Seasonal Field Biologist, Tricolored Blackbirds and Migratory Shorebirds

Position Summary

The Seasonal Field Biologist will be an integral part of our field efforts supporting the Working Lands Initiative at Audubon California including Tricolored Blackbird research and conservation, surveys of crops and wetlands and waterbird use of wetlands. This position will report to a Working Lands Conservation Project Manager and will work in close coordination with the Working Lands Team at Audubon CA and the Migratory Bird Conservation Partnership that includes Audubon California, The Nature Conservancy, and Point Blue Conservation Science as well as other partners.

This is a full-time, temporary, grant-funded position scheduled for 40 hours/week with potential flexibility for a 4-day x 10 hr. work week. The position is expected to last from mid-March through May, with the possibility for extension. There is the potential for housing to be provided. 

This is a field-based position with variable work locations across California’s Central Valley, from Merced County to Kern County.

Compensation: $22.00 / hour

Apply at: https://careers-audubon.icims.com/jobs/5609/seasonal-field-biologist-(avian)%2c-working-lands/job

Essential Functions

• Assist with Tricolored Blackbird capture efforts, including mist netting, banding, and tagging with radio transmitters.
• Track tricolored blackbirds using handheld telemetry equipment and help with the construction of Motus stations.
• Monitor tricolored blackbird colony locations to detect colony initiation, track breeding progression, and assess conspecific attraction experiments.\
• Set up fields for monitoring. May include wading into flooded areas in chest waders and pounding in depth stakes.
• Conduct visual surveys of birds often requiring flock estimation. Focal birds include western shorebirds and other waterbirds (common species include but are not limited to Long-billed Dowitcher, Dunlin, Western Sandpiper, Least Sandpiper, Greater Yellowlegs) and Tricolored Blackbirds.
• Conduct visual surveys of pertinent habitat features of survey areas.
• Communicate regularly in varying formats (e.g. text, phone call) with rural landowners and/or farm managers and other survey crew and staff members.
• Collect data using datasheets in the field, enter data into digital database and proof.
• Digitize field boundaries, survey locations, and survey areas in Google Earth.
• Prepare preliminary data summaries.
• Possible overnight travel to other field sites in California.

Qualifications and Experience

• Associate degree in natural resources, environmental studies, or similar subject, and/or 2+ years of applicable experience.
• Experience extracting passerines from mist nets and with handling, banding, measuring, and tagging birds.
• Ability to identify and estimate numbers of western shorebirds and waterbirds by sight using binoculars and a spotting scope; tricolored blackbirds by sight and sound.
• Skilled at driving a 4WD vehicle on narrow roads and in variable conditions, i.e. mud, wet and fog.
• Able to manage and prioritize tasks from multiple sources and strong attention to detail.
• Experience working with a diverse group of people, previous work with the farming community a plus
• Experience working on field projects in agricultural and natural settings, and interactions with private landowners a plus.
• Excellent communication skills; frequent communication with survey team members and private landowners will be necessary.
• Possession of a driver’s license valid in California.
• The ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Technically savvy, including proficiency with Microsoft Office suite applications, internet browsers,
• Google Earth, iPad, and related data entry apps; GIS experience a plus but not required.
• Flexible with scheduling and ability to anticipate upcoming needs, careful time management and punctuality: willingness to work extended hours and/or travel as needed to accommodate unexpected issues, workload