Research Technician (Bird Point Counts)

A graduate student in the Wildlife Department at Cal Poly Humboldt seeks multiple (3 - 4) summer research technicians to conduct bird point counts and collect relevant habitat data on timber farms in western Oregon and Washington.

Research Technician (Avian Point Count) Job Description:
Duration: May 13th through August 16, 2024 (with some flexibility)
Salary: ~$3,100/month; housing will be provided; occasional overnight camping at developed campgrounds required

Essential Job Duties:
1. Conduct bird point counts, identifying birds present by sight and (primarily) sound.
2. Collect vegetation and habitat data, including identifying trees and shrubs to species (plant ID training will be provided).
3. Work outdoors in potentially inclement weather, often in the early morning hours.

4. Independently navigate to and work from remote field locations, which includes driving forest roads, reading maps, and navigating through a forested, mountainous landscape both by vehicle and on foot. May include hiking up to 2 miles to reach count stations.
5. Gather and enter data and related information into computer database, and conduct preliminary quality assurance checks on previously entered data.
6. Work with the graduate student and other technicians as a team to accomplish group tasks, which includes communicating near-daily about project progress and challenges, and be willing to have a flexible work schedule.

7. Participate in occasional multi-day (up to 3 nights/trip) camping trips to facilitate data collection at more distant sites.
8. Other related job duties and activities as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:
1. Understanding of scientific methods of standardized data collection, as evidenced by junior or senior standing as an undergraduate (>2 years college education) or completion of a degree in a biological sciences discipline, or equivalent experience.

2. Drivers’ License, and ability to safely operate motor vehicles on gravel forest roads. Experience with 4x4 trucks and/or using CB radios (or similar) is preferred.

3. Basic data entry experience (Microsoft Excel or similar).

4. Willingness to work outdoors, in potentially damp weather, especially in the early morning hours.

5. Bird song/sound ID experience is a plus.

To Apply:  Please send brief cover letter, resume, and contact info for 3 references to Aidan Healey, preferably via email at ah604@humboldt.edu. Questions about these positions can also be directed to Aidan at the same address. Applications received by February 29, 2024, will receive full consideration.

Humboldt State University Sponsored Programs Foundation is an Equal Opportunity /Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex including sexual orientation and gender identity, national origin, disability, protected Veteran Status, or any other legally protected status. More information about HSU SPF’s Equal Employment Opportunity hiring can be found here.

For assistance with the application process, please submit an Accommodation Request Form, which can be found here or contact ADA Coordinator at 707.826.3626 or confidential fax at 707.826.3625. For more information regarding accommodation, you may also visit the HSU Human Resources website at http://www.humboldt.edu/hsuhr.  Individuals in need of a telecommunications relay service may contact the California Relay Service at 877.735.2929 TTY.