Panasonic Building, National Newark Building, Newark Legal Center, Gateway 1, 2 and 4, during the 2024 fall migration period. The technician will also collect daily weather-related data, such as prevailing wind direction, wind-speed, temperature, and cloud cover. They will coordinate with volunteers in the field as needed and deliver injured birds to The Raptor Trust for rehabilitation.

Major Responsibilities

·        Pre-dawn surveys around buildings to document grounded birds

·        Transporting injured birds to the rehabilitator

·        Coordinating with student interns conducting surveys concurrently

·        Data entry and management

Knowledge and Skills

·        Attention to detail, ability to follow detailed protocols and collect data

·        Familiarity with birds of the northeastern US 

·        Ability to handle live birds preferred

·        Ability and willingness to interact with the public and work well with partners

·        Proficiency with GPS and range finders preferred

·        Proficiency with MS Office, including Excel or Access, required; experience with GIS preferred

·        Excellent oral and written skills required.

·        Excellent organizational, time and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple projects, shifting priorities and meet deadlines.

·        Excellent interpersonal and leadership skills with the ability to relate to and motivate a diverse range of people, exercise cultural competence and inclusion, and accept direction and constructive feedback.

·        Motivated self-starter able to work independently in the execution of his or her responsibilities while collaborating with other staff, volunteers, and organizations with the ability to demonstrate initiative and a positive attitude.

·        Strong professionalism and work ethic with the ability to exercise discretion and maintain confidentiality.

Qualifications

·        Bachelor’s degree in wildlife biology, ecology, environmental science or similar field preferred.

·        Flexibility to adjust hours to meet the special needs of the program and organization.

·        Must have access to a reliable transportation, and a valid and clean driver’s license.

·        Must be able to walk long distances in an urban setting, sometimes in inclement weather.

·        Start Date:  August 19, 2024;   End Date: November 22, 2024

·        Salary:  $ 16-18/hour; $ 1,280 to $1,440 bi-weekly, depending on experience. Reimbursement for housing available if needed.

·        Application Deadline:  August 10, 2024.

Please send cover letter of interest, resume, and three references as a single PDF document (including email and phone contact info) to hr.research@njaudubon.org. Please indicate “Newark collisions” in the subject line so that your resume is routed properly.

We are committed to building a diverse team and strongly encourage all qualified professionals to apply.  The New Jersey Audubon Society is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, age, national origin, ethnic background, disability or any other characteristic protected by law.