Nature Travel Specialists

ORNJOBS
Bird jobs on a volunteer, intern and occasionally real pay basis throughout the US.

August 8

RESEARCH BIOLOGIST at Klamath Bird Observatory. Website:
http://www.KlamathBird.org Location: Ashland, OR. Duration: open. Job
Type: Permanent. Application Deadline: 24 Aug 2012. Job Description:
This Program Manager position will contribute to Klamath Bird Observatory’s mission to advance bird and habitat conservation through science, education, and partnerships; specifically contributing to avian long-term monitoring and applied ecology programs. Involvement in effectiveness monitoring and adaptive management of the Trinity River Restoration Program will be a primary component of this position. Job duties include grant writing, data management, data analysis, report and manuscript writing, community and scientific presentations, partnership building, study design and project management, supervising staff and interns, and field work as needed. Salary range is $34,500 to 36,500 (plus 15% cash benefits package after introductory period).
Qualifications: The Program Manager must have a combination of education and experience equivalent to a Masters’s degree in the Natural Sciences and a minimum of two years of project management. The Program Manager should have experience with avian monitoring techniques, data management, and willingness to work as a team member for a growing non-profit organization. Qualifications include supervisory experience, excellent written and oral communication skills, data analysis, report and manuscript writing, grant writing, and public speaking. This position requires good physical condition and the ability to work in the field hiking over rough terrain. Ability to work remotely for several days at a time during the breeding season (April – July) will be necessary, as well as occasional travel throughout the year. To Apply:
Send cover letter, resume, and contact information for 3 references, to JAIME STEPHENS (EM: jlh AT klamathbird.org)

MS OR PHD GRADUATE ASSISTANTSHIPS at Alabama A&M University. Location:
Huntsville, Alabama. Duration: Depends. Job Type: Student. Number of
Openings: 1-3. Application Deadline: 15 Aug /2012. Job Description: We are seeking graduate candidates to study avian and herpetofaunal ecology. Potential projects include (1) migratory songbird stopover ecology, (2) avian breeding ecology, and (3) herpetofaunal ecology, with
(2) and (3) are in response to forest management practices (such as prescribed fire and logging). All project location will be in northern Alabama. These research projects are parts of a long-term research jointly implemented by Alabama A&M University and USDA Forest Service, examining forest ecosystem functions and responses including biological communities, biogeochemistry, landscape ecology, and human interactions under anthropogenic disturbances Qualifications: The project is field intensive; applicants should be physically fit, able to endure working in variable weather conditions with exposure to biting insects, etc; a valid driver license with good records is required. The graduate students need be able to work independent, supervise interns, and interact with other term members and agencies and landowners. Field experiences in related fields such as bird mist netting and banding, bird survey, herpetofaunal capture and handling, and radio-tracking are strongly preferred. To Apply: A $20,000-22,000/year stipend will be provided depending on experience and the level of graduate study. Field equipment and a field vehicle will be provided. Candidates can start immediately as interns and register as graduate students in spring 2012.
For additional information, please call DR. YOND WANG (PH: 256-372-4229,
EM: yong.wang AT aamu.edu) at the Department of Biology and Environmental Sciences, Alabama A&M University. To apply, please send a cover letter, CV/resume, unofficial transcripts, and two reference letters to DR. YONG WANG (EM: yong.wang AT aamu.edu).

BIRD BANDER at University of Utah. Website: http://www.sekercioglu.org
Location: Rio Mesa Field Station, Moab, UT. Duration: 3 months. Job
Type: Seasonal. Application Deadline: 15 Aug 2012. Job Description:
University of Utah Bird Monitoring Project. University of Utah biology professor Cagan Sekercioglu is conducting a bird monitoring project at the University of Utah Rio Mesa field station. URL:
http://www.riomesa.utah.edu/) This is an opportunity to band birds in a spectacular landscape that are off-limits to the public. Last fall, we recorded over 100 species, including the first Pacific-slope Flycatcher for Utah. A bander-in-charge is required to operate a passerine migration monitoring station between August 15 – November 1, 2012.
Additional volunteer banders may be accommodated. Qualifications: A qualified candidate is expected to have substantial experience in ageing, sexing, banding, and mist-netting western North American passerines. Supervision and training of volunteers, data quality control and data entry are among duties required of the bander. The station will be open every day weather permitting. Compensation: $500/month plus room and board for an experienced bird bander with an active BBL banding license. Volunteers with relevant bird banding experience may also apply. To Apply: Email (EM: c.s AT utah.edu).

INTRODUCTORY RAPTOR FIELD TECHNIQUES WORKSHOP–Boise State University and the Idaho Bird Observatory are offering an introductory raptor field techniques workshop in Boise, Idaho, on the weekend of September 21-23, 2012. This weekend should encompass the peak timing in raptor migration and will also offer the highest diversity in raptor species and age class compositions. Field sessions will be held at Lucky Peak in the Boise foothills, which supports one of the largest known raptor migrations in the western U.S. during autumn. Species we will likely observe include Sharp-shinned hawk, Cooper’s Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk, Broad-winged Hawk, Peregrine Falcon, American Kestrel, Golden Eagle, Northern Harrier and other possibilities (Merlin, Prairie Falcon, Ferruginous Hawk, etc.). The workshop is well suited for anyone interested in learning more about raptor identification, trapping, and banding, including students, birders, naturalists, biological consultants, and agency personnel. The workshop will concentrate on raptor field identification, raptor trapping and raptor banding techniques. Classroom powerpoint sessions will include lessons on raptor field identification including long-range ID tips. We will demonstrate various raptor trapping techniques (mist nets, bow nets, Dho-Ghazas), how to use species behavior for trapping strategies, and demonstrate the entire banding process. Participants will be involved, but should not expect to become certified banders by the end of the workshop.
Transportation will be provided to and from the Lucky Peak field site each day from Boise. Meals and lodging are the responsibility of those participating, though we are happy to provide recommendations. FREE camping with the full-time field crew at Lucky Peak is available. This would allow for observation of our nocturnal Northern Saw-whet and Flammulated Owls banding program for those interested. Enrollment is LIMITED to 10 people. Register soon, as last years workshop filled up quickly! The cost of the workshop is $325. A large portion of this will be a donation to the Idaho Bird Observatory, a non-profit 501 c(3), for which you will receive an official receipt for income tax purposes. See our website: http://www.idahobirdobservatory.org For a PDF with more information and a tentative schedule, or for questions, or to register for the workshop, contact JESSICA POLLOCK (EM: jessicapollock AT boisestate.edu PH: 208-426-2225).

POST-DOCTORAL RESEARCH ASSOCIATE: Long Point Waterfowl seeks a Post-doctoral Research Associate to join their growing team of researchers. The primary purpose of Long Point Waterfowl is to study the ecology and requirements of waterfowl that stage, winter and breed on the lower Great Lakes. Long Point Waterfowl also monitors trends in the distribution and abundance of waterfowl, performs research on waterfowl habitats, and generates information useful for management purposes. Long Point Waterfowl is located in Port Rowan, Ontario on the shores of Lake Erie and provides substantial opportunities for outdoor activities.
Nearby urban centers include Simcoe (pop. = 15,000) and London (366,000). The Research Associate would be responsible for development and delivery of innovative radio-telemetry projects (American Black Ducks, Mallards, and Wood Ducks) at Long Point and Lake St. Clair, Ontario, Canada. In addition, the selected individual will be expected to develop publications (e.g., manuscripts, technical reports, and popular articles), write funding grants, assist graduate students in the field and office, and participate in undergraduate and graduate level education as needed. A PhD in Biology, Zoology, Ecology, Environmental Science, or a closely related field and experience in natural resource and applied research is required. Knowledge of North American wetland and waterfowl ecology and management is preferred. This is a 6-month term position; extension of the position is dependent upon the individual applying for and obtaining an NSERC Industrial Post-graduate Scholarship during the initial term of the contract. The position is expected to begin approximately 1 January 2013. The Research Associate will report to the Long Point Waterfowl Scientist and the Executive Director. We are offering a competitive salary as well as housing at the Long Point Waterfowl Research and Education Centre. Please send your application including a cover letter, CV with three references, and a copy of your transcripts to DR. MICHAEL SCHUMMER, (EM: mschummer AT longpointwaterfowl.org). We also seek nominations/recommendations of individuals from professionals with University, Industrial, Government, and Non-profit organizations. The position is open until filled. For more information call 585-319-6763, http://www.longpointwaterfowl.org

FALL PASSERINE BANDING INTERN position available (1) Start approximately August 22, 2012. Kalamazoo Valley Bird Observatory (KVBO) in Michigan's Lower Peninsula is part of the Kalamazoo Nature Center (KNC). Each fall since 1974 we have banded approximately 10,000 songbirds. We have five banders, two net runners plus a dedicated group of volunteers. The banding intern will live in staff housing and receive a stipend of $50 per week. duties will primarily be extraction from mist nets and record keeping. This is an opportunity to learn a great deal about fall plumage of most of the warblers found in North America. Send resume to RICH KEITH (EM: warblerrke AT gmail.com); position open until filled.

NEEDED SOON - FORAGING OBSERVATIONS BIRDERS AND BANDING ASSISTANT at Fordham University. Location: New York City region. Duration: 10 weeks.
Job Type: Seasonal. Number of Openings: 3. Application Deadline: 13 August 2012. Job Description: FORAGING OBSERVATIONS BIRDERS AND BANDING ASSISTANT NEEDED to help with graduate student research on urban and suburban stopover sites of migratory birds in New York City. Foraging observations birders will observe 4 vegetation plots for 1 hour each from sunrise until 4 hours after sunrise 4-5 mornings per week from August 13 – October 26. Banding assistant will band/bleed birds at a banding station nearby on the same mornings that we observe foraging behavior. Field sites are located in Bronx County and Westchester County. I CAN OFFER IN RETURN: Lots of field experience in a laid-back setting. Former field assistants have gone on to graduate school as well as to more permanent field positions. These positions are great opportunities to gain experience in the fields of conservation biology, urban ecology, and field ornithology. I will also provide a $500 honorarium at the end of the season. Qualifications: REQUIREMENTS FOR FORAGING OBSERVATIONS BIRDERS: Available for the entire period from August 13 – October 26 (dates slightly flexible), able to provide own housing and a car, bird identification skills, ideally some plant identification skills, able to work independently and carefully fill out a data sheet, field experience, and good attitude. REQUIREMENTS FOR BANDING ASSISTANT: Available for the entire period from August 13 – October 26 (dates slightly flexible), able to provide own housing and a car, some bird handling/bleeding/banding experience (and strong desire to learn/improve these skills while always putting the safety of the birds first), field experience, and good attitude. TO APPLY: Please submit resume, cover letter outlining relevant experience, and contact information for 3 references via e-mail to RACHEL BRICKLIN, Department of Biological Sciences, Fordham University (EM: bricklin AT fordham.edu). Please indicate whether you are applying for a foraging observations birder or banding assistant position.

NEST-SEARCHER at University of Montana; Montana Cooperative Wildlife Research Unit. Website:
http://www.umt.edu/mcwru/personnel/martin/Borneo%20Research%20Project.aspx
Location: Kinabalu National Park, Sabah, Malaysia. Duration: Feb 11 - June 17 (~4 Months). Job Type: Seasonal. Job Description: We are looking for highly qualified field biologists to assist on a long-term avian life-history research project in Malaysian Borneo. Primary duties involve nest-searching, video-taping and monitoring nests of passerine and non-passerine birds in mid-elevation tropical forest. Monitoring of nests will include checking for predation as well as weighing eggs, and measuring, weighing and bleeding nestlings. Field days are approximately
8 hours long. Conditions at the field site are often WET, STEEP, SPINY, HOT and HUMID. The ability to WANT to work in dirty, wet, sometimes generally unpleasant conditions, ALONE, for several hours per day is essential. Compensation includes free housing and bi-weekly pay of $612 every two weeks. Because 1 month has 3 pay periods, this works out to approximately $1,375 per month. Each field assistant will be responsible for covering the cost of his/her Research Visa, which amounts to ~$250.
We hire a cook who provides lunch after fieldwork at a cost of $3.50/day, for which participation is mandatory (the food is great, and vegetarians can be accommodated to some degree). Buying food for breakfast and dinner will be the responsibility of each employee.
Qualifications: All applicants MUST have previous nest-searching experience and preference will be given to those with experience in the tropics. To Apply: Please send an email including a cover letter and resume with 3 relevant reference to: ANDY BOYCE (EM: andyjboyce AT gmail.com). I am not listing a application deadline. Applications will be accepted and considered as they are received. Thank you.

FIELD TECHNICIANS (2+2) needed to survey wintering grassland birds in Arizona, New Mexico, Texas and possibly Sonora, Mexico. This project aims to assess avian response to differing grassland restoration treatment types. All positions start the third week of September. Two positions run through February or early March with a holiday break. The other two positions end in late Nov. with a possibility to transfer to a related project and continue through February or early March, provided applicants have the required bird survey experience and identification skills. *DUTIES: Field season duties will begin with establishing transects and intensive quantitative veg surveys and then transition to a separate bird survey component which ends with data entry. The final week may be spent off-site entering data. The successful applicant will work as part of a two-person team. *REQUIREMENTS: Applicants must have previous experience with quantitative veg surveys, preferably in the Chihuahuan Desert and for those candidates applying to continue with the bird survey component, solid grassland sparrow identification skills are required, particularly with the Spizella and Ammodramus genera.
Applicants should also have previous bird survey experience including distance sampling and identification of birds by sight/sound if interested in bird surveys. The ability to work independently and as part of a team in remote areas for extended periods of time are required, as are long days and camping, though partners will occasionally provide housing. Impeccable organizational skills and an eye for detail are required as is a patient and respectful disposition for interacting with the private landowners who have generously allowed us onto their ranches. We will start the field season with a required training session in Arizona. A minority of the work involving one pair of technicians may occur in Sonora, Mexico, therefore at least one technician must be highly conversant in Spanish. Applicants must have, or obtain in time, the necessary documents for entering Mexico and re-entering the US (a passport is recommended but a few other documents are accepted. See http://www.dhs.gov/files/crossingborders/travelers.shtm for more information). Technicians staying on for bird surveys will attend a second training session in Chihuahua, Mexico at a TNC grassland reserve.
During surveys in Sonora, Mexico technicians would stay with RMBO partners. Applicants should familiarize themselves with security concerns in northern Mexico before deciding to apply for these positions. We will continue to closely monitor the situation and take precautions to ensure the safety of technicians. HOUSING: Field crews will predominantly camp. Hotels and housing with project partners will also be available occasionally. COMPENSATION starts at $1800/mo depending on qualifications and experience. TO APPLY: Please respond electronically to GREG LEVANDOSKI (EM: greg.levandoski AT rmbo.org) with a cover letter stating your interest and qualifications, your resume, and phone numbers and email addresses for three references. Please use "Restoration Monitoring Applicant 2012" as a subject line. Positions will be filled as soon as suitable applicants are found. Please state if you are interested in the veg surveys alone, or both the veg and bird surveys and if you are interested in survey work in Sonora, Mexico.

POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCH SCIENTIST - Molecular Population Genetics/ecology at Louisiana State University. Website:
http://www.rnr.lsu.edu/people/taylor/default.htm Location: Baton Rouge, LA, with fieldwork in Plaquemines Parish, LA. Duration: 1.5 years minimum. Job Type: Post-doc. Job Description: We are studying the response of Seaside Sparrows in southeastern Louisiana to the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. The project involves using both population biology metrics and gene expression as potential responses to exposure.
Fieldwork (March-June) involves participating in a field crew to find and monitor nests, capture birds for tissue samples, estimate bird density, and quantify home ranges. In the lab, we are investigating upregulation of cytochrome P4501A (CYP1A) as a measure of response to contamination. Our work is part of a larger study involving marsh processes following the spill; we encourage collaboration with our colleagues studying fish, invertebrates, food webs, and marsh structure.
Responsibilities: The post-doc will coordinate the field and lab work.
Primary lab work may include DNA and RNA extraction, qPCR, and microsatellite genotyping. Additional duties will include data management, assisting graduate and undergraduate students, and preparation of reports, proposals, and publications. Qualifications:
Dissertation or postdoctoral work in molecular population genetics and/or molecular ecology is required, together with appropriate field experience. The ideal candidate will comfortably straddle the worlds of field ornithology and molecular genetics. Experience with boats would be helpful. To Apply: Please send your CV and cover letter to either Dr.
Sabrina Taylor (staylor at lsu.edu) or Dr. PHILIP STOUFFER (EM:
pstouffer AT lsu.edu). We anticipate that consideration of applications will begin in early September. Taylor, Stouffer and collaborator Stefan Woltmann (EM: Stefan.woltmann AT gmail.com) will be at the NAOC in Vancouver; we encourage potential candidates to introduce themselves at the meeting.

MIGRATORY SHORE AND UPLAND GAME BIRD PROGRAM LEADER/PROGRAM SUPERVISOR VI [please note: listed on TPWD Jobs website as Program Supervisor VI (Migratory Shore and Upland Game Bird Program Leader)]. Agency: Wildlife Division, Texas Parks & Wildlife Department (TPWD). Job Location:
Austin, TX. NOTE: 20% Travel required. Responsibilities: The Migratory Shore and Upland Game Bird Program Team Leader is responsible for the oversight and coordination of statewide biological and sociological surveys, analyzes population trends, human demographics and stakeholder preferences for conservation of Migratory Shore and Upland Game Bird species. Serves as the primary contact for webless species (Dove, Sandhill Crane, Woodcock, Rails, Snipe, and Gallinules) in Texas as well as the Texas representative in the Central Flyway (10 states, 2 Canadian Provinces, 1 Canadian Territory, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service) and Central Management Unit (14 states). Primary liaison with the U.S.
Fish and Wildlife Service on webless regulations. Advisor to the Wildlife Executive Staff on issues pertaining to webless migratory game birds. Serves on numerous committees at the national level and oversees all state level activities. Performs additional duties as assigned.
Complies with all Agency, Division, and Branch rules, regulations, and procedures. Minimum Qualifications: Education: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Master's degree in Wildlife Management or closely related field. Preferred Education: *Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Master’s degree with emphasis in game bird management. *Experience: Five years experience in Wildlife Management or Research. Acceptable Substitution: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a PhD in Wildlife Management or closely related field may substitute for one year of the required experience. Preferred Experience: Experience in game bird management and/or research. Licensure/Certifications: Must possess or be able to obtain, within 30 days of employment, a valid Class "C" Texas driver's license. NOTE: Retention of position contingent upon obtaining and maintaining license. Working Conditions, Salary, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities, How to Apply, Additional Requirements and full details on this position may be found at http://agency.governmentjobs.com/tpwd/default.cfm and click on “Job # 12-00-602; Location Austin” Closing Date: 5PM CDT 28 August 2012. State of Texas Application for Employment + required forms to apply at http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/business/jobs/ Please note: Skills demonstration may be requested at time of interview. For complete list of additional requirements, please click on url listed above under “Working Conditions, Salary… Requirements” Questions?: Mr. DAVE MORRISON
(EM: dave.morrison AT tpwd.state.tx.us). TPWD is EOE

BIOLOGISTS WITH AVIAN POINT COUNT EXPERIENCE at Bloom Biological, Inc.
Website: http://bloombiological.com Location: Southern California.
Duration: Open. Job Type: Seasonal. Application Deadline: 31 Aug 2012.
Job Description: Bloom Biological, Inc is searching for biologists to work at point count stations at a variety of project sites in southern California. Qualifications: Experience with: - point counts - identification of birds in southern California. To Apply: Send resume and cover letter to (EM: marcuscengland AT bloombiological.com)

RAPTOR MIGRATION WATCHER needed in Yellowstone National Park. The Yellowstone Raptor Initiative is seeking 1 experienced migration watcher from September 4-October 31. Start date is somewhat flexible. Applicants should have demonstrated experience watching raptors on migration sites; be willing to work long hours in cold, windy weather; and be comfortable working in a wild land setting (e.g. in proximity to bears and bison).
The goal of the migration site is to provide long-term information on populations of raptors migrating through Yellowstone’s Hayden Valley during autumn. Approximately 1800 birds across 16 species were observed during migration in 2011. This is an exciting opportunity to conduct research in the world’s first national park. Salary is $12/hr. Housing is available for minimal cost. Please send a cover letter, resume, and 3 references to (EM: Lisa_Baril AT partner.nps.gov). The position will be filled as applications are received.

SNAIL KITE FIELD CREW LEADER – The Florida Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit is based out of the University of Florida in Gainesville.
We monitor the federally endangered Snail Kite population in Florida via mark-recapture and radio telemetry methods as well as making behavioral observations and collecting data related to foraging ecology. We are seeking a highly experienced and motivated field crew leader to assist with the long-term study of the Snail Kite. This person will first work as a paid technician during a probationary period of approximately 3 months during which they will become accustomed to the specific techniques and logistics required for the position. After this time they will assume full responsibilities of field crew leader. Field work for this project is conducted throughout the unique and beautiful wetlands of the Greater Everglades ecosystem of central and south Florida. These wetlands range from the Kissimmee chain of lakes in the north (near
Orlando) to the Everglades in the south (near Miami). The field work involves the extensive use of airboats, so applicant should be willing to learn to drive and repair airboats. Applicants must be willing to work long, flexible hours in a hot, humid environment. (Some days involve working from sunrise to sunset). Field work does involve regularly entering chest-deep water. All of the necessary training will be supplied, including airboat operation and maintenance. Although our work can be difficult at times, it is very rewarding and contributes directly to the conservation of this endangered species and maintenance of the Everglades ecosystem. Duties include trapping and handling of snail kites, behavioral observations, mark-recapture surveys, nest searching, data entry, radio-telemetry, snail trapping, vegetation sampling, and maintenance of field equipment and boats. The applicant will be responsible for managing the logistics that go into the operation of 2 two-person crews over the southern half of Florida.
Additionally, the applicant will communicate with local managers and agencies and will regularly compose a variety of reports concerning the status of the monitoring project. The applicant will also have the opportunity to participate in peer-reviewed publications and may have the opportunity to become a MS or PhD candidate after the two year commitment is fulfilled. Salary: $1920/month + housing during probationary period, after which pay will increase to $2560/month.
Housing will be provided at the Three Lakes Wildlife Management Area, a beautiful pine and prairie natural area south of St. Cloud, FL. Our housing is air-conditioned with a full kitchen, indoor plumbing and wireless internet. The field crew lead will have a personal room. The applicant should be comfortable living in a field house with other coworkers. Dogs and cats are unfortunately NOT permitted in the field trailers. Qualifications: Master’s degree in Ecology, Biology, Environmental Science, Wildlife, or a related field and 2 full years field experience OR Bachelors degree in Ecology, Biology, Environmental Science, Wildlife, or a related field and 3 full years field experience.
Previous experience leading a field crew is strongly desired. Previous experience handling and banding wild birds is required, and the applicant must be able to read color bands. Experience with engine repair/maintenance and boats is a major plus, but not required.
Applicant must have a valid U.S. driver's license. This position starts between late August and mid September and requires a minimum commitment of two years. KYLE PIAS or JEAN OLBERT (EM: snailkites AT gmail.com) by
25 August 2012. For questions see our website
http://www.coopunits.org/Florida/index.html) or contact KYLE PIAS or JEAN OLBERT via email (preferred) or by phone (PH: 352-494-7485 or
352-494-8758)

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