Avian Field Technicians to Conduct Breeding Biology and Territoriality of Nesting Birds in Sierra Nevada Meadows

Point Blue Conservation Science advances the conservation of birds, other wildlife and ecosystems through science, partnerships, and outreach. Our highest priority is to reduce the impacts of climate change, habitat loss and other threats on wildlife and people, while developing climate-smart, nature-based solutions. Because of the collaborative climate-smart conservation work we do today, we believe healthy ecosystems will continue to sustain thriving wildlife and human communities well into the future. Founded in 1965 as Point Reyes Bird Observatory, we have a proven track record of scientific excellence.

We are hiring three seasonal technicians to help conduct field studies of birds breeding in meadows of the northern Sierra Nevada Mountains. Field work will include nest searching and monitoring, territory mapping, bird banding (for two of the three positions) and surveying vegetation characteristics of habitat for breeding bird conservation. Field technicians will be based at one of two locations. These positions offer a unique opportunity to work intimately with birds in some of the most beautiful landscapes in California.

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 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.

Location: Technicians will be based in one of two primary locations, Chester and Truckee, CA, but occasional travel to meadows outside the base location may be required during the field season.

• Two technicians will be based in Chester, CA, primarily working at Childs and Swain Meadows
• One technician will be based in, or near, Truckee, CA, primarily at Van Norden Meadow

Duration: 

• Technicians based in Chester: 5 May – 8 August 2025
• Technicians based in Truckee: 19 May – 8 August 2025

Job type: Full-time, seasonal

Compensation: $22.09 per hour, depending on experience, with overtime pay according to California State law. Rate subject to change with 2025 minimum wage increase adjustment. Shared housing and utilities are provided at a cost of $62.10 per week, as determined by the California Department of Industrial Relations (rate subject to change). Benefits limited to 40 hours of sick pay.

Primary duties include but are not limited to: Territory mapping, nest searching, and nest monitoring for 8 passerine species; bird banding (Chester-based positions only); vegetation and habitat surveys; data entry and proofing; navigating cross-country in wetland habitats with dense vegetation, standing water, and uneven ground. The technicians based in Chester will lead or assist at two MAPS stations. Technicians for all three positions may also assist with point count or Willow Flycatcher surveys, depending on experience. Work weeks vary from 5-6 days and are typically 40-45 hours but vary from 35-50 hours.

Minimum qualifications:

• Experience nest searching and territory mapping for passerine species, preferably in the Western U.S.
• All candidates must feel confident in their ability to hike and navigate cross-country in complex wetland habitats with uneven ground and dense shrub cover
• All candidates must be able to identify 10 bird species by sight and sound following one week of training. We will provide species lists, audio recordings and links to learning resources before positions begin
• We require self-motivation, enthusiasm, a good sense of direction, the ability to cope with inclement weather and high densities of mosquitoes at times, the willingness to spend long hours in the field observing birds and their habitat with additional time in the office, and the ability to work well independently and in a communal 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
• Position may require the use of a personal vehicle. If a personal vehicle is used, you must have proof of insurance. We reimburse for mileage at the Federal IRS rate for using a personal vehicle for work
• Ability to lift and carry up to 40 pounds and hike up to 5 miles

Preferred qualifications:

• Experience banding and micro-aging passerine and near-passerine species, preferably in the Western U.S. (Chester-based positions only)
• Experience identifying trees and shrubs and with habitat surveys
• An academic background in ecology, environmental studies, or related field
• Completed at least one season of point counts (especially in the western U.S)

Work environment and physical requirements: The work environment includes locations with limited cell reception, complex mountainous terrain, often in a solitary capacity. All field locations are near a paved road with vehicle access. Must be able to lift and carry up to 40 pounds and hike up to 5 miles.

Equipment: Field technicians should have their own field gear including binoculars, camping gear, hiking boots, knee high rubber boots, tent, sleeping bag, raingear, etc. A list of required and suggested items to bring with you will be provided upon hiring. Please speak to the interviewing biologist if this presents an overwhelming financial burden; it may be possible to find some personal gear for loan for the duration of the season. Additional survey gear including GPS, chest or hip waders, and laser range finder will be provided by Point Blue. A personal vehicle is highly desirable but not strictly required.

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.