Bird Survey Technician for Wildlife Occupancy Study in East-central Washington

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Agency

Washington State University, School of the Environment, Pullman, WA

Location

East-central Washington

Job Category

Temporary/Seasonal Positions

Salary

14.49 per hour

Start Date

04/02/2022

Last Date to Apply

02/28/2022

Website

https://environment.wsu.edu/

Description

One temporary technician position is available for the 2022 field season to help assess the value of working landscapes to wildlife conservation in east-central Washington's sagebrush steppe, including Grant, Douglas, and Lincoln counties. The project will focus on assessing how key wildlife species (songbirds, sage-grouse, black-tailed jackrabbits, pygmy rabbits, and others) use a mosaic of agriculture, restored sagebrush, and native sagebrush patches. The technician will be expected to work independently and as a team member. The anticipated start date would be Monday, April 2, 2022. The primary responsibility of this position will be to conduct bird surveys in sagebrush, CRP, and cropland habitats using the point count method. Assessments will occur in the morning hours between 5 a.m. and 9 a.m. in May and June. The technician will also assist in setting up and checking camera traps and conducting pellet surveys. The technician will also be expected to assist in vegetation surveys (e.g., Daubenmire plots, line transects, and Robel pole), create basic maps using ArcGIS, engage in data management, as well as other duties as assigned. The technician must be able to work in a fast-paced environment while maintaining a positive outlook and working effectively with a cohesive team. We will be hiking, sometimes long distances, with heavy equipment across challenging terrain and in all weather conditions. Central Washington can be cool and windy in the spring, followed by hot, dry summer days and cool nights. The technician will be staying in a camper trailer or bunkhouse for extended periods when setting out cameras and working in the field (~3-4 days at a time). Water for cooking and drinking will be provided, but the technician will be responsible for providing their food and personal camping and hiking gear suitable for working in the area. The technician can expect to work upwards of 10 hours on busy days. Typical schedules will be Monday through Friday; however, work will occur on some weekends. Field sites will be located away from electricity, running water, and often cell phone service. Access to showers will vary while working in the field. This position provides valuable field experience evaluating bird communities in various habitats, and the opportunity to learn other important skills such as camera trapping and data management, all while exploring the sagebrush steppe of central Washington! Required Qualifications and Skills: • Capable of identifying birds by sight and songs • Flexibility to work varying day lengths and adjust to changing schedules • Ability to carry up to 30lbs over rough terrain and hike up to 10 miles per day • Valid driver's license • Ability and willingness to travel locally • Comfortable driving four-wheel-drive trucks on unmaintained roads • Skilled using basic hand tools • Navigation skills (different types of maps, GPS) • Undergraduate degree (completed or in-progress*) in Ornithology, Biology, Wildlife Biology, Rangeland Ecology, or a related field *Current undergraduate students must be in their junior/senior year and in good academic standing at the time of application. Desired Qualifications: • Experience identifying birds by sight and sound • Conducting bird surveys • Working with remote camera trapping and data management • Previous plant identification experience (preferably in east-central Washington) • Long-term camping experience • Experience with pellet and vegetation sampling Pay and Benefits: $14.49 per hour with pay periods twice monthly. Workmen's Compensation will be covered by Washington State University. Covid-19 Statement: The technician must abide by WSU's Covid-19 policies and procedures when working and traveling. This includes showing proof of being fully vaccinated. Exemptions are allowed for those with sincerely-held religious beliefs and documented medical reasons. Wearing a mask and maintaining social distancing around others is required. To Apply: Please send a cover letter, resume, and three references (email and phone number) in a single PDF document to Dr. Steven Woodley at [email protected]. Please also send any questions about the position to [email protected]. Applications will be evaluated as they come in. Therefore, we encourage you to submit your application materials as soon as possible.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications and Skills: • Capable of identifying birds by sight and songs • Flexibility to work varying day lengths and adjust to changing schedules • Ability to carry up to 30lbs over rough terrain and hike up to 10 miles per day • Valid driver's license • Ability and willingness to travel locally • Comfortable driving four-wheel-drive trucks on unmaintained roads • Skilled using basic hand tools • Navigation skills (different types of maps, GPS) • Undergraduate degree (completed or in-progress*) in Ornithology, Biology, Wildlife Biology, Rangeland Ecology, or a related field *Current undergraduate students must be in their junior/senior year and in good academic standing at the time of application. Desired Qualifications: • Experience identifying birds by sight and sound • Conducting bird surveys • Working with remote camera trapping and data management • Previous plant identification experience (preferably in east-central Washington) • Long-term camping experience • Experience with pellet and vegetation sampling

Contact Person

Dr. Steven Woodley

Contact eMail

[email protected]

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