Pinyon Jay Field Technician

Position: Avian Field Technician – Pinyon Jay Surveys

Employer: MTM Environmental, LLC

Location: Bodie Hills Region/Bishop, California

Project Duration: March through May 2024

About Us:

MTM Environmental, LLC is a Certified Woman-Owned Small Business (“WOSB”) environmental consulting firm providing a wide range of ecological services for private landowners, land managers, entities, and organizations, such as wildlife surveys, stream sampling, vegetation surveys, environmental DNA sampling, land management planning, conservation easement and baseline documentation reports, mapping, wetland delineations, environmental site assessments, and drone imagery operations, among others. Since our launch in 2021, we have completed numerous projects across the Southeast, Midwest, and Western U.S.

Job Description:

We are seeking avian field technicians to assist with pinyon jay surveys and monitoring in the Bodie Hills Region of California, for three 2-week survey periods, from present (March/April) to mid-May. This position will play a crucial role in collecting valuable data to support avian conservation efforts on BLM managed lands. Compensation is $17/hour, based on a variable work schedule up to two weeks for each survey period (3x). Survey periods will be spaced throughout the pinyon jay breeding season.

The position requires individuals who are comfortable working independently in remote environments, possess strong bird identification skills, and have strong field navigation and data collection skills.  

Responsibilities:

Conduct pinyon jay surveys and monitoring using standardized protocols (will be provided) each morning before/at sunrise.

Identify all bird species by sight and sound. 

Observe and record data on pinyon jay behavior, nest locations, and habitat.

Hike long distances off trail in steep rugged terrain on a regular basis, while carrying essential gear and water.

Car/tent camp daily, often without cell service or facilities.

Accurately record and document field data, ensuring precision and attention to detail, following survey protocols.

Utilize GPS and other technology for navigating to survey sites, surveying plots/transects, and recording field data.

Organize and enter data, update timesheets and worklogs, and research how you’ll access survey locations.

Maintain and troubleshoot field equipment, including optics, GPS devices, cameras, personal computer/tablet, cell phones, and Spot X devices.

Work collaboratively with other technicians and project leads.

Communicate effectively and timely with other field staff and project leads to provide updates on fieldwork progress.

Submit data (datasheets, photos, GPS and GIS data, etc.) and timesheets to project lead on a timely basis, as requested.

Prioritize safety in all field activities.

Check in regularly with other field techs and project lead by phone, email, SPOT X, and/or radio.

Qualifications:

Ability to identify western US birds by both sight and sound.

Have great attention to detail and accurately collect and enter data in the field and on a computer.

Comfortable working, traveling, and living in remote locations, independently or as a team.

Capable of hiking off trail in steep rugged terrain up to 10 miles each day in extreme temperatures.

Preferred Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in biology, ecology, environmental science, or related field preferred.

Previous experience conducting avian field surveys, preferably in the southwest US.

Wilderness First Aid or similar certification.

A 4WD/AWD, high clearance vehicle is highly desirable but not strictly required.

Experience using a GPS and navigation apps (such as Avenza, GAIA GPS, OnX Maps, etc.).

Benefits:

$17 per hour compensation.

Mileage reimbursement at the federal rate for fieldwork related travel.

Competitive weekly stipend (rate TBD).

There may be other fieldwork opportunities to assist us with in between survey periods with our desert thrasher project in southern California.

To Apply:

If you are passionate about bird conservation, and you thrive in challenging field environments, we invite you to apply for this exciting opportunity. Please submit your cover letter addressing your interest and qualifications, your CV or resume, and contact information for three references to Katheryn Albrecht (Katheryn@mtmenvironmentalllc.com) and Amy Gaddy (Amy@mtmenvironmentalllc.com).

MTM Environmental, LLC is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage candidates from diverse backgrounds to apply.