Field Technician (Full Time)

Job Title: Field Technician (Full Time)
Salary: $33,850 plus a 15% cash benefit (in lieu of health/retirement benefits)
Location: Ashland, Oregon; regular travel required
Application Deadline: Review of applications will begin March 15th and continue until filled

Job Description:

The primary responsibility of the Field Technician is to support avian long-term monitoring and applied ecology studies within the context of Klamath Bird Observatory’s mission to advance bird and habitat conservation. The applicant should be excited to contribute to the many facets of field research both during and outside of the avian field season. The Field Technician will assist with managing day to day operations of our seasonal field crews and implement avian surveys (e.g. point count, banding, nest- search). The Field Technician will provide project support in data entry, data management, GIS, report writing, and other tasks. Applicant should be flexible to take on odd jobs as needed.

About KBO

Klamath Bird Observatory advances bird and habitat conservation through science, education, and partnerships. We use birds as indicators of the healthy and resilient ecosystems on which we all depend. Our program areas reflect the highest conservation priorities for reversing the decline of western bird populations and the habitats on which they depend. Our current applied ecology programs focus on improving management and restoration of conifer forests, oak woodlands, riparian habitats, and alpine meadows. Our theoretical research improves our understanding of historic, current, future population trends of birds in those same ecosystems and studies birds throughout their full annual life cycle to identify the limiting factors that birds face during breeding and non-breeding seasons. We bring our results to bear through science delivery involving partnership driven engagement in conservation planning, informing the critical decisions being made today that will have lasting influences on the health of our natural resources well into the future. Klamath Bird Observatory is striving to maintain and build upon our positive, supportive, and inclusive work culture.

Job Duties (to include, but not limited to):

• Assist KBO Research Biologist(s) with oversight and implementation of seasonal field crews
• Assist with point count field training, including a two-week training at the onset of the field season and/or ongoing training throughout the season as determined by project needs annually
• Implement point count surveys as needed, extent of field work will vary from year to year
• Assist with constant effort mist-netting and bird banding, depending on qualifications
• Assist with other field studies as needed (e.g. nest-searching, target-netting)
• Complete data entry and data management including quality control checks
• Provide project support in data entry, data management, data analysis, GIS, report writing, and other tasks
• Contribute to the management of a fleet of field vehicles throughout the year
• Complete odd jobs (e.g. facility maintenance, office organization) as needed
• Communicate about KBO’s science to partners and community
• Demonstrate a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion through continuous development, modeling of inclusive behaviors, and proactive management of bias

Qualifications:

• Two or more years of relevant field experience
• One or more full seasons of avian point count experience and proficient with identification of western birds by sight and sound
• Experience with other avian field methodologies preferable (e.g. banding, nest-searching)
• Willingness to work independently, or in a small team, camping on a regular basis from May-October for field work
• Experience with navigating remote roads and orienteering to survey sites
• Good physical condition with ability and positive attitude to work in rough terrain in inclement weather, in areas with poison oak, ticks, biting/stinging insects, rattlesnakes, black bears, and cougars
• Demonstrate resourcefulness and problem-solving in the field and with office tasks
• Good written and oral communication skills
• Basic computer skills and understanding of file management
• Proficient with data entry and data management (Access, Excel)
• Ability to represent KBO’s non-advocacy approach of conservation-relevant science to partners and the public
• Willingness to manage field residences including regular maintenance and rigorous implementation of established pest management protocols
• Must provide and maintain reliable transportation, a valid driver’s license, and meet minimum driving record and insurance requirements
• In-person work and regular travel will be necessary when public health guidelines allow

It is Klamath Bird Observatory policy to provide a work environment free from unlawful discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, marital status, age, expunged juvenile record, performance of duty in a uniformed service, physical or mental disability, or any other characteristic protected by local law, regulation, or ordinance. Additional employment opportunities and information about Klamath Bird Observatory can be found at: https://klamathbird.org/about-kbo/careers-and-opportunities/.