WWF- Grassland Bird Conservation Technician

GRASSLAND AVIAN FIELD CONSERVATION TECHNICIAN (2) needed for a study of breeding landbirds on ranches in eastern Montana, South Dakota, and Nebraska (May 10- July 16) for the World Wildlife Fund- Northern Great Plains Sustainable Ranching Initiative (WWF-SRI).  https://www.worldwildlife.org/projects/sustainable-ranching-initiative Technicians will collaborate directly with WWF Ecologists and with Ranchers on private ranches in eastern Montana and South Dakota.  Data will inform grassland conservation and promote bird-friendly beef production.  Duties consist of standardized avian point count surveys, vegetation surveys and data entry. Technicians will travel across diverse habitats identifying 100+ bird species.  Technicians must be able to attend training in Helena, Montana starting in mid-May.

Qualifications

Qualifications include: 1) the ability to communicate and work effectively with the IBO supervisor, WWF Ecologists, and with Ranchers (2 the ability to identify 100+ species of Western birds by sight and primarily by sound 3) the ability to work independently (alone ≥90% of the time) for the duration of the field season 4) strong physical/mental endurance to complete 1 survey per day per 9-day hitch 5) the ability to navigate off-trail in remote, densely-vegetated, steep and rugged landscapes using topographical maps and GPS units 6) a willingness to work in landscapes occupied by apex predators (mountain lions and rattlesnakes) 7) and careful and accurate data collection/entry/management.  Technicians must provide their own backpacking/camping gear.  Each applicant must possess strong interpersonal skills in order to communicate and work effectively with private landowners, fellow technicians, and with WWF and IBO supervisors.

This is a fulltime position for the duration of the project (May-July). Hourly pay rate is $17.10 - $19.44/hour, DOE. (Surveying requires EXTENSIVE DRIVING between sites on both paved and dirt roads. Technicians must have a valid driver's license and EITHER use their personal 4WD vehicle (work-related mileage will be reimbursed at the standard state rate) OR IBO can provide a rental SUV. 

Please send a cover letter and resume with three references (in ONE Document) via e-mail to Christian Meny: christianmeny@boisestate.edu.  Positions will be filled as soon as suitable applicants are found.

SRI_Impact_Report_2019.pdf