Raven Nest Monitoring Technicians and Interns

Job Description:

U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), in cooperation with Great Basin Bird Observatory (GBBO), Idaho State University (ISU), Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW), and California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), is seeking to fill positions for (2) Technicians and (2) Interns to conduct raven nest searches and nest monitoring at study sites across Nevada and California. Research will be conducted alongside a graduate student who is studying raven nesting behavior and researching ways to mitigate the effects of ravens on greater sage-grouse. Primary duties will include searching for raven nests, installing and checking raven nest cameras, pellet collection, avian predator count surveys, interpreting nest videos, and data entry. The raven nest monitoring crew is an offshoot team of a larger Greater Sage-Grouse monitoring project. Opportunities to monitor sage-grouse using radio-telemetry and perform habitat surveys may be available in the months of July and August. Additionally, opportunities to capture and radio-mark sage-grouse may be available throughout the spring, as needed by the sage-grouse crew.

These temporary, full-time appointments will last from the first week of March through the middle of July/beginning of August, with the potential for extended employment depending on funding and performance. Primitive field housing will be provided, and successful applicants will be required to stay on site during work periods. It is highly recommended to have a residence within a day’s drive of Reno, NV in the case of a COVID-19 quarantine or isolation event.

These positions are a great opportunity to explore the beautiful sagebrush steppe of the Great Basin and eastern Sierra Mountains, however, these landscapes can be rugged and challenging to work in. Temperature extremes can range from well below freezing to above 100 degrees F, and inclement weather is always a possibility.

Please submit a cover letter, resume/CV, and contact information for three references in a single PDF or word document saved with applicant’s last name in the title to: casanchez@usgs.gov. Cover letters and correspondence may be addressed to Corina Sanchez. Please include “Raven Nest Monitoring Crew” in the subject line and specify which position you are applying for in the title of the email.  

Applications will be accepted through March 2nd , however, positions will be filled as successful applicants are identified. Interviews will begin in January. Exceptional candidates may be contacted for interviews before January.

Qualifications:

B.S. degree in biology or a natural resource field preferred although experienced undergraduates are encouraged to apply as well for intern positions. U.S. citizen with valid driver’s license required. Successful applicants must possess the ability to hike long distances over rough terrain often in inclement weather (snow, rain, hail, high winds). The ability to take direction and work independently, a strong work ethic, a willingness to learn, a desire to gain experience while maintaining an enthusiastic attitude, and good communication skills with field supervisor and teammates are essential for all positions. Prior experience driving ATVs/4x4 vehicles over rough terrain is also preferred for all positions.  It is highly recommended to have a residence within a day’s drive of Reno, NV in the case of a COVID-19 quarantine or isolation event.

Successful applicants must possess the ability to hike long distances over rough terrain often in inclement weather (snow, rain, hail, high winds). Both positions will be required to work independently, as needed, and use a hand-held GPS. Training will be provided for operating 4WD vehicles and ATVs but prior experience is preferred. The ability to take direction, a strong work ethic, a willingness to learn, a desire to gain experience while maintaining an enthusiastic attitude, and good communication skills with field supervisor and teammates are also essential for all positions.

Technicians: Positions will be offered to applicants with demonstrated experience assisting with wildlife field research. Experience working with off-road vehicles in rugged terrain is highly preferred.

Interns: Internships will be offered to applicants that demonstrate a passion for wildlife ecology, a willingness to learn new techniques, a desire to work as part of a team, a desire to work hard in a remote but beautiful field setting and have strong references. Previous field experience is desirable, but not required.  Payment is based on reimbursement of travel expenses set on established rates and is not considered an hourly wage.

Start Date: Tentatively 2 March 2024

Salary: 

Technicians: (~$1700-2200/mo, dependent on experience)

Interns (~$700-1400/mo travel reimbursement, dependent on number of days worked)

Website: https://www.werc.usgs.gov/

Contact: Dr. Steven Mathews. sagegrousescience@gmail.com