The Clifton Institute/Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute seek a Raptor Conservation Technician to monitor nesting attempts of American Kestrels and Barn Owls and educate landowners on the conservation of these species.

BACKGROUND

The widespread pastures and hay fields in the Piedmont of northern Virginia host robust populations of American Kestrels, Barn Owls, and other open-country raptors. The Clifton Institute and its partners maintain a network of more than 250 nest boxes for American Kestrels and 40 boxes for Barn Owls. We have studied kestrel habitat selection for the last five years and we are participating in a new collaborative research project that will track Barn Owl movements in 2025. We also work closely with landowners, many of whom have nest boxes, to advise them on land management.

TERM

This is a nine-month position with a target start date of 15 February 2025.

DUTIES

• Work with partners and volunteers to monitor Kestrel and Barn Owl nesting attempts and ensure that data are entered correctly in the NestWatch platform. Build, train, and maintain a network of volunteer box monitors.
• Band nestlings and adults and record relevant capture data for the USGS Bird Banding Lab.
• Engage landowners in raptor conservation. Educate landowners on best practices based on research results of the Clifton Institute and partners.
• Maintain nest boxes and security cameras inside a subset of boxes, build and install new Barn Owl nest boxes, collect nest-box contents for analysis.
• Other duties as assigned.

We expect about 70% of this position to be fieldwork.

REQUIRED SKILLS/EXPERIENCE:

• Bird handling experience REQUIRED. Permitted (or sub-permitted) raptor-handler preferred.Strong interest in wildlife and applied conservation.
• Excellent communication skills. We are looking for a people person who will be able to work with a wide array of people from different backgrounds (volunteers, partners, and landowners). We would like to hire someone who can work independently but who is excited to collaborate with team members.
• Comfort using ladders to access nest boxes that are 10+ feet off the ground.
• Excellent organizational skills and strong attention to detail. Ability to quickly learn the names and locations of many landowners and nest boxes.
• Strong navigational skills and spatial awareness. Ability to use maps to find nest boxes.  
• Comfort with Microsoft Excel, Google Earth, Google Sheets, Google Calendar, and Dropbox.
• Valid US Driver’s License. Well-maintained personal vehicle that can travel 800 miles per month.
• Must be authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship.

PREFERRED SKILLS/EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree in biology, ecology, or related field
• Fundraising experience
• Ecological research experience
• Experience with Cornell University’s NestWatch platform

BENEFITS

The successful applicant will receive $1,654 per month, free housing and utilities, and reimbursement for mileage driven on their personal vehicle for fieldwork ($0.655 per mile or the current federal rate). Furthermore, you will be living and working in a beautiful, rural, and biodiverse part of Virginia. And you will be part of a vibrant community of researchers and conservationists.