Western Snowy Plover Monitor

Western Snowy Plover Monitor at Point Blue Conservation Science
Location: Guadalupe, CA
Duration: 15 March through 15 August 2025 with possibility of extension. Start and end date may be flexible, depending on experience.
Deadline to Apply: Open until filled
Position Type: Seasonal Field Biologist with the potential for year-round assignment

Position Description:
Point Blue Conservation Science is a growing and internationally renowned non-profit with over 160 staff and scientists based in Petaluma, California. Founded in 1965 as Point Reyes Bird Observatory, our mission and programs have evolved over time to include a broad range of conservation activity, from restoration to environmental education to innovative work in the field of regenerative agriculture.  We have a proven track record of scientific excellence.

We recognize that increasing racial, gender, cultural, and other diversity, equity, and inclusion factors at Point Blue and in our partnerships is essential for the success of our mission, vision, and strategy. We are actively engaging in a process to create lasting organizational change. We seek applicants from all backgrounds to join our teams. We strongly encourage applications from people with backgrounds that are under-represented in the conservation community.

We are seeking a Coastal Program Biologist (CPB) to conduct breeding population monitoring of western snowy plovers at Rancho Guadalupe Dunes Preserve and the Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes Complex in central California. The CPB work weeks vary from 5-6 days and are typically 40-60 hours.

Specific duties include, but are not limited to:

• Conduct beach ecosystem monitoring within western snowy plover breeding habitat, including but not limited to: conducting nest surveys, following broods, identifying banded individuals, erecting symbolic fencing and rope exclosures, and predator identification
• Collect data using notebooks and field data entry apps.
• Assist with analysis of photo and video files from cameras deployed on active nests.
• Participates in data management including data entry and QA/QC of entered data
• Interact with county park rangers, visitors and beachgoers
• May participate in the following activities: censuses of coastal breeding seabird populations, seabird nest monitoring, and California least tern breeding colony monitoring

Compensation:

The CPB will earn $28.31 per hour plus overtime, depending on experience and internal equity. Use of a personal vehicle will be required. Any use of personal vehicles for field work will be reimbursed at the current federal mileage rate. Benefits are limited to 40 hours of sick pay. Housing is not provided.

Qualifications:

This position requires the following qualifications:

• Equivalent to a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in ecology, biology, zoology, ornithology, or a closely related field
• Minimum of two years’ experience conducting field surveys within western snowy plover (or similar threatened species) breeding habitat; banding experience desired, but not required
• Possession of, or qualifications to be added to, a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service section 10(a) (1)(A) Recovery Permit to independently locate and monitor western snowy plover nests and chicks and conduct surveys within western snowy plover nesting habitat
• Knowledge of methods, materials, and equipment used in data collection related to seabirds and shorebirds.
• Possession of a valid U.S. driver’s license, preferably a Real ID or the ability to obtain one. Point Blue will conduct a motor vehicle report for insurance purposes after hiring.
• Ability to identify shorebirds and seabirds of central California, and their potential predators
• Ability to spend long hours in the field collecting data 5-6 days/week, willingness to work in inclement weather conditions, and the ability to work well independently and in a group situation
• Ability to traverse or hike uneven terrain, including sand dunes, 10-20 miles per day carrying equipment and supplies in a backpack

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.