URGENT: Raven Monitoring/Avian Technician (2) – Oregon

Position duration: 3/27/23 – 7/15/23 (start and end date flexible, technicians needed ASAP)

The Eastern Oregon Raven and Sage-Grouse Project is hiring two technicians to search for and monitor raven nests, conduct auditory and visual point counts for raptors, corvids, and sagebrush-obligate songbirds, and survey for roadkill along county roads. Study sites are located within greater sage-grouse priority areas for conservation (PACs) in eastern Oregon. There may be opportunities to assist with other project duties as needed, which might include using radio telemetry to track greater sage-grouse hens, conducting vegetation surveys at sage-grouse nests, and capturing sage-grouse and/or ravens.

The greater sage-grouse is a species of management and conservation concern in Oregon and faces numerous threats including habitat loss and fragmentation, invasive annual grasses, an increase in high-severity wildfires, and increasing avian predator densities. Our research aims to understand these mechanisms behind Oregon sage-grouse population declines and study the effects of both lethal and non-lethal management of ravens on sage-grouse reproductive success. This data collection is in support of graduate student research and long-term research in conjunction with state and federal agencies.

Study sites are in extremely remote areas of eastern Oregon largely without cell service. Driving 4WD and OHV vehicles and towing small trailers is required. Technicians can expect to hike 3-10 miles/day carrying packs with up to 25lbs of equipment. Weather conditions range from snow/freezing conditions in early spring to 100F+ temperatures by late summer. Technicians will primarily conduct fieldwork by themselves, therefore qualified candidates will be self-motivated, capable of working with little supervision, and have excellent navigation skills.

Housing is provided in the form of project camp trailers. Some camping may be required to complete data collection.

Location: Juntura, OR; Jordan Valley, OR

Salary: $15.59/hr

Qualifications:

Minimum:

·           2 years of college level courses in wildlife biology, rangeland ecology, or related field -OR- 2 years of demonstrated experience assisting with field research

·           Must be highly organized, possess a strong work ethic, and be capable of working both independently and as part of a team

·           Ability to work in inclement weather and live/work in remote conditions

·           Ability to safely navigate in remote areas using topographic maps, compass, and GPS

·           Capable of hiking up to 10 miles off trail in rugged terrain carrying up to 25 lbs of equipment

·           Flexibility in work schedule and duties

·           Valid Driver’s License

·           Satisfactory Criminal History Check

Preferred:

·           Bachelor’s degree in Wildlife Biology, Rangeland Ecology, or related field.

·           Experience driving 4WD vehicles and ATVs/UTVs

·           Experience towing and backing up trailers/campers

·           Ability to identify western birds by sight and sound

·           Experience with bird capture and handling

·           Experience using radio telemetry to track wildlife

·           Experience working in the sagebrush steppe

·           CPR/First Aid Certified

·           Demonstrable commitment to promoting and enhancing diversity

TO APPLY, please send a resume or CV, cover letter, and list of three references in a single PDF document to both richard.rich@oregonstate.edu and stephanie.lequier@oregonstate.edu, and include “2023 Technician Application” in the subject line.

Interviews will be conducted as we receive applications. We’d like to fill the position ASAP.

Contact: Richard Rich, richard.rich@oregonstate.edu; Stephanie LeQuier, stephanie.lequier@oregonstate.edu