Pinyon Jay Field Technician/ Avian Mortality Survey Technician

Pinyon Jay Field Technician/Avian Mortality Survey Technician

Job Description: Great Basin Bird Observatory (GBBO) is seeking qualified avian field technicians to conduct Pinyon Jay surveys at multiple study sites in Nevada. Primary duties will include surveying plots for Pinyon Jay presence/absence and documenting behavioral sightings using ESRI field maps. We will also be conducting nesting and colony surveys in select locations. Mortality monitoring at the Crescent Dunes Solar Facility in Tonopah, NV will be conducted for 7 consecutive days each month. Surveyors should expect to walk up to 10 kilometers a day over potentially rigorous terrain. Working and camping remotely in varying conditions and potentially long drives is required. You may be working up to 10 days at a time with limited cell service (in some beautiful areas!), with the possibility of backcountry camping.  Housing will be provided in Reno, NV and Tonopah, NV.

These temporary, full-time positions will last from March through May with the possibility of extension through the fall.

Qualifications:  Applicants must have prior experience with avian monitoring, ideally in the western/southwestern U.S., driving 4x4 vehicles over rough terrain, be in excellent physical condition and comfortable hiking in rugged off-trail conditions. Applicants should be able to demonstrate their ability to identify Pinyon Jays in the field and preference will be given to those who can demonstrate knowledge on Pinyon Jay behavior or previous experience working in Pinyon-Juniper woodlands. Experience conducting nesting surveys or point counts is a plus. Experience with 4x4 driving and field data collection using Field Maps is preferred.

Applicants should be comfortable working and camping independently or with a partner in remote locations and willing to work long days in the field. Survey sites may require working with a partner with little or no contact with the outside world for up to 10 days. A good sense of humor and sense of adventure is also a plus! Experience with field data collection using Field Maps is preferred.

Compensation: $2,400-$2,800 per month depending on experience. Field vehicle and housing will be provided.

To Apply:  Please email resume, cover letter, and 3 references to Kelly Colegrove at colgrove@gbbo.org

Last date to apply: February 15th