VESPER SPARROW FIELD TECHNICIAN - OREGON

Pay Rate: $1528 bi-weekly

Duration: April 29 – July 3, 2024 (starting May 6 may also be possible)

Location: Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument, near Ashland, OR        

DESCRIPTION: Klamath Bird Observatory (www.klamathbird.org) is still seeking to fill a Field Technician position in our Oregon Vesper Sparrow research program for the 2024 field season. We are conducting an inventory of the size and distribution of Oregon Vesper Sparrow populations in the Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument, to assess population status and potential conservation actions for this imperiled subspecies. Primary duties will include conducting transect surveys in meadow and oak-prairie habitat in the Monument, and completing associated data entry. The Field Technician will conduct transect surveys by ear in different locations in and around the Monument, sampling along off-road transects following standard protocols. Previous avian field research experience is required, and experience working and hiking alone in remote areas is preferred. Field training in specific protocols will be provided. Ability to use your own vehicle for field work is required (typically on paved, dirt, or gravel roads - high clearance is desirable but 4WD is not necessary), and work mileage will be reimbursed at the federal rate. Camping independently, often at undeveloped or dispersed sites, will be required for most work. A small number of sites may also require overnight backcountry camping. Weekend camping in our lovely town of Ashland is available if desired.

QUALIFICATIONS: Well-qualified applicants should have at least one full season of avian field experience. Applicants should be prepared to start work at dawn, have a full range of hearing, be in excellent physical condition, and be comfortable working and camping independently. Required qualifications include the ability to identify a variety of western birds by sight and sound, hike in off-trail conditions, follow standardized field protocols, collect and record meticulous data, communicate with coworkers effectively, work independently in remote areas, and work in inclement weather conditions. Applicants should be able to tolerate working in areas with poison oak, biting insects, and the potential to encounter rattlesnakes, black bears, and cougars. Surveyors must possess good map-reading and GPS skills (i.e., be able to navigate back roads and off-trail hiking without cell service), and have enthusiasm for working in the field. Applicants must have a valid driver’s license, relatively clean driving record, and car insurance. Transportation to Ashland, OR, and personal field gear (e.g. camping gear, rain gear, etc.) are the responsibility of the applicant

COMPENSATION: The Field Technician will be paid $1528 bi-weekly, plus reimbursement for work travel mileage at the federal rate.

TO APPLY: Send cover letter including your dates of availability, vehicle type, and where you heard about this job opportunity; résumé, and contact info for 3 references by email to Dr. Sarah Rockwell (smr@klamathbird.org). Hiring will be ongoing until the position is filled. It is Klamath Bird Observatory’s policy to provide a work environment free from unlawful discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, marital status, age, expunged juvenile record, performance of duty in a uniformed service, physical or mental disability, or any other characteristic protected by local law, regulation, or ordinance. Additional employment opportunities and information about Klamath Bird Observatory can be found at: https://klamathbird.org/about-kbo/careers-and-opportunities/.