2026 Sierra Avian Nest Searching and Territory Mapping Technician

Point Blue Conservation Science • Temporary • Truckee, California • 2w ago

Point Blue Conservation Science is a growing and internationally renowned non-profit organization with over 160 employees. Founded in 1965 as Point Reyes Bird Observatory, our mission and programs have evolved over time to include a broad range of conservation activity, from restoration to environmental education to innovative work in the field of regenerative agriculture. We have a proven track record of scientific excellence.

We are hiring one seasonal Avian Technician to help conduct field studies of birds breeding in meadows of the northern Sierra Nevada Mountains. This program offers a unique opportunity to explore and observe birds in some of the most beautiful landscapes in California. Van Norden meadow, near Donner Summit in the Lake Tahoe area, is a large Alpine meadow that has been recently restored. This project will contribute to efforts to evaluate the success of restoring the meadow for wildlife. Field work primarily consists of territory mapping and nest searching/monitoring of seven meadow breeding bird species – song sparrow, white-crowned sparrow, yellow warbler, Lincoln’s sparrow, Wilson’s warbler warbling vireo, and willow flycatcher – in addition to collecting data on habitat characteristics to help inform meadow restoration practices and better understand at risk meadow bird communities. Qualified technicians may help with running mist-netting stations.

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: Technician will be based in, or near, Truckee, CA, working primarily at Van Norden Meadow. Housing could potentially be in a rental house or at an RV park, depending on housing availability.

Duration: Tentatively, 18 May – 7 August 2026

Job type: Full-time, seasonal

Compensation: $23.15 per hour, depending on experience, with overtime pay according to California State law (hourly rate subject to change due to 2026 salary projections) Shared housing or campsite and utilities are provided at a cost of $64.04 per week, rate subject to increase. Benefits limited to 40 hours of sick pay.

Primary duties include but are not limited to: Territory mapping, nest searching, and nest monitoring for 8 passerine species; vegetation and habitat surveys; data entry and proofing; navigating cross-country in wetland habitats with dense vegetation, standing water, and uneven ground; possibility to help with passive mist netting operations. Technicians may also assist with point count or Willow Flycatcher surveys, depending on experience. Work weeks are generally only M-F (but could include a weekend day some weeks). This position generally will work 40 hours per week, but some weeks up to 10 hours overtime may be required.

Minimum qualifications:

Experience nest searching and territory mapping for passerine species, preferably in riparian habitats
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
All candidates must be able to identify 10 bird species by sight and sound following one week of training. We will provide species lists, audio recordings and links to learning resources before positions begin
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

Preferred qualifications:

Multiple seasons of passerine nest searching experience
Experience operating mist netting stations including extracting and banding passerine and near-passerine species, preferably in the Western U.S.
Experience conducting habitat surveys and identifying trees and shrubs
An academic background in natural science, environmental studies, or related field
Completed at least one season of point counts (especially in the western U.S)
Use of a personal vehicle is highly desirable. 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. The vehicle does not need to be an off-road or 4WD

Work environment and physical requirements: The work environment includes locations with limited cell reception, complex mountainous terrain, often in a solitary capacity, with the rare possibility of encountering large carnivores (e.g. black bears). 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, daypack, raingear, camping gear, hiking boots, knee high rubber boots, tent, sleeping bag, 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. A personal vehicle is highly desirable but not strictly required.

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.