Field Technician (Avian), Working Lands

The National Audubon Society is a nonprofit conservation organization that protects birds and the places they need, today and tomorrow. We work throughout the Americas using science, advocacy, education, and on-the-ground conservation. Audubon’s state, regional, national, and international programs, nature centers, and chapters have an unparalleled wingspan that reaches millions of people each year to inform, inspire, and unite diverse communities in conservation action. As a sentinel species, we recognize that the fate of birds is inextricably tied to the fate of us all.

Audubon has more than 700 staff working across the United States and seven countries in 17 state and regional offices, 41 nature centers, and 23 wildlife sanctuaries. Together as one Audubon, we aspire to alter the course of climate change and habitat loss, leading to healthier bird populations and reversing current trends in biodiversity loss.

Audubon is committed to a culture of workplace excellence, where our talented and diverse staff are deeply engaged, with a strong sense of belonging. The birds Audubon pledges to protect differ in color, size, behavior, geographical preference, and countless other ways. By honoring and celebrating the equally remarkable diversity of the human species, Audubon will bring new creativity, effectiveness, and leadership to our work throughout the hemisphere.

The Seasonal Field Biologist will be an integral part of one or more field efforts supporting the Working Lands Initiative at Audubon California including tricolored blackbird surveys of crops and wetlands and waterbird use of wetlands. This position will report to a Working Lands Conservation Project Manager and will work in close coordination with the Working Lands Team at Audubon CA and the Migratory Bird Conservation Partnership that includes Audubon California, The Nature Conservancy, and Point Blue Conservation Science as well as other partners.

This is a full-time, temporary grant-funded position scheduled for four months & 40 hours/week (March – May with minimal overtime and the possibility of extension pending funding and needs) with occasional overtime. The position can be based outside of the Central Valley however the job duties require a daily presence in the Valley. Shared housing may be available at the Cosumnes River Preserve.

Compensation:

$22.00 / hour

• Set up fields for monitoring. Includes wading into flooded areas and pounding in depth stakes
• Conduct visual surveys of birds often requiring flock estimation. Focal birds include western shorebirds and other waterbirds (common species include but are not limited to Long-billed Dowitcher, Dunlin, Western Sandpiper, Least Sandpiper, Greater Yellowlegs) and Tricolored Blackbirds.
• Conduct visual surveys of pertinent habitat features of survey areas.
• Communicate regularly in varying formats (e.g. text, phone call) with rural landowners and/or farm managers and other survey crew and staff members.
• Enter data into digital format and proof.
• Digitize field boundaries, survey locations, and survey areas in Google Earth.
• Conduct preliminary data summaries.
• Possible overnight travel to other field sites in California.
• Possible participation in a shorebird banding effort.

• Associate’s degree in natural resources, environmental studies, or similar subject, and/or 2+ years of applicable experience.
• Ability to identify and estimate numbers of western shorebirds and waterbirds by sight using binoculars and a spotting scope; tricolored blackbirds by sight and sound.
• Experience driving a 4WD vehicle on narrow roads and in variable conditions, i.e. mud, wet and fog.
• Experience managing and prioritizing tasks from multiple sources.
• Experience working with a diverse group of people.
• Excellent communication skills; frequent communication with survey team members and private landowners will be necessary.
• Possession of a driver’s license valid in California.
• The ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Technically savvy, including proficiency with Microsoft Office suite applications, internet browsers, Google Earth, iPad and related data entry apps; GIS experience a plus but not required.
• Flexible with scheduling and ability to anticipate upcoming needs; careful time management and punctuality; willingness to work extended hours and/or travel as needed to accommodate unexpected issues, workload.
• Experience working on field projects in agricultural settings and interactions with private landowners a plus.
• Bird handling experience is a plus though not necessary.

The National Audubon Society is a federal contractor and an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. We are committed to a policy of nondiscrimination, inclusion and equal opportunity and actively seek a diverse pool of candidates in this search.

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All new hires must be fully vaccinated prior to their start of employment unless they are pre-qualified by HR for exemption.