Pinyon Jay Field Technician

Job Description: Great Basin Bird Observatory (GBBO) is seeking qualified avian field technicians to conduct Pinyon Jay surveys at multiple study sites throughout Nevada and eastern California. Primary duties will include surveying plots for Pinyon Jay presence/absence and documenting behavior using ESRI field maps. We will also be conducting nesting and colony surveys in select locations. 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. Field housing will be provided during weekends.

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

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 is a plus. Experience collecting data 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 a sense of adventure is also a plus!

Compensation: $15-$17/hr DOE. Vehicle will be provided.

To Apply:  Please email resume, cover letter, and 3 references to Kayla Henry at henry@gbbo.org