Pinyon Jay and Songbird Field Technician

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), in cooperation with the Great Basin Bird Observatory (GBBO), is seeking one Field Technician to conduct avian biological surveys primarily focused on songbirds of pinyon-juniper and sagebrush ecosystems including Pinyon Jay, in the scenic Eastern Sierra region of California and Nevada. Primary duties include walking surveys, focal observations, nest searching, and habitat sampling for Pinyon Jays, and multi-species point counts for breeding songbirds.  Technicians may have opportunities to assist with other research objectives related to Greater Sage-Grouse, Common Ravens, biological soil crust research or others, as needed.

Work hours will be irregular and include early mornings, evenings, and possibly weekends. Temperature extremes will range from below freezing possibly up to 100 degrees F or higher, although the primary study area is approximately 7000 feet in elevation. Inclement weather is expected throughout the season. This temporary full-time appointment starts in March or early April and will continue through the middle of July or August, with the potential for extension as late as October. These dates may be somewhat negotiable. Technicians will earn $15-17/hr, depending on experience. Field housing will be provided, occasional camping may be required, and successful applicants will be required to stay on site during work periods. 

A B.S. degree in a natural resource field is required, and all applicants must possess a valid U.S. driver’s license. Successful applicants must possess the ability to hike long distances over rough terrain and at moderately-high elevations (6-8,000 feet) in inclement weather (snow, rain, hail, high winds). The ability to take direction and work independently, a strong work ethic, a willingness to learn, a desire to gain experience while maintaining an enthusiastic attitude, and good communication skills with field supervisor and teammates are essential. Preference will be given to applicants with demonstrated experience assisting with wildlife field research. Preferred qualifications include prior point count experience and excellent bird identification skills by sight and by sound, especially among sagebrush and pinyon pine breeding bird communities, and experience with ESRI Field Maps or other field-based GIS applications. Detections on multi-species point counts will be mostly by ear. 

Please submit a cover letter, resume/CV, and contact information for three references (including at least 1 field reference) in a single PDF document saved with applicant’s last name in the title to: espinyonjays@gmail.com. Cover letters and correspondence may be addressed to Dr. Carl Lundblad. Please include “Songbird Position” in the subject line.