Avian Point Count/Nest Searching Technicians and Crew Leader – Solar Energy Impacts – Colorado Parks and Wildlife

Field Job Description:

Come experience the birds and wildlands of Colorado! CPW is hiring one crew leader and three field technicians to conduct point counts and nest searching for all bird species at planned or constructed solar facilities throughout Colorado. Fieldwork will involve early mornings (pre-dawn start), long miles (~5-10 miles a day) through sagebrush and grassland habitat searching for nests, and camping at developed and undeveloped campgrounds throughout the summer. The crew will also be expected to set up and maintain trail cameras and acoustic recording units at point count locations, and conduct frequent nest checks of located nests. This project is focused on assessing impacts of utility-scale solar facilities on breeding bird densities and nest survival using a before-after-control-impact framework, so facilities will be in various states of construction or planning (i.e., not developed yet). Applicants should be willing to adhere to strict safety protocols on constructed solar facilities and have strong communication skills. Field vehicles and campground accommodations will be provided, but technicians should have a personal vehicle to get to and from the initial training site. Study sites are primarily in NW Colorado, but some travel to additional sites may be necessary.

Desired Qualifications:

• A positive attitude and the ability to get along well with other technicians and solar personnel in remote environments
• Attention to detail and interest in research and wildlife management. Of particular interest is the willingness to ask questions about data collection so it is done correctly
• Excellent visual and auditory bird identification skills for intermountain west bird communities
• Willingness to camp in variable conditions for extended periods

Crew leader position only:                  

• Preference will be given to someone currently living in northern Colorado with the ability to start part- or full-time several weeks before the other technicians.             
• Experience leading a crew and/or planning daily field logistics is preferred. Willingness to communicate via phone on a daily basis with the PI is essential.

Equipment:

• We will provide all necessary field equipment for data collection, although technicians are welcome to use their own binoculars if desired.
• We can provide camping gear if necessary, but technicians should have some experience using and living out of tents, and cooking in camping environments
• Technicians should have hiking boots and field clothing in addition to creature comforts for campground life
• We will provide snake gaiters to wear during field work in areas with rattlesnakes as well as any other necessary safety equipment.

Compensation and Schedule:

These full time (40 hours/week) seasonal positions pay $18-21 per hour (pre-tax), depending on experience. Minimal overtime will be possible, and generally technicians will work M-F from approximately 5 AM until early afternoon, depending on sunrise time, although the schedule can be flexible. Start date for crew leader is somewhere between March 20th and April 1st, and for technicians is May 4th. The first week of May will primarily be training, but the technician start date is firm. End date is sometime in late July or early August, but is somewhat flexible.