Technicians/ Lead Technicians for Bird Point Counts and Vegetation Surveys in the Sierra Nevada Mountains

Technicians and Lead Technicians for Bird Point Counts and Vegetation Surveys in the Sierra Nevada Mountains

We are seeking Seasonal Lead Technicians (2 positions) and Seasonal Technicians (6 positions) to conduct point count and vegetation/habitat surveys for birds breeding in the beautiful Sierra Nevada Mountains of California. This program offers a unique opportunity to explore and observe birds in some of the most beautiful landscapes in California, across a wide range of habitats, while collecting data to guide management and restoration in the Sierra Nevada and Southern Cascades. Field work covers a vast profile of elevations in coniferous forest, post-fire, meadow, and chaparral habitats.

Point Blue is committed to increasing diversity, equity, and inclusion. We strongly encourage applications from people with backgrounds that are under-represented in the conservation community.

Duration:

• Lead Technician: April 22 – August 30, 2024 (1 position); April 29 –August 16 (1 position).
• Technician: April 29 –August 16, 2024 (4 positions). April 29 –August 30 (2 positions). For those with previous point count experience, start dates can be delayed 1-2 weeks depending on the extent of experience.

Location: Variable. Housing will be provided in the Northern Sierra (likely near Chester), Central Sierra (likely near Lake Tahoe), or Southern Sierra (likely near Shaver Lake).

Job type: Full-time, seasonal

Compensation: Lead Technician: $24 per hour, depending on experience, with overtime pay according to California State law. Technician: $21 per hour, depending on experience, with overtime pay according to California State law. Shared housing or campsite, and utilities, are provided at a cost of $60.16 per week. Benefits limited to 40 hours of sick pay.

Primary duties include but are not limited to: Multi-species point counts; vegetation and habitat surveys; data entry and proofing; navigating cross-country in mountainous terrain sometimes with dense vegetation; driving company-leased 4WD vehicles. Positions require significant driving between remote sites (sometimes up to 2-4 hours traveling per day) and front-country car-camping up to 5-6 days/week. Depending on experience, positions in the Northern Sierra could assist with bird banding operations at two MAPS stations. Work weeks vary from 5-6 days and are typically 40-45 hours but vary from 35-50 hours.

Qualifications:

• Lead Technician: Must have at least 1 season work experience identifying multiple bird species by sight and sound in mountain habitats of the Western U.S. or Western Canada using point count methods.
• Technician: Must have previous work experience identifying multiple bird species by sight and sound.
• Lead Technician: Must be able to identify bird species new to you by sight and sound with self-training in the field. We will provide species lists, audio recordings and links to learning resources before the position begins.
• Technician: Must be able to identify over 75 bird species by sight and sound following 2-3 weeks of training. We will provide species lists, audio recordings and links to learning resources before the position begins.
• Must feel confident in your ability to hike and navigate cross-country in steep, mountainous terrain often with dense shrub cover.
• We require self-motivation, enthusiasm, good sense of direction, the ability to cope with inclement weather, willingness to spend long hours in the field observing birds and their habitat with additional time behind a laptop, and the ability to work well independently and in a group living situation.
• Must have a valid U.S. driver’s license, at least two years of driving experience, and will be asked to provide information to verify their good driving record with one or fewer moving violations in the last three years.

Preferred qualifications:

• Lead Technician: Ideal candidates will have previous work experience supervising technicians collecting field data.
• Technician: Ideal candidates will have at least 1 season work experience identifying multiple bird species by sight and sound in mountain habitats of the Western U.S. or Western Canada using point count methods.
• Ideal candidates will have a background in ecology, environmental studies, or related field.

Work environment & physical requirements: Operates in remote environments, with limited cell phone reception, complex mountainous terrain, often in a solitary capacity, with rare chances of encountering predatory wildlife. Must be able to lift and carry up to 40 pounds and hike up to 10 miles.

Point Blue is an equal employment opportunity employer and does not discriminate against applicants or employees because of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, citizenship status, disability status of an otherwise qualified individual, membership or application for membership in an uniformed service, or membership in any other class protected by applicable law and will make reasonable accommodation for applicants  with disabilities to complete the application and/or participate in the  interview process.