- Agency
- Ecostudies Institute
- Location
- Ellensburg, WA
- Job Category
- Temporary/Seasonal Positions
- Salary
- $17.50-19.50 per hour, DOE.
- Last Date to Apply
- 02/28/2023
- Website
- https://ecoinst.org/about-us/work-with-us/
- Description
- POSITION DESCRIPTION: Title: Avian Technician Reports to: Director of Avian Conservation Location: Olympia, Washington Position: Seasonal, full-time, non-exempt; benefits (vacation/sick leave) Compensation: $17.50-19.50 Hourly – Dependent on Experience Application deadline: February 28, 2022 ABOUT US: Ecostudies Institute is a 501(c)(3) scientific non-profit organization dedicated to the conservation of native species and their ecosystems. We achieve our mission through effective partnerships, sound scientific research, strategic land management and ecological restoration. At the core of our mission is a cooperative conservation model that strives to realize improved conservation outcomes by developing shared goals and vision through partnerships. These partnerships, in turn, encourage information transfer, advances in cutting edge restoration techniques, and the development of integrated range-wide conservation approaches. The organization has offices based in Olympia, Washington and Eugene, Oregon, and currently employs over 35 permanent and seasonal staff. OVERVIEW SUMMARY: Ecostudies Institute is hiring one avian field technician to work on a project developing reintroduction methods for the federally-threatened streaked horned lark. The project will be based in Ellensburg, WA with primary field duties taking place at the Wild Horse Wind and Solar Facility. Responsibilities for this position include nest-finding and monitoring of horned larks, trapping larks, avian husbandry (including assembling and moving free-standing aviaries), behavioral observations of captive individuals, and data entry and management. Technicians will be expected to collect and record lark observations and maintain detailed notes amid challenging field conditions including strong winds and temperatures ranging from below freezing to over 100 °F. The technician should be able to identify local shrub-steppe bird species by sight and sound, capable of lifting and carrying aviary components weighing 50 pounds, and able to hike cross-country in uneven hilly terrain. The technician will work closely with an on-site project manager and communicate findings on a daily basis. Avian Technicians are full-time, seasonal, non-exempt positions supervised by senior Avian Conservation staff. This position is expected to run from approximately mid-April to mid– July. Dates may be adjusted depending on funding. Pay rate is $17.00-19.50/hr DOE, plus benefits (vacation and sick leave). Successful applicants should have a keen interest in avian research and conservation, demonstrate excellent communication skills, and be able to work independently and in a team setting. This position requires a sound work ethic, interpersonal skills, and positive attitude during long field days. The technician will need to effectively communicate with partners, volunteers and the public concerning specific work and the work of the Ecostudies Institute. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES: • Nest monitoring, behavioral observations, and territory mapping of horned larks following detailed protocols. • Accurately re-sight color-banded birds in a variety of habitats and weather conditions. • Conduct bird surveys including lark standardized surveys, point counts, and line transects. • Meticulously maintain a field notebook including detailed observations and activity log for each day. • Enter data on a daily basis into appropriate databases such as Access, Google Drive, etc. • Track birds with binoculars and spotting scope, document and communicate their status and locations, and be sensitive to ground nests underfoot. • Operate equipment such as binoculars, spotting scope, GPS, two-way radios, and apps on mobile device such as Survey123. • Conduct routine maintenance of all equipment used in implementing duties. • Work collaboratively with resource agencies, consultants, and other conservation organizations. • Hike up to 5 miles daily over challenging terrain in all weather conditions, beginning before sunrise. • Fulfill other duties as assigned. WORKING CONDITIONS: • Occasionally works indoors in an office setting and regularly outdoors in natural and wildland areas, often across uneven ground or in inclement weather. • Frequently communicates with others through emails, voice conversations, and meetings. • Works within an organizational context of both traditional and virtual offices • Occasionally works in conditions involving pesticides or prescribed fires. • Some evening and weekend responsibilities, including travel. • Occasionally lifts, positions, or otherwise moves objects weighing up to 50 pounds. • Frequently works alone with minimal supervision. • Regularly walks long distances of up to 5 miles per day on uneven ground. • Field work is performed in all weather conditions and often in rough terrain.
- Qualifications
- REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS: • BA/BS/AS/Technical or vocational degree in science-related field or equivalent combination of education and experience. • Ability to identify shrub-steppe or grassland birds by sight and sound. • Ability to hear high-frequency horned lark songs and calls. • At least one year of experience with avian survey techniques including census, abundance and nest monitoring methods. • Experience working with or knowledge of natural systems; ability to recognize plant and animal species as required. • Ability to follow provided protocols and instructions from colleagues. • Ability to manage time and diverse activities under deadlines while delivering quality results. • Ability to work independently with limited supervision and demonstrate strong initiative in completing tasks. • Ability to perform physical work, sometimes under adverse conditions or in inclement weather. • Working knowledge of common software applications (e.g.; Word, Excel, Web browsers). • Must have and maintain a valid driver’s license and safe driving record. • Must have access to a working vehicle that can be used to drive to and from work locations every day. PREFERRED KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS: • Wildlife handling experience • Familiarity with ArcGIS Pro and other database systems such as Access • Knowledge of ecological land management principles. OTHER: • Full vaccination for Covid-19 is required for employment at Ecostudies Institute. HOW TO APPLY: See webpage for a full Position Description and other job openings https://www.ecoinst.org/about-us/work-with-us/ Qualified applicants should provide a detailed letter of interest, current résumé or curriculum vitae, and three professional references (names, affiliations, and contact information only). Please also specify if you have a preference between focused species nest monitoring or general breeding bird survey monitoring. Application package should be combined into one file. All applications will be acknowledged. Applications will be accepted and reviewed until the position is filled. Preference will be given to those applications that are submitted before February 28th, 2022. Email these materials to: Keith Bagnall at kbagnall@ecoinst.org, with Lark Reintroduction Avian Technician in the subject line. Ecostudies Institute is an Equal Opportunity employer. Personnel are chosen on the basis of ability without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, marital status or sexual orientation, in accordance with federal and state law. The above statements are intended to describe the general nature of the work being performed by people assigned to this work. This is not an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. Ecostudies Institute management reserves the right to amend and change responsibilities to meet business and organizational needs as necessary.
- Contact Person
- Keith Bagnall
- Contact eMail
- kbagnall@ecoinst.org
