Eagle Vehicle Strike Field Technician

Classification: Seasonal, Part-time Position (approximately 30 hours/week for 3.5 months, January – mid April 2026, short training period of 1 to 2 days in December 2025)

Salary: $2,325/month plus $750 vehicle stipend if applicable (see more detail below) and mileage reimbursement

Positions available: 8 (2 technicians per site)

Hiring Managers: Frankie Vierela and Jordan Herman

About HawkWatch International

Founded in 1986, HawkWatch International (HWI) is a raptor conservation nonprofit with a mission to conserve the environment through education, long-term monitoring, and scientific research on raptors as indicators of ecosystem health. As we approach 40 years of conservation, we are ready to invest in people who can help our hardworking team of educators, scientists, and administrative staff.

About the Position

HawkWatch International is seeking eight technicians (two per study area) to conduct field work from January through mid-April, 2026 as part of HWI’s on-going study of eagle-vehicle collisions and eagle conservation in the west. Technicians will be responsible for patrolling highways by vehicle, spotting roadkill carcasses and relocating them ~40ft off the road to reduce the risk of eagle-vehicle collisions. Technicians will also set up and maintain trail cameras to monitor eagle use of carcasses, review photos, and collect data on eagle and other raptor mortality. The position involves long hours of winter driving (potentially more than 8 hrs per day) interspersed with physically demanding work (i.e., lifting or dragging large animal carcasses with a partner). The team of two will work together with minimal supervision for the duration of the surveys. Technicians can expect 1 to 2 days a week spent actively patrolling roads via vehicle for carcasses, and 1 day managing and entering data. Technicians will be responsible for providing their own housing, and one person in the two-person team will be utilizing their personal vehicle to conduct surveys (there will be an extra stipend for vehicle maintenance). Due to the rural location and short duration of this winter position, applicants who already live locally are preferred. The study areas are as follows (two technicians will be hired per site):

• WY-CO: Along the border of WY-CO near Baggs, WY and Craig, CO
• Central UT: Richfield, UT
• Southwest UT: Cedar City, UT
• South/Central ID: Twin Falls, ID

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

• Surveying for roadkill carcasses along highways
• Physically relocating roadkill carcasses at least 12m from roadway
• Detailed record keeping of data associated with roadkill relocation effort and surveys
• Installation and maintenance of trail cameras at relocated carcasses

Qualifications (Essential skills)

• A valid driver’s license
• Experience driving safely in winter conditions
• A keen eye for searching and spotting big game and other animals
• Attention to detail and excellent note-taking skills
• Ability to navigate using maps and a GPS unit
• Ability to lift 75lbs and drag 200lbs with partner
• A strong stomach and ability to work with dead wildlife

Characteristics That Will Set You Apart (Desirable skills)

• Ability to ID western raptor species is a plus, but not required
• Experience with basic vehicle maintenance and repair (changing tires, putting on snow chains, getting vehicle unstuck from mud/snow, etc.)
• Live local to study area, local knowledge of area/roads

Additional Information

As part of our commitment to providing a safe and secure work environment, we conduct background checks on all prospective employees. These checks are conducted in accordance with applicable laws and regulations, and are designed to ensure that our hiring decisions are based on legitimate, non-discriminatory reasons.

Key Points:

• Consent: We obtain written consent before conducting any background check.
• Transparency: Should any information from a background check potentially impact hiring decisions, we will provide you with a copy of the report and an opportunity to respond.
• Non-discrimination: We apply the same standards to all candidates, regardless of race, national origin, color, sex, religion, disability, genetic information, or age.
• Relevance: A criminal record will not automatically disqualify you from employment. We will consider the nature and timing of any offenses in relation to the job requirements.
• Mandatory: Final approval of hiring is contingent upon completion of the background check process.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

We believe that just as in the natural world, diversity in the workforce fosters adaptability, resilience, and well-being. We strive to build a team that reflects the stakeholders and communities we serve and the places we work. Our goal is to create an environment where each team member feels valued, respected, and empowered in their work.

Compensation

This seasonal position offers a salary of $2,325/month plus $750 vehicle stipend and mileage reimbursement if utilizing personal vehicle for surveys. (Only one person is required to use their vehicle. If technicians decide to both use their vehicles for surveys, they will split the $750 stipend).