Avian Point Count Technician (Housing Provided)

The Tahoe Institute for Natural Science, in partnership with the USFS Pacific Southwest Research Station, is recruiting talented individuals for FOUR (4) positions to study the effects of fire and climate on forests and wildlife in the Sierra Nevada. The field research entails sampling in forested stands at designated sites varying in fire history and severity, stand age, and biophysical setting at various locations in the Lake Tahoe Basin. Field research will entail point count and waterbird surveys in forest and wetland sites and the deployment of audio recorders. The field team will be responsible for upholding best practices for field safety and for maintaining fidelity to methods for data collection. Field sampling will require camping for multiple consecutive nights. Successful candidates will have experience identifying western birds by ear and conducting point counts and vegetation surveys in similar habitats. Participation in this field work will provide exposure to science-based approaches to land management.  

Qualified and interested technicians may have the opportunity to extend their appointment to include forestry and botanical data collection. 

Location  

All fieldwork will be conducted in the Lake Tahoe basin and will entail camping during the week. The USFS will provide housing and a base of operations. Housing will likely be within the Lake Tahoe basin but possibly in Truckee, CA, at the Pacific Southwest Research Station in Placerville, CA, or a combination across sites depending on the location of sampling activities in a given period. 

Timeline  

• Duration: 7-8-week appointment starting in mid-May 2025
• Weekly schedule: generally, five 8-hour days (40/week); occasional overtime (paid at 1.5x regular wage) may be required

Compensation  

• Wage: $25.00/hour
• $40 per diem for camping dates
• Paid personal leave and federal holidays
• USFS housing

Qualifications  

• Bachelor’s degree in natural resource management or allied discipline
• Ability to identify western North American birds by sight and sound
• Experience in fieldwork and following standardized field and data protocols
• Experience conducting data entry and management
• Experience using topographic maps, compass, and GPS for field navigation Ability to work productively and cooperatively as part of a team focused on accomplishing project goals
• Strong organizational skills
• Experience and ability to hike by foot for extended periods of time while carrying backpacks, tools, and supplies
• Willingness and ability to camp for multiple consecutive nights as needed during field tours
• Possess a clean, valid, state-issued driver’s license with ability to safely operate and maintain a 4WD vehicle on and off paved roads