Grassland Bird Point Count Technician

Location:             South Texas

Duration:             One month, in the range of May – June (start date flexible)

Job Type:             Temporary Position

Salary:                 Monthly Salary of $3,200; housing while in the field; fuel and meal reimbursement

Application Deadline: Until Filled; Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

Job Description:

The Rio Grande Joint Venture is looking to hire a point count technician for grassland bird and quail population monitoring as part of a coordinated bird monitoring effort to assess the impacts of grassland management in grassland-dominated regions of the South Texas Plains ecoregion. Point counts will be performed on private lands as part of an effort to assess the effectiveness of land management practices. This is an opportunity to be part of a large-scale grassland bird conservation effort involving partner conservation agencies and organizations in Texas.

Primary duties:

• Early-morning point counts on private lands to survey bird communities (will require hiking and coordination with landowners and biologists for access).
• Data entry and proofing.
• Other responsibilities may include (but are not limited to) equipment maintenance, managing databases, 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, while in the field, will be arranged and will include bunk houses on WMAs, AirBnBs, and hotels. As such, candidates should be flexible about housing, are expected to adhere to current health advisories, and to be respectful of those around them.
• The technician will regularly interact with Rio Grande Joint Venture partner organizations/agencies and landowners. As such, the technician must have excellent interpersonal skills, will be expected to represent the RGJV, and may be required to professionally interact with landowners in person or over the phone.
• The technician will be required to drive a personal vehicle to and from field sites.
• • Mileage will be reimbursed for personal vehicles driven for work purposes during the field season ($0.67 per mile).
  • Personal vehicles should be in good condition, able to handle dirt/gravel roads, and ideally has high clearance and 4-wheel drive or all-wheel drive.

*Note that road conditions may be difficult in some areas depending on weather.

• Work schedules are highly dependent upon weather conditions, as well as access to properties, and it is subject to change throughout the field season. The technician will generally work 7-10 days “on,” on followed by several days off. Days off will be worked out with the supervisor.

Qualifications:

• Experience conducting avian point counts
• Experience with identification of Texas birds, especially grassland birds
• Experience estimating distances to detected birds
• Excellent navigational abilities
• Meticulous data collection skills
• Ability to work independently
• Excellent inter-personal skills
• Valid driver’s license
• Must be ≥ 18 years’ old
• Must be U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident
• Willing to undergo a background check
• Willing to gain basic Red Cross CPR/First Aid Training (ABC to cover the course attendance fees)

Other Information:

• This is position does not include benefits such as health care or retirement savings