Nature Travel Specialists

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

August 14

PHD ASSISTANTSHIPS IN WILDLIFE at West Virginia University or Virginia Tech. Location: Morgantown WV or Blacksburg VA. Duration: 3+ yrs. Job Type: Student. Number of Openings: 2. Application Deadline: 1 Oct 2012.
Job Description: Cerulean Warbler and Associated Species Response to Silvicultural Prescriptions in the Central Appalachian Region PhD assistantships (include a stipend of ~20K/yr, tuition, health insurance) are available at West Virginia University (WVU) and Virginia Tech (VT) beginning January 2013 to study region-wide avian response to applied forest management with an emphasis on cerulean warblers (CERW). This 3-yr study will expand on a recently completed cerulean warbler silviculture study and the 2 students will work collaboratively on study areas and topics in WV, VA, MD, KY, and OH. Job Description: This study will quantify abundance and territory density of birds in timber harvest units on state lands managed to create CERW habitat via variable thinning methods and relate avian metrics to habitat conditions. Stands contain a wide range of site conditions, age classes, and landscape configurations that result from typical forest management on state wildlife management areas and state forests. Research activities will include point-count sampling of the avian community, territory mapping of CERW and additional focal species, and characterizing vegetation composition and structure. Qualifications: An M.S. degree is required.
Seeking highly motivated applicants with a degree in Wildlife Management, Conservation Biology, Ecology, Zoology or related discipline, a strong interest in avian conservation and land management, and an interest in developing analytical skills related to avian abundance and habitat modeling. Applications will be evaluated based on previous experience with identifying eastern songbirds by sight and sound, territory mapping, statistical analyses, scientific writing, applied GIS skills, oral communication, and managing projects/technicians. To Apply: Individuals interested in applying to WVU contact DR. PETRA WOOD (EM: pbwood AT wvu.edu), those applying to VT contact DR. MARK FORD (EM: wmford AT exchange.vt.edu). Please send current CV, GRE scores, unofficial transcripts, and a brief statement of research interests/goals. Applications will be evaluated upon receipt.
Start date: 1 January 2013.

POST-DOC – MICHIGAN SOCIETY OF FELLOWS FELLOWSHIP at University of Michigan. Website: http://societyoffellows.umich.edu Location: Ann Arbor, MI. Duration: 3 years, 2013-2016. Job Type: Post-doc. Application
Deadline: 2 Oct 2012. Job Description: Young up-and-coming ornithologists are encouraged to apply through the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology (http://www.lsa.umich.edu/eeb/ ) and to include use of the University of Michigan's bird collection (http://www.lsa.umich.edu/ummz/birds/collections/holdings.asp ) in their application. The objective of the Society is to provide financial and intellectual support for individuals holding advanced degrees in their fields, who are selected for their outstanding achievement, professional promise, and interdisciplinary interests. We invite applications from qualified candidates for three-year fellowships at the University of Michigan. Fellows are appointed as Assistant Professors in appropriate departments and as Postdoctoral Scholars in the Michigan Society of Fellows. They are expected to be in residence in Ann Arbor during the academic years of the fellowship, to teach for the equivalent of one academic year, to participate in the informal intellectual life of the Society, and to devote time to their independent research or artistic projects. This is not an artist-in-residence program but rather an opportunity to develop one’s work in conversation with fellows from a range of disciplines during the three years of the fellowship.
Applications from degree candidates and recipients of the Ph.D. or comparable artistic or professional degree from the University of Michigan will not be considered. Qualifications: Candidates should be near the beginning of their professional careers. Those selected for fellowships must have received the Ph.D. degree or comparable artistic or professional degree between June 1, 2010, and September 1, 2013. To
Apply: Applications will be reviewed by Society members and University faculty. Final selections will be made in late January by Senior Fellows of the Society. Eight Fellows will be selected for three-year terms to begin September 1, 2013. The annual stipend will be $52,000. The online application is available at: http://societyoffellows.umich.edu Email:
(EM: society.of.fellows AT umich.edu)

AVIAN RESEARCH TECHNICIAN at U. S. Geological Survey. Location: Davis, CA. Job Type: Seasonal. Application Deadline: 1 Oct 2012. Job
Description: The USGS is seeking an Avian Research Technician from Fall
2012 to September 2013 with possibility of extension. Exact start and end dates are negotiable and will be dependent on funding and successful completion of work. Primary duties will include mist-netting, banding, and blood-sampling songbirds; locating and monitoring bird nests; handling and measuring chicks; and maintaining field equipment.
Additional duties will include tissue sample processing and laboratory mercury analysis; egg dissection; fish sampling in wetlands; data entry; and collecting other ecological data as directed by supervisor.
Qualifications: Experience with mist-netting songbirds, nest monitoring, capturing and handling birds, and bleeding birds is required. Field work will involve hiking through marshes for much of the day and lifting heavy boats and equipment on a daily basis. Incumbent will be expected to enter data into spreadsheets, compile and organize field data, as well as prepare tabular data, graphs, charts, and reports under the direction of the supervisor. Experience with the operation of 4WD vehicles and boats, computer systems and file management, field and laboratory methods, and techniques for conducting research on wildlife populations is preferred. Incumbents must be comfortable working in small boats and in heavy, urban traffic conditions. Position will require incumbent to work independently and as a team member to execute office, field, and lab research. We are seeking an enthusiastic and organized individual with a strong work ethic. Must be willing to work some long hours, including early morning, evening, or nighttime hours and some weekends as needed. Housing is not provided. To Apply: If interested send cover letter, resume, and 3 references VIA EMAIL ASAP
to: Dr. Alex Hartman (EM: chartman AT usgs.gov). Write “Avian Research Technician” in the subject line. THIS IS A PRE-ANNOUNCEMENT ONLY; PLEASE CONTACT US FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON THE REQUIRED APPLICATION PROCESS.
The USGS is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Selection for this position will be based solely on merit, fitness, and qualifications without regard to race, sex, color, religion, age, marital status, national origin, non-disqualifying handicap conditions, sexual orientation, or any other non-merit factors. This agency provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities.

SHORT TERM SAGE-GROUSE TRAPPING POSITION – Agency: ISU, NDOW, USGS.

Website: http://www.werc.usgs.gov
Location: Nevada.
Last Date to apply: 30 Nov 2012.

Job Description:
Idaho State University (ISU), in cooperation with Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) and US Geological Survey (USGS), is seeking to fill intern and technician positions for a sage-grouse trapping crew. These temporary, full-time appointments are scheduled to last for between one and two months, with the potential for employment to extend depending on funding. Tent camping will be necessary at certain locations. However, housing will be provided when available, and successful applicants will be required to stay on site during work periods. This will be a short-term, high-intensity position that should be action-packed!
Salary: $800/mo for interns, $12-$14/hr for technicians. Qualifications:
B.S. degree in a natural resource field preferred although experienced undergraduates are encouraged to apply. U.S. citizen with valid driver’s license required. Successful applicants must be available to start in August and possess the ability to hike long distances over rough terrain, often in inclement weather (snow, rain, hail, high winds), and predominantly at night. Please submit a cover letter, resume, and contact information for three references in a single word document saved with applicant’s last name to: (EM: nvsgjobapp AT gmail.com). Please include “Trapping Intern” or “Trapping Technician” in the subject line.
Positions will be filled as successful applicants are identified.
Interested applicants should submit applications as soon as possible.
Contact: PETER COATES
(EM: nvsgjobapp AT gmail.com (Preferred), PH: 530-669-5073).

SEASONAL GOOSE CHECK STATION ATTENDANT, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW). Classification: Experimental Biology Aide - 3 Positions (Classification #C3769 - there is no announcement number for this recruitment). Salary Range: $2,009 - $2,735 per month (Commensurate with experience). Location: There are currently two positions available at Rickreall, Eugene, and Sauvie Island. Please write on the top of your electronic application form the locations that you are interested in.
Duration: 5 months (Oct 22, 2012 through March 27, 2012) These are estimated dates. Length of season(s) may be shortened or extended depending on project needs, funding, or factors beyond the project's control. Job Description: Check in goose hunters at established check station locations. Review licenses and permit documents. Take morphological measurements and identify different sub species of Canada Geese. Contact law enforcement agents when a dusky goose has been harvested. Answer hunters' questions concerning the NW Oregon Goose program, Oregon Game Bird Regulations, and other rules and regulations.
Maintain thorough and accurate harvest records and submit the data to Game Bird Program Staff. Monitor goose collars and record data for the US Fish and Wildlife Service. Maintain trailer and equipment in clean working order. Set up and break down trailer at designated location.
Maintain excellent communication with team leader and other goose staff.
Attendant works without direct supervision approximately 40 hours/week on Saturdays through Wednesdays. These positions require a flexible work schedule that varies in the number of hours worked on a daily basis, but not necessarily each day, or a work schedule in which the starting and stopping times vary on a daily basis, but not necessarily each day.
Includes weekend and some night work. Employees will occasionally be working independently under adverse weather conditions in semi-remote areas. Requirements: Applicants must have a valid driver license and an acceptable driving record. Minimum qualifications are not established for these positions; however applicants with related experience (e.g., experience handling birds, experience explaining regulations to the public; experience working independently, and keeping neat and precise field data) or who possess or are in pursuit of a related degree in biological sciences may be given preference. To Apply: Mail or FAX a completed State of Oregon Employment Application form (PD100) by Monday, September 3, 2012 to: Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, Attn:
NANCY TAYLOR, 7118 NE Vandenberg Ave, Corvallis, OR 97330 (FX: 541
757-4252 EM: nancy.c.taylor AT state.or.us). State of Oregon application forms can be obtained from the State's Jobs Page (URL:
http://www.oregonjobs.org). The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife will check driving records for in-state finalists. Out-of-state finalists will be required to present a current driving record for review. Within three days of hire, applicants will be required to complete the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's I-9 form confirming authorization to work in the United States. ODFW is unable to support VISA sponsorships. If you have a disability and need assistance completing the application form (PD100), you may call the ODFW human resources office at (503) 947-6051 between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday-Friday. Reasonable accommodations for interviews will be provided upon request to individuals with disabilities. The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.

PROJECT LEADER: San Clemente Sage Sparrow Monitoring Job Description The Institute for Wildlife Studies (IWS) seeks a full-time biologist to serve as Project Leader for a research, monitoring, and recovery program focusing on the threatened San Clemente sage sparrow on San Clemente Island, California. The position will begin in autumn of 2012 (exact date to be determined) and involves overseeing 2–6 field biologists.
Field work may include surveying for sage sparrows, running line transects, locating nests, determining nesting success, banding adults and nestlings, spot mapping, point counts, and video monitoring of nests. The Project Leader will conduct data analyses and provide input on study design, write monthly and annual reports, and participate in meetings with cooperating entities including biologists from the United States Navy and Fish and Wildlife Service. San Clemente Island is located approximately 68 miles west of San Diego and is an active military base operated by the United States Navy. IWS maintains an office in San Diego to support this and other projects. Primary duties
include: Manage field staff to ensure the quality of surveying and monitoring program; Hire full-time and seasonal project staff; Coordinate with other ongoing wildlife recovery efforts on San Clemente Island; Write monthly and annual reports; Maintain and develop project database and ensure quality control; Participate in collection of field data; Analyze data for reports and publications; Meet with Navy, Fish and Wildlife Service, and other involved organizations to formulate and review recovery strategies and goals; Present data in publications and presentations at professional meetings. Qualifications: A minimum of a M.Sc. degree in wildlife ecology or a related field is required. The applicant should have previous experience monitoring wild bird populations (preferably listed species), extensive experience handling and banding passerines (>500 adults and >50 nestlings), and experience supervising field crews. Experience with remote camera systems is a plus, but not requisite. The applicant should have good analytical and writing skills including proficiency using Microsoft Access and ESRI mapping software. The applicant should be a good self-starter and problem solver that can work under minimal supervision. Because this work is conducted on a military installation, the applicant must be a citizen of the United States or be covered under a TN NAFTA work visa.
Individuals must have (or be willing to acquire before start date) a valid, U.S. driver’s license. Applicants should be in excellent physical condition and be comfortable hiking alone for 3–5 miles with a 30–40 pound pack in steep, rocky, cactus-covered terrain and in temperatures ranging from 40–100°F. Applicants should enjoy living as part of a small research community in a busy field station, interacting with fellow biologists working on other projects, and working with military personnel and members of other organizations who may have varying missions, opinions, and personalities. Additionally, applicants must be willing to participate in the day-to-day upkeep of a busy field station, including cleaning work vehicles and shared kitchen/office space.
Employees work 10 days on island, and then take 4 off (off island). All employment offers are contingent upon: 1) successfully passing a background check allowing for access to military installations and 2) insurability as a driver on IWS’ insurance policy, and accordingly, applicants will be required to provide information verifying their driving record. Compensation: Compensation is $36,000/year, paid twice monthly. In addition, both room and board are provided while working on the island. Benefits include full medical plan, vacation, holidays, sick days, and the opportunity to contribute to a 403(b) retirement plan.
Application Procedure: The position will remain open until it is filled.
Applications will be reviewed as they are received, so interested parties are encouraged to apply promptly. Please email applications to DR. ANDREW BRIDGES (EM: iwsjobs AT iws.org) with the subject line “Sage Sparrow Lead.” Please submit in ONE document your cover letter, resume, and the names, addresses, telephone numbers and email addresses for at least three references. No phone calls, please.

QUANTITATIVE ECOLOGIST at National Audubon Society. Overview: Now in its second century, Audubon is dedicated to protecting birds and other wildlife and the habitat that supports them. Audubon’s mission is engaging people in bird conservation on a hemispheric scale through science, policy, education and on-the-ground conservation action. By mobilizing and aligning its network of Chapters, Centers, State and Important Bird Area programs in the four major migratory flyways in the Americas, the organization will bring the full power of Audubon to bear on protecting common and threatened bird species and the critical habitat they need to survive. And as part of BirdLife International, Audubon will join people in over 100 in-country organizations all working to protect a network of Important Bird Areas around the world, leveraging the impact of actions they take at a local level. What defines Audubon’s unique value is a powerful grassroots network of nearly 500 local chapters, 23 state offices, 43 Audubon Centers, Important Bird Area Programs in 46 states, and 700 staff across the country. Audubon is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). Position
Summary: As a member of the Conservation Science Division, the Quantitative Ecologist will have responsibility for helping to conceive and execute analyses that help the group fulfill its core responsibilities. These include: 1) describing patterns of bird distribution and abundance throughout the annual cycle and the processes that shape those patterns; 2) identifying conservation targets and prioritizing conservation efforts from biological and sociological perspectives; and 3) providing scientific justification, study design, and analyses for projects that engage the public in science. The position reports to the Director of Conservation Science and is based in Emeryville, California. Essential Functions: Primary responsibilities will include: 1) using long-term, large-scale data sets to describe changes in bird populations through space and time; 2) analyzing and prioritizing conservation efforts across the Audubon network; 3) assisting with design and analysis of citizen science projects; and 4) contributing to peer-reviewed publications and grant-writing in support of projects. Qualifications and Experience: Required: Ph.D. in ecology, evolution, biostatistics, natural resources, or conservation-related field (M.S. applicants considered with research or work experience equivalent to Ph.D.); excellent GIS skills; expertise in Bayesian and Frequentist approaches to analysis of large data sets (with emphasis on modeling spatio-temporal dynamics); demonstrated ability to clearly frame research questions, design studies, and implement analyses; demonstrated ability to script analyses in R, Bugs, and/or Python; experience with linear or dynamic programming, Zonation, Marxan, or other conservation prioritization software; demonstrated ability to work independently and in a group; ability to think creatively about connections between birds, places, and people; excellent oral and written communication skills; meticulous when dealing with data and metadata; expertise in ornithology, especially birds of North America.
Preferred: experience in the birding community; past participation in Christmas Bird Count or Breeding Bird Survey; experience in Important Bird Areas process or site conservation; demonstrated ability to work with education and communications staff. To apply, please visit National Audubon Society’s career webpage (URL:
https://careers-audubon.icims.com/jobs/1481/quantitative-ecologist/job)

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