Seasonal Avian Field Technician

Title: Seasonal Technician -- Mountains to Plains Avian Field Technician (multiple positions)

FLSA Status: Seasonal / Non-exempt / Hourly

Reports to: Program Assistant

Direct Reports: None

Location: Fort Collins, Colorado; Boulder County, Colorado

Wage: $17.50 - $18.50 hourly DOE, limited overtime and weekends may be required

Duration: 10 weeks (mid-May into July)

Benefits: Not eligible

Purpose The seasonal technicians will participate in avian point count surveys and vegetation monitoring on properties owned and managed by the City of Fort Collins, Larimer County, and Boulder County  in an effort to monitor bird populations and guide management of Natural Areas and Open Spaces.

About the Organization:

Bird Conservancy of the Rockies is a 501-c(3) non-profit that is headquartered at the Environmental Learning Center at Barr Lake State Park with a satellite office in Fort Collins and fieldwork outposts in the Great Plains Region.  Bird Conservancy of the Rockies conserves birds and their habitats through an integrated approach of Science, Education and Stewardship. 

Project/Position Overview:

Bird Conservancy of the Rockies conducts long-term monitoring of bird populations located on Natural Areas and Open Spaces in Fort Collins, Larimer County, and Boulder County. 

Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities:

Conduct early morning point count surveys for birds and vegetation surveys following established protocols

Communicate frequently with the Supervisor

Interact positively and professionally with landowners, locals and agency employees as needed 

Perform other duties as assigned

Knowledge, Skills and Experience required:

Backcountry experience (including off trail navigation, basic survival skills, and grit)

Ability to hike up to 10 miles a day while carrying a backpack weighing up to 20 pounds 

Attention to detail and ability to exactly follow field protocols

Ability to learn visual and auditory identification of all Front Range breeding birds

Ability to work independently or with a partner responsibly without supervision

Ability to maintain a positive disposition in extreme conditions

Effective written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills

Possess a strong work ethic and enthusiasm for spending 2 months conducting fieldwork

Driver’s license and 4WD experience preferred

Physical Demands / Work Environment: 

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

Moderate level stress

Capable surveying, hiking, and navigating in the early morning (sometimes dark) on uneven terrain, both on- and off-trail, in variable and extreme weather conditions

Capable and comfortable working in areas with potentially dangerous wildlife (black bears, mountain lions, rattlesnakes)

Able to stand, walk and hike for extended periods of time in uneven terrain carrying a backpack weighing up to 20 pounds

Capable of driving on rough roads, dealing with mud, navigating around cattle and barbed-wire fencing

Material and Equipment Directly Used:

Standard field equipment (e.g., GPS, laser rangefinder, maps, datasheets, timer, wind meter, and headlamp.

Standard office equipment (e.g., scanner, printer, and laptop)

Standard software (e.g., Excel, Word, Google Earth)

To Apply:

Send a cover letter, resume, and contact information for three references IN ONE DOCUMENT (.pdf or .doc) to applicants@birdconservancy.org. Name your application file as follows: Lastname_MTP2024_technician. Applications will be reviewed in April 2024 and positions will be filled as suitable applicants are found.