Position: Seasonal Raptor Field Technician (multiple positions)

Employer: MTM Environmental, LLC

Location: Southwestern Colorado

Project Duration: May through August 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 multiple Seasonal Raptor Field Technicians to assist with woodland raptor surveys in southwestern Colorado May through August 2025 (tentative). This position will play a crucial role in collecting valuable data to support raptor conservation efforts on BLM managed lands. Compensation begins at $18 per hour, based on experience and skill level.  The work consists of conducting broadcast call surveys and nest searches for woodland raptor species (Cooper’s hawk, Sharp-shinned Hawk, American Goshawk, and other raptors including owls) in two project areas. Work will consist of long days in the field from just before sunrise to sunset traversing over challenging terrain in remote areas. Work will follow a variable schedule largely depending on weather conditions. Dispersed car/tent camping will be required. If no dispersed campsites are available, MTM will provide a group campsite at a nearby campground.

The position requires individuals who are comfortable working independently in remote environments, possess strong raptor identification skills, and have strong field navigation and data collection skills.  

Responsibilities:

• Conduct broadcast call surveys and nest searches for woodland raptors using standardized protocols (will be provided) each day beginning a half hour before sunrise to sunset.
• Identify all raptor species by sight and sound. 
• Be able to identify pinyon jays by sight and sound and document their activities.
• Observe and record data on raptor 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, amplifiers, CD players, 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 raptor species 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 raptor 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.).

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.