Avian Technician for Point Counts and Vegetation Surveys in Meadows of the Sierra Nevada Mountains

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 one seasonal technician to conduct point count and vegetation/habitat surveys for breeding birds, primarily in meadows, in the beautiful Sierra Nevada Mountains of California. This position offers a unique opportunity to explore and observe birds in some of the most beautiful landscapes in California while collecting data to guide management and restoration in the Sierra Nevada and Southern Cascades.

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.

Duration:  12 May – 8 August 2025 (start date could be later depending on experience)

Location: Shared housing will be provided in the Northern Sierra, likely in or near Chester, CA. See below for cost of housing. Housemates will be coworkers working on other bird monitoring projects led by Point Blue.

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 due to 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: Multi-species point counts; vegetation and habitat surveys; data entry and proofing; navigating cross-country in mountainous terrain sometimes with dense vegetation; driving company-leased 4WD vehicle. Position requires some significant driving between sites (often 2+ hours of car travel and rarely up to 10 hours of traveling in a day) and front-country car-camping up to 4 nights/week. Depending on experience, assist with bird banding operations at two MAPS stations. Work weeks vary from 5-6 days and are typically 40-45 hours but vary from 35-55 hours.

Qualifications:

• One season of work experience identifying multiple bird species by sight and sound in the Western U.S. or Western Canada using point count methods
• Must be able to identify over 100 bird species by sight and sound following 1 week of training (we will provide species lists, audio recordings and links to learning resources before the position begins)
• Must feel confident in your ability to hike and navigate cross-country in steep, mountainous terrain and complex wetland habitats with uneven ground and dense shrub cover
• We require self-motivation, enthusiasm, a good sense of direction, the ability to cope with inclement weather, the willingness to spend long hours in the field observing birds and their habitat with additional time behind a laptop, and the ability to work well independently and in a group-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

Preferred qualifications:

• One season work experience identifying multiple bird species by sight and sound in mountain habitats of the Western U.S. or Western Canada using point count methods
• Experience identifying trees and shrubs and with habitat surveys
• An academic background in ecology, environmental studies, or related field

Work environment & physical requirements: Operates in remote environments, with limited cell phone reception, complex mountainous terrain, often in a solitary capacity. Must be able to lift and carry up to 40 pounds and hike up to 8 miles.

Equipment: Field technicians should have their own field gear including binoculars, camping gear, hiking boots, knee high rubber boots, tent, sleeping bag, raingear, watch with countdown timer, 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.

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.