Point Count Trainer/Tribal Capacity-building Lead

Description

Klamath Bird Observatory (www.KlamathBird.org) is seeking seasonal Field Technicians for the 2023 breeding season to complete avian point count surveys from May 1 through July 21, throughout the ecologically diverse and beautiful regions of southern Oregon, eastern Oregon, and/or northern California. Technicians will conduct work related to multiple projects, including monitoring effects of conifer forest restoration on species distributions, and long-term monitoring on both private and public lands. Surveyors will work in northeastern Oregon conifer forests, eastern Oregon sagebrush habitat, northern California oak-conifer and riparian woodlands, Redwood National and State Parks, and/or Lava Beds National Monument. Applicants should be able to identify a wide variety of western bird species as they may be working in a range of habitats including coniferous forests, oak woodlands, riparian, montane meadows, and shrub-steppe. Primary responsibilities will include conducting multispecies avian point count surveys and vegetation sampling along off-road transects following standard protocols, and associated data entry. Other tasks may be assigned if time permits. Field training on protocol methodology and distance estimation will be provided at the onset of the season. Camping independently, often at undeveloped or dispersed sites, will be required for most work. A small number of sites also require overnight backcountry camping. Experience and comfort with backpacking to sites will be discussed and agreed upon prior to the field season and is not required for every position. Several field vehicles are available, but in certain cases it may be necessary for surveyors to use a personal vehicle to travel to work sites. If technicians are required to drive their personal vehicle, mileage reimbursement will be provided at the federal mileage rate.

We are additionally seeking one of the Field Technicians to take the lead on a small training program for local Tribal biologists for about half of the point count season. This will involve spending one training week with two Tribal biologists in the field, leading practice of bird ID and point count and vegetation survey protocols (this would occur after your own training period with KBO); then spending an additional two weeks completing two rounds of co-surveys in the Scott Valley in northern California along with the Tribal biologists. This will involve completing simultaneous surveys in oak-conifer and riparian habitats, and then offering time for questions and discussion; routes will be shorter to accommodate the extra time needed for training. The rest of your field season would be spent on regular point count duties just like the other Point Count Technicians. For this position we are seeking someone with more substantial previous experience in point count methods and western U.S. bird identification, and the interest and ability to teach others.

Qualifications

Well-qualified applicants should have at least one full season of avian point count field experience. Applicants should have a full range of hearing, be in excellent physical condition, and be comfortable working and camping independently. Required qualifications include ability to identify western birds by sight and sound, hike in steep and rugged off-trail conditions, follow standardized field protocols, collect and record meticulous data, communicate effectively, work independently in remote forested areas, work in inclement weather conditions, and tolerate working in areas containing poison oak. Surveyors must possess good map-reading, GPS, and orienteering skills and be eager to work long days in the field. Applicants must have a valid driver’s license, clean driving record, and insurance. Technicians must be willing and able to adhere to strict health and safety guidelines during the COVID-19 pandemic throughout the duration of hire. Effective June 21, 2021, and until further notice, KBO requires that all Employees and Student Interns be fully vaccinated for COVID‐19, and be able to provide proof of vaccination status.

Salary

$3256/month, plus reimbursement for mileage at the federal rate if required to drive a personal vehicle. An additional completion bonus of $1000 will be provided at the end of the field season.

To Apply

Send cover letter (including dates of availability and vehicle type), resume, and contact information for three references in a single PDF document to Tom McLaren (thm@klamathbird.org).

Hiring will be ongoing until all positions have been filled. Offers are contingent on the status of the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent health and safety mandates throughout the field season. Additional employment opportunities and information about Klamath Bird Observatory can be found at: https://klamathbird.org/about-kbo/careers-and-opportunities/