Position: Avian Field Technician – Pinyon Jay Surveys
Employer: MTM Environmental, LLC
Location: Bodie Hills Region (Bridgeport), California
Project Duration: March through June 2025 (tentative)

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 avian field technicians to assist with pinyon jay surveys and monitoring in the Bodie Hills Region of California, for three survey periods from March through June 2025 (tentative). This position will play a crucial role in collecting valuable data to support avian conservation efforts on BLM managed lands. Compensation begins at $18/hour, based on experience and skill level. The work consists of a variable work schedule consisting of up to three weeks of fieldwork for each survey period (3x) spaced throughout the pinyon jay breeding season. The position requires individuals who are comfortable working independently in remote environments, possess strong bird identification skills, and have strong field navigation and data collection skills, as well as the physical and mental capabilities to hike off trail up to 10 miles/day.

Responsibilities:

• Conduct pinyon jay surveys and monitoring using standardized protocols (will be provided) each morning beginning at sunrise.
• Identify all bird species by sight and sound.
• Observe and record data on pinyon jay behavior, nest locations, and habitat.
• Hike long distances off trail in steep rugged terrain on a regular basis, while carrying essential gear and water.
• Car/tent camp daily, often in remote locations without cell service or facilities.
• 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 regularly with other field techs and project lead by phone, email, SPOT X, and/or radio.

Required Qualifications:

• Ability to identify western US birds by both sight and sound.
• Comfortable working, traveling, and living in remote locations, independently or as a team.
• Capable of hiking off trail in steep rugged terrain up to 10 miles each day in extreme temperatures.
• A 4WD/AWD, high clearance vehicle is required.
• Have great attention to detail and 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 preferred.
• Previous experience conducting avian field surveys, preferably in the western US.
• 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).
• Hiking, camping, and backpacking gear (including gear for rain, cold, potable water 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 starting at $18/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.

MTM Environmental, LLC is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage candidates from diverse backgrounds to apply.