Job Title: Swainson’s Hawk Research Technician

Location: Central Valley, California, United States

Position Start Date: early April to mid-May (flexible start)

Position End Date: mid-June (flexible end)

Number of Openings: 1

Last Date to Apply: 17 March 2025

Open Until Filled: Yes

The Cal Poly Humboldt Dept of Wildlife is seeking one seasonal research technician to assist a Master’s graduate student with fieldwork studying Swainson’s hawk (Buteo swainsoni) behavioral responses to the active construction of the California high-speed railway throughout the Central Valley, California. The project will involve tagging adult Swainson’s hawks with GPS loggers at nest sites and monitoring behavior including foraging/hunting, brooding, flushing, and any other potential stress responses. Depending on the progress of the season, there may be opportunities to assist with trapping and tagging hawks. Candidates with an interest in wildlife handling and research are encouraged to apply. Data will be used to examine how nesting pairs of Swainson’s hawks utilize their habitat in the wake of ongoing disturbance. 

The position runs from the beginning of April/mid-May to mid-June 2025. Flexible start and end dates can be accommodated. Field housing will be provided in AirBnBs and/or hotels throughout the study range (between Merced and Bakersfield, CA). The technician will have the opportunity to work closely with the graduate student to understand how/if Swainson’s hawks modify their behavioral patterns within active construction zones and to quantify their home ranges in these highly disturbed spaces.

The primary responsibilities for this position will include monitoring Swainson’s hawk nests, documenting behavioral changes, mapping nest sites and home ranges, assisting in data collection and management, and supporting additional field or research tasks as they arise to meet project needs.

Technicians are expected to take clear, detailed notes in the field, enter data, and assist with the transport and maintenance of field equipment. Candidates should have a positive attitude with a strong interest in avian research and habitat ecology.

Required qualifications:

• Must be comfortable working independently in active construction zones
• Ability to actively listen and promptly implement any updates or changes to safety protocols, taking direction from the graduate student and/or the on-site CalTrans personnel as required
• Must be willing to wear all required personal protective equipment, as required
• Ability to take clear, detailed notes and record data in the field
• Ability to work flexible hours, including possible early mornings
• Ability to sit/stand for extended periods of time, patiently observing birds 
• Capable of working in inclement weather and hot conditions
• Be in good physical condition, hike over uneven terrain, and carry heavy field equipment (up to 50lbs)
• Ability to receive direction from and communicate clearly with the graduate student
• Must hold a valid driver’s license
• Comfortably operate a four-wheel drive (4WD) vehicle
• Ability to remain organized and adhere to a schedule, with flexibility for changes

Preferred qualifications include:

• Prior experience conducting ecological/wildlife related fieldwork and/or experience working in industrial areas
• Prior experience with data entry and management
• Willingness to drive personal vehicle between field sites (gas mileage reimbursement provided at current federal rate)
• Prior experience with ArcGIS/Google Earth
• Prior construction monitoring experience
• The ability to navigate to different field sites using a GPS or mobile device
• Desire to learn about avian ecology and raptor behavior

Please note that this position does not offer sponsorship for work visas. All applicants must be eligible to work in the country independently and must provide their own work visa if required. Thank you for your understanding.

Pay rate: $20.00 per hour, 40 hours per week