Yellow-billed Cuckoo Field Biologist - Lower Colorado River

Job Description:
Join us for an exciting summer on a long-term research project with the Western Yellow-billed Cuckoo, one of the most interesting and challenging birds in the Southwest.  We are currently seeking one surveyor to join our team in conducting population monitoring of Yellow-billed Cuckoos on the lower Colorado River in Arizona and California. Surveyor must be available from June 1 (for training) until August 15.  Primary duties: conducting Yellow-billed Cuckoo call-playback surveys, resighting color-banded cuckoos, nest finding, and data entry.

Free shared field housing is based in Blythe CA, and per diem/hotels are provided for occasional overnight trips to other field locations.  The position involves hiking off-trail while carrying moderately heavy packs.  You must be able to tolerate adverse conditions including high temperatures, high humidity, crossing or standing in water and dense vegetation. You may encounter wild animals, snakes and biting insects and mosquitoes.  All field work involves early morning rising, driving, and sometimes hiking in the dark.  Applicants should feel comfortable working in remote locations, either alone or in teams.  We will be following strict COVID-19 safety protocols to minimize risk of transmission between crew members and minimize the risk of contracting it from the public.  You must be currently vaccinated for COVID and provide a vaccination card.

Surveyors work five consecutive days followed by 2 days off.  We work 6-8 hours in the field daily in temperatures ranging from 70–110 F. Data is entered daily during and after returning from the field.  Field housing and work vehicles are provided.  We cannot accommodate pets.  All surveyors will receive USFWS-approved, yellow-billed cuckoo survey training.

Qualifications:
Applicants must be enthusiastic and physically fit, have a solid work ethic, strong interpersonal skills, and excellent hearing and color vision.  Previous avian field work (1 season), meticulous data collection skills, and attention to detail are expected.  Applicants must have a valid driver’s license, a personal cell phone, and current First Aid/CPR Certification or complete a free course online (provided by SSRS) before the first day of work.  If selected for hire, surveyors must provide a State driving record. Desired skills: conducting bird surveys, working with secretive birds, recording data using data collection apps, familiarity with ArcGIS, resighting color-bands and using scopes. Starting salary: $2,600 to $ 2,700 per month DOE.

To Apply:

Please send the following in a single document: 1.) a cover letter stating your relevant field experience, including dates of availability and which position(s) you are applying for 2.) a resume highlighting your qualifications 3.) the names, emails, and phone numbers for three references. Please make sure your references are current and can comment on your outdoor or birding capabilities. Include your name in the email subject line and the file name of your cover letter/resume/references document.  Email to Diane Tracy [EM: YBCUjobsLCR@gmail.com] by May 15, 2022.  We will review applications as received and begin hiring as suitable applicants are found.  Include your name in the email subject and file name(s).  We are unable to hire non-US citizens without a current Employment Authorization Document (EAD)... The Southern Sierra Research Station is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  www.southernsierraresearch.org