Seasonal Avian Technicians and Lead Technician to Conduct Willow Flycatcher Surveys in Sierra Nevada and Southern Cascades Meadows of California

Point Blue Conservation Science • Temporary • Chester • 3m ago

Seasonal Avian Technicians and Lead Technician to Conduct Willow Flycatcher Surveys in Sierra Nevada and Southern Cascades Meadows of California

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 up to four seasonal technicians, including one lead technician, to conduct field surveys for Willow Flycatcher and their habitat during the spring and summer of 2025. Field work will include passive and playback surveys for Willow Flycatcher and surveying vegetation characteristics of their habitat in the iconic Sierra Nevada Mountains and Southern Cascades of California. This research is part of a larger collaborative effort to assess, restore, and preserve critical habitat for the declining Sierra population of the Willow Flycatcher. These positions offer a unique opportunity to explore and observe birds in some of the most beautiful landscapes in California.

We are committed to removing barriers based on racial, gender, cultural, and other factors and believe that equal representation is essential to the success of Point Blue’s mission and vision. We seek and strongly encourage applicants from all backgrounds to join our teams.

Location: Technicians will be based in one of two primary locations, Chester and Truckee, CA, with frequent travel to meadows outside the base location.

Up to two technicians will be based in Chester, CA, primarily working in the northern Sierras and southern Cascades
Up to two technicians (including the lead technician) will be based in the Lake Tahoe region, primarily working in the central and southern Sierras

Duration: 19 May – 8 August 2025

Job type: Full-time, seasonal

Compensation: Lead technician: $25.88 per hour depending on experience, with overtime pay according to California State law. Technician: $22.65 per hour, depending on experience, with overtime pay according to California State law. Shared housing and utilities are provided at a cost of $64.04 per week, as determined by the California Department of Industrial Relations (rate subject to change). Benefits limited to up to 40 hours of sick pay.

Primary duties include but are not limited to: Working both independently and occasionally in teams, technicians will visit meadows historically occupied by Willow Flycatcher and conduct passive and playback surveys. On a typical day, surveyors will wake before dawn, drive to survey sites (typically 30 min to 1.5 h from crew housing or campsite), and spend the morning conducting playback surveys and rapid vegetation assessments. The afternoon will then typically be spent entering data into a database and proofing the entered data. Work will be somewhat physically demanding, sometimes involving hiking (typically less than 2 miles) into survey sites through steep terrain. Surveys will require moving through flooded meadow areas and navigating stream crossings (waders will be provided). Off-trail travel will be required at all survey sites. Long drives on sometimes rough, winding, and steep mountain roads and car camping in teams will be required. Work weeks vary from 5-6 days and are typically 40-50 hours but vary from 35-55 hours.

Minimum qualifications:

Must be capable of identifying 30 bird species by sight and sound following one week of in-field training. We will provide species lists, audio recordings, and links to learning resources before the position begins
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
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
Ability to lift and carry up to 40 pounds and hike up to 5 miles
Lead Technician: Must have at least one season of experience with Willow Flycatcher surveys or similar surveys in similar habitats and/or similar techniques

Preferred qualifications:

An academic background in ecology, environmental studies, or related field
Experience identifying trees and shrubs and with habitat surveys

Completed at least one season of bird surveys, especially in the western U.S
Though work vehicles are provided, the position may require the limited 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.

Lead technician: Previous experience supervising technicians to conduct field work

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, 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.

Qualified candidates will be hired as they are identified.

We are an equal employment opportunity employer and do 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.