Black-Capped Vireo Nest Searching/Monitoring Field Technicians

Location:            Edwards Plateau

Duration:           May-June (2 months, start date flexible)

Job Type:            Temporary

Salary:                 Monthly salary $3,000 with field housing included

Application Deadline: Until Filled

Job Description:

SEASONAL FIELD TECHNICIANS needed by the American Bird Conservancy working in cooperation with Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and the Oaks and Prairies Joint Venture for nest searching, nest monitoring, and point counts for the recently delisted Black-capped Vireo, pending funding availability. Technicians will be collecting data as a part of post-delisting monitoring for this species. Surveys will be performed at several Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s state parks and natural areas near the Austin Texas area. This is an opportunity to work in a unique landscape in Texas where many unique species, including the endangered Golden-cheeked Warbler, can be found.

Primary Duties:

• Black-capped Vireo nest searching and nest monitoring, early morning point counts, early morning censuses, and data entry.
• Other responsibilities may include (but are not limited to) equipment maintenance, managing databases, proofing entered data, etc.

Candidates will be expected to work long hours with early starts in relatively difficult field conditions (e.g., high temperatures, exposure to the elements (sun, wind, rain), intense hiking, active cattle pastures, venomous snakes, cactus, chiggers, ticks, etc.).

• Housing will be arranged and may include AirBnB/VRBO, trailers, camping, bunkhouses, hotels, and other forms of field housing. As such, candidates should be flexible about housing, are expected to adhere to current health advisories, and will be respectful of those around them.

• Preference will be shown for individuals who are willing to drive a personal vehicle to and from field sites.
  • Personal vehicles should be in good condition and able to handle dirt/gravel roads.
    *Note that road conditions may be difficult in some areas depending on weather.

• Mileage will be reimbursed.

Qualifications:

• Experience searching for nests preferred; training will be provided
• Experience with nest monitoring preferred; training will be provided
• Experience with identification birds required; especially Texas birds like Black-capped Vireo
• Experience conducting avian point counts
• Experience with estimating distances to detected birds preferred; training will be provided
• Meticulous data collection skills
• Excellent navigational abilities
• Ability to work independently
• Excellent inter-personal skills
• Valid driver’s license
• Must be ≥ 18 years old, eligible to work in the US, and willing to undergo a background check
• Willing to gain basic (online or in-person) Red Cross CPR/First Aid Training (ABC to cover the course attendance fees)