Point Count Biologist

We have openings for 2 experienced point counters to survey birds on plots within the Goosenest Adaptive Management Area on Klamath National Forest.

PROJECT DATES: June – early July (tentative) 2021.

TRAINING: The field season will begin with a training session in project protocols for conducting multi-species point counts using distance sampling. Surveyors are required to already be able to identify birds of northern California by sight and sound; applicants with previous point count experience are strongly preferred.

RESPONSIBILITIES: The biologists will visit and conduct bird surveys at fuel reduction treatment plots and control plots for a project examining changes in the bird community over a 20-yr period. Each surveyor will work alone on a plot, but will coordinate and interact with a second crew which is responsible for bumble bee and butterfly surveys. On a typical day, surveyors will wake up before dawn and spend the morning conducting multi-species point counts, and possibly rapid vegetation surveys at each survey site. The afternoon will then typically be spent entering data from the day’s surveys. Work will require walking off-trail to survey locations across uneven ground and sometimes through thick shrubby vegetation. The typical work schedule will be 5-days on followed by 2-days off, though work days may need to be shifted due to inclement weather.

REQUIREMENTS: We are looking for candidates with prior birding experience and familiarity with the songs and calls of western montane birds. Prior point count experience is strongly preferred. Other requirements include a sense of humor, a love of adventure, willingness to communicate and coordinate with others, and an appreciation of avian ecology. Housing will be provided, with Covid-19 safety measures implemented as needed next summer.

EQUIPMENT: Biologists are expected to provide their own binoculars and field equipment (hiking boots, raingear, backpack, etc.). A personal vehicle is not required, but would be beneficial.

COMPENSATION: Biologists will be considered seasonal IBP staff, and will receive payment of $2,700 per month (before payroll taxes), housing, and project-related travel mileage reimbursement ($0.37/mile), but no fringe benefits.

MORE INFORMATION: This project is intended to assess the how a variety of forest fuel reduction treatments has shaped the bird community over a 20-yr time frame. The work will take place within the Goosenest Adaptive Management Area (GAMA) which is located in far northern California on Klamath National Forest. The vegetation at GAMA is predominately second-growth conifer forest with ceanothus understory.

TO APPLY: Please email a resume, cover letter, and the names, phone numbers and email addresses of three references to Mandy Holmgren, Biologist at: mholmgren AT birdpop DOT org.

IBP values diversity and encourages people from all backgrounds to apply. All qualified applicants will receive consideration regardless of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, or sexual orientation.