Careers

Bottomland Forest Bird Technician

Join our seasonal Conservation team!
Careers

Bottomland Forest Bird Technician

Join our seasonal Conservation team!

Each summer our conservation team hires three seasonal technicians to help conduct bottomland forest bird surveys along the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers. This three-month long position is a great opportunity for college and recently graduated students to gain crucial field experience for biology and conservation-based careers.

Essential Functions:

  • Navigate study points using GPS and other orienteering methods
  • Predominately collect detailed information on bird species locations, timing, and movements
  • Record measurements on data sheets and/or field notebook computers
  • Meticulously enter data into computer databases
  • Collect, record, summarize, organize, and/or file data using various standardized data collection procedures and equipment
  • Facilitate monitoring and logistics; this includes putting together survey equipment, assisting in transportation to and from survey sites (by boat and by car), scheduling, etc.
  • Act as a team lead and coordinate part-time biological techs and volunteers during surveys

Qualifications and Experience:

  • Working to or currently have a bachelor’s degree in Biology, Ecology, Conservation, Natural sciences, or related field required
  • Prior experience conducting biological surveys is preferred
  • Familiarity with identifying Midwestern songbirds by sight and sound is preferred
  • Familiarity with avian point count surveys is preferred
  • Willingness and flexibility to work early morning hours, weekends, or holidays
  • Strong attention to detail and data entry skills
  • Strong organization and communication skills
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite
  • Must hold a valid driver’s license and have access to a personal vehicle
  • Ability to operate light trucks and boats with outboard motors desired but not required
  • Boating experience desired but not required
  • Ability to work for prolonged periods of time, with or without accommodation, under difficult field conditions such as rugged or muddy terrain, thick grass, forest undergrowth, high temps/humidity, and biting insects
  • Ability to lift and carry weights up to 25 lbs., with or without accommodations
  • Ability to bend, crouch, stoop, and reach with or without accommodations

Applications are typically posted around January. Applicants are reviewed until all positions are filled.

All positions are paid ($15 to $18/hr depending on lead or regular technician positions) and part-time. Some weekend and holiday work may be required. Housing is not included.

How to apply:

Go to https://audubon.org/careers and submit your application for any of our Lead Biological Technician or Biological Technicians positions. Cover letters are highly recommended.

Contact Tara Hohman with questions: Tara.Hohman@audubon.org

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