Position: Avian Field Technician (point-count surveys)

Dates: May 19 through June 7, 2025

Location: Marengo and Clarke Counties, AL

Compensation: $18 per hour plus mileage reimbursement for fieldwork related travel 

About Us:

MTM Environmental, LLC is a Certified Woman-Owned Small Business (“WOSB”) environmental consulting firm providing a wide range of ecological services for private landowners, land managers, entities, and organizations, such as wildlife surveys, stream sampling, vegetation surveys, environmental DNA sampling, land management planning, conservation easement and baseline documentation reports, mapping, wetland delineations, environmental site assessments, and drone imagery operations, among others. Since our launch in 2021, we have completed numerous projects across the Southeast, Midwest, and Western U.S.

Job Description:

We are seeking 1-2 avian field technicians to assist us with conducting point-count surveys for breeding birds of multiple species at two sites in south-central Alabama (Clarke and Marengo Counties). Surveys will be conducted during two rounds within a short two-three week window in late May/early June. This position will contribute to a large-scale study of breeding bird ecology and will support greater avian conservation efforts. 

This position requires individuals who are comfortable working independently in remote environments, possess strong bird identification skills (by sight and sound), and have strong field navigation and data collection skills, physical and mental capabilities to hike off trail up to 10 miles/day often in hot temperatures, and willingness to tent camp for the duration of the project.

MTM will provide pertinent training, survey equipment, and safety gear (e.g., SPOT X satellite communication safety device, bear spray, first-aid kit, etc.) to technicians for fieldwork.

Responsibilities:

• Conduct point count surveys for all bird species observed by sight and sound using standardized protocols (provided).
• Identify all mammal species observed during surveys.
• Conduct surveys each morning before sunrise and end by midday.
• Hike long distances off trail in rugged terrain on a regular basis, often in hot temperatures.
• Evaluate and characterize avian habitats, noting dominant vegetation types, topography, weather, and other environmental conditions.
• Accurately record and document field data, ensuring precision and attention to detail, following survey protocols.
• Utilize GPS and other technology for navigating to survey sites, surveying plots/transects, and recording field data.
• Organize and enter data, update timesheets and worklogs, and research how you’ll access survey locations.
• Maintain and troubleshoot field equipment, including optics, GPS devices, cameras, personal computer/tablet, cell phones. And Spot X devices.
• Work collaboratively with other technicians and project leads.
• Communicate effectively and timely with other field staff and project leads to provide updates on fieldwork progress.
• Submit data (datasheets, photos, GPS and GIS data, etc.) and timesheets to project lead on a timely basis, as requested.
• Prioritize safety in all field activities.
• Check in frequently with your project lead and be available and responsive by email/phone.

Required Qualifications:

• Ability to identify eastern US birds by both sight and sound.
• Willingness to work in remote locations, independently, and/or with a teammate.
• Physical and mental capability of hiking off trail in rugged terrain up to 10 miles a day, often in hot temperatures, while carrying essential gear and water.
• Have great attention to detail and can accurately collect and enter data in the field and on a computer.
• Ability to follow instructions and submit timesheets and data timely as requested.  

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in biology, ecology, environmental science, or related field.
• Prior experience conducting avian point counts, distance sampling and/or research.
• Knowledge of eastern woody plant species and  plant communities.
• Wilderness First Aid or similar certification or experience.
• Experience using a GPS and navigation apps (such as Avenza, GAIA GPS, OnX Maps, etc.).

Applicants must possess the following items:

• Suitable binoculars (8x42 or 10x42 magnification).
• Camping gear (tent, sleeping bag, etc.)
• Working laptop/tablet for data entry.
• A 4WD/AWD personal vehicle is required. Personal vehicles must be able to handle variable road conditions characteristic of the region, e.g., muddy, sandy, and rocky terrain.

Benefits:

• Compensation is $18 per hour, based on experience and skill level.
• All work-related mileage incurred in execution of responsibilities using a personal vehicle will be reimbursed at the current federal mileage rate.
• A campsite will be provided at a full-service campground near both survey locations for the duration of the project.