Nature Travel Specialists

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

JUNE 29

EDUCATOR– The Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center located in Washington, DC, will soon be looking to hire an educator to assist with managing an exciting cross-cultural education program that partners elementary and middle school classes in the United States (primarily in the Washington, DC metropolitan area) with classes in Latin America and the Caribbean.
This program, called Bridging the Americas/Unidos por las Aves, focuses on teaching kids about Neotropical migratory birds, but is also geared toward stimulating an interest in learning about other countries and their cultures. The main responsibilities of this educator will include developing interdisciplinary lesson plans and assessment tools; coordinating and facilitating teacher involvement in the program; delivering educational presentations; and recruiting new participants internationally. The ideal candidate for this position would have experience working with elementary and/or middle school teachers and/or students, experience developing curriculum materials, knowledge of birds, a command of both English and Spanish, and some familiarity with Latin American and Caribbean cultures. The position will be a one-year appointment, renewable for up to three years. Starting salary range is $38,000 to $48,000 plus benefits, commensurate with experience. More about the Bridging the Americas/Unidos por las Aves program can be found under the Education section at: http://www.si.edu/smbc. If interested, please send a cover letter and resume to MARY DEINLEIN (EM: deinleinm AT si.edu).

BIOLOGY FACULTY POSITION–The University of South Alabama Department of Biology seeks applications for a tenure-track position (Assistant Professor of Biology) in the area of Vertebrate Ecology, starting 1 Jan or 15 Aug 2009. Applicants with broad training in ecology and systematics of vertebrates are preferred. The individual is expected to teach an undergraduate class in Biology of Terrestrial Vertebrates and classes in two of the following areas: Herpetology, Ornithology or Mammalogy. The successful candidate will also serve as curator of the university’s Vertebrate Natural History Collection, and may also design a graduate course in the area of specialty. He / she should participate in the graduate program by mentoring graduate students and develop an externally-funded research program in his / her specialization. A Ph.D.
is required and postdoctoral and teaching experiences are preferred.
Send cover letter, resume, statements of teaching philosophy and research goals, and contact information for three references to the Search Chair, Department of Biology, University of South Alabama, LSCB 124, Mobile, AL 36688, (PH: 251-460-6331). (Official transcripts will be required before on-campus interviews). Review of applications begins 1 Oct 2008 and will continue until the position is filled. The University of South Alabama is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access Employer.

FIELD BIOLOGIST(S). Western EcoSystems Technology, Inc. (WEST) is currently seeking field biologist(s) for bird and bat surveys in the northeastern U.S. Position(s) will begin immediately and run through Nov 2008. As a Field Biologist, you will work on research projects associated with wind energy and wildlife at proposed sites in Maine, New York, and Pennsylvania. In this capacity, you will conduct field surveys for birds by sight and sound; manage acoustic data collected on migratory bats; conduct acoustic nocturnal surveys for breeding bats; and assist in other surveys, including nest searching, habitat mapping, nocturnal radar work; endangered species surveys, data entry. You should expect to work long and irregular hours, independently, with a good deal of travel from site-to-site involved. Requirements: identifying eastern birds (raptors, waterfowl, songbirds) by sight and sound; ability to accurately collect and process field data with a strong attention to detail; work early and late hours; ability to work in adverse weather conditions with positive attitude. Preference will be given to applicants with experience: navigating with handheld GPS, operating acoustic bat detectors; using Microsoft Excel, mapping software. Pay:
$10-15/hour depending on experience. Housing and travel costs will be provided. Position(s) will be filled as suitable applicants are identified. Please write “Field Biologist” in the subject line of your email and include your last name in the attachment. Submit cover letter, resume, and contacts for up to 3 references (preferably email address)
to: JESSICA KERNS; (EM: jkerns AT west-inc.com). If you cannot submit an application by email, please mail it to: Jessica Kerns, WEST Project Manager, 65 Mount Pleasant Road, Apt D, Ithaca, NY 14850.

FIELD TECHNICIAN(S)/SUPERVISOR. Western EcoSystems Technology, Inc.
(WEST) is currently seeking up to 3 field technicians and 1 field supervisor to conduct research on bird/bat mortality at a wind energy facility in West Virginia. In this capacity, you will conduct daily carcass searches for birds/bats. Field supervisor will be responsible for additional tasks, as well as coordination of technicians.
Position(s) will begin mid-Jul and run through the end of Oct 2008.
Requirements: ability to accurately collect and process field data with a strong attention to detail; work early hours; ability to work in adverse weather conditions with positive attitude. Preference will be given to applicants with prior field experience who can work the entire season. Pay: $12.50/hour for technicians; $15/hour for supervisor. Group housing near the site will be provided. Position(s) will be filled as suitable applicants are identified. Please write “Field Technician/Supervisor” in the subject line of your email and include your last name in the attachment. Submit cover letter, resume, and contacts for up to 3 references (preferably email address) to: JESSICA KERNS (EM: jkerns AT west-inc.com). If you cannot submit an application by email, please mail it to: Jessica Kerns, WEST Project Manager, 65 Mount Pleasant Road, Apt D, Ithaca, NY 14850.

FIELD BIOLOGISTS (2) needed to conduct surveys for a major electric utility evaluating electrocution risks and the effectiveness of avian protection measures on power lines. Surveyors will walk power lines and record data on avian use, mortalities, and protection measures to prevent electrocutions as part of an avian protection plan. Candidates should be willing to work in remote locations with limited oversight and under variable field conditions (weather, insects, or limited vehicle access). Training will be provided. Approximately 12 weeks of surveys will be conducted in southern Oregon and Wyoming from Jul through Sep.
Competitive hourly salary offered, housing stipend provided, and mileage reimbursement or a work vehicle provided. Raptor identification skills preferred. Please send resume to: SHERRY LIGUORI, Wildlife Biologist, PacifiCorp, (EM: sherry.liguori AT pacificorp.com).

FIELD SURVEY COORDINATOR needed to oversee and conduct surveys for a major electric utility evaluating electrocution risks and the effectiveness of avian protection measures on power lines. Coordinator will assist with recruiting field surveyors, overseeing field surveys and logistics, managing data, and conducting surveys. Surveys entail walking power lines and recording data on avian use, mortalities, and protection measures to prevent electrocutions as part of an avian protection plan. Candidates should be willing to work in remote locations with limited oversight and under variable field conditions (weather, insects, or limited vehicle access). Required skills include the ability to manage field crews, experience with data collection and management, and raptor identification skills. Training will be provided.
Surveys will be conducted in Wyoming and southern Oregon. Position begins immediately and is anticipated to last at least 18 to 24 months, with likelihood of annual extensions. Hourly salary $25-30, depending on experience, and mileage reimbursement or a work vehicle provided. Please send resume to: SHERRY LIGUORI, Wildlife Biologist, PacifiCorp, (EM:
sherry.liguori AT pacificorp.com).

PHD GRADUATE ASSISTANTSHIP - New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM. An assistantship is available at the Ph.D. level for a student to examine source-sink dynamics in burrowing owl populations at an ecoregional scale in black-tailed prairie dog colonies with 6 regional study areas from northern Chihuahua Mexico to northern South Dakota. The Ph.D. student will help oversee 16+ undergraduate interns each year in data collection and work collaboratively with several MS students. The Ph.D. student will work with a large capture-recapture and stable isotope databases related to survivorship, movement patterns and general ecology. Applicants should have a B.Sc, (M.Sc. preferred). Potential students should have an interest in mathematical modeling, working with large data sets and should have the skills to train and oversee a large crew of undergraduate technicians. Applications should include a letter of interest, CV, transcripts, GRE scores, and names and contact information for three references. Review of applications will begin 15 Jul and will continue until a suitable candidate is found. Please send information to DR. MARTHA DESMOND, Department of Fish, Wildlife and Conservation Ecology, PO Box 30003, MSC 4901, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM 88003-0003 (EM: mdesmond AT nmsu.edu).

SNAIL KITE RESEARCH TECHNICIAN–The Florida Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit is based out of the University of Florida in Gainesville and oversees several ongoing wetland-related research projects. We are seeking a highly motivated field technician to assist with the long-term study of the endangered Snail Kite. We are monitoring the Snail Kite population via mark-recapture and radio telemetry methods as well as making behavioral observations and collecting data related to foraging ecology. Field work for this project is conducted throughout the wetland ecosystems of central and south Florida 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.
Applicants must be willing to work LONG, flexible hours in a HOT, humid environment. (Some days involve working from sunrise to sunset). All of the necessary training will be supplied, including airboat operation and maintenance. Duties include trapping and handling of snail kites, behavioral observations, radio telemetry, mark-recapture surveys, nest searching, data entry, snail trapping, vegetation sampling, and maintenance of field equipment and boats. Assistance on peripheral projects may also be required from time to time, including vegetation sampling in the Everglades and identification of plants in the lab.
Salary: $1600/month + housing. Housing will be provided at the Three Lakes Wildlife Management Area south of St. Cloud, FL. Applicant should be comfortable living in a field house with only a few other coworkers.
Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in Ecology, Biology, Environmental Science, Wildlife, or a related field. Applicant must have a valid U.S.
driver's license. Experience with engine repair/maintenance and boats is a major plus, but not necessary. Ability to comfortably handle wild raptors is also a plus. This position starts in late Jul and is a year long position. This field technician position can potentially be extended for several years, and may lead to an opportunity to enter a masters research program. Interested persons should send a resume with cover letter, three references, GPA, and GRE scores (if available) to KYLE PIAS (EM: snailkites AT gmail.com) by 15 Jul 2008. For questions see our website (URL: http://www.wec.ufl.edu/coop) or contact KYLE PIAS via email (preferred) or by phone (PH: 352-494-7485)

SEASONAL SNAIL KITE RESEARCH TECHNICIAN–The Florida Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit is based out of the University of Florida in Gainesville and oversees several ongoing wetland-related research projects. We are seeking a highly motivated field technician to assist with the long-term study of the endangered Snail Kite. We are monitoring the Snail Kite population via mark-recapture and radio telemetry methods as well as making behavioral observations and collecting data related to foraging ecology. Field work for this project is conducted throughout the wetland ecosystems of central and south Florida 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. Applicants must be willing to work LONG, flexible hours in a HOT, humid environment. (Some days involve working from sunrise to sunset). All of the necessary training will be supplied, including airboat operation and maintenance. Duties include trapping and handling of snail kites, behavioral observations, radio telemetry, mark-recapture surveys, nest searching, data entry, snail trapping, vegetation sampling, and maintenance of field equipment and boats. Assistance on peripheral projects may also be required from time to time, including vegetation sampling in the Everglades and identification of plants in the lab. Salary: $1600/month + housing. Housing will be provided at the Three Lakes Wildlife Management Area south of St. Cloud, FL. Applicant should be comfortable living in a field house with only a few other coworkers. Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in Ecology, Biology, Environmental Science, Wildlife, or a related field. Applicant must have a valid U.S. driver's license. Experience with engine repair/maintenance and boats is a major plus, but not necessary. Ability to comfortably handle wild raptors is also a plus. This position starts in late Jul and lasts until Dec, with possibility of continuation in the spring.
Interested persons should send a resume with cover letter, three references, and GPA to KYLE PIAS (EM: snailkites AT gmail.com) by 15 Jul 2008. For questions see our website (URL: http://www.wec.ufl.edu/coop) or contact KYLE PIAS via email (preferred) or by phone (PH: 352-494-7485)

M.S. GRADUATE ASSISTANTSHIP in island bird conservation at University of Missouri-Columbia. A M.S. Graduate Assistantship is anticipated for an investigation of bird population demography and habitat use on Wake Island, a remote Pacific atoll. The student will work directly with island residents, federal scientists, military resource managers, and private contractors to implement a rat eradication program and evaluate the effect of rat removals on local bird populations. Candidates must have a B.S. in wildlife science, biology, or a closely related discipline, a GPA > 3.2, and combined verbal and quantitative GRE scores > 1100. Ability to work with diverse cultures, and an interest in wildlife/habitat relationships and quantitative techniques are essential. Position is anticipated to begin fall 2008. Stipend includes annual salary of $13,197, a tuition waiver, travel and lodging, and research funds. Review of applications starts immediately and continues until the position is filled. Email a cover letter with a description of work experience and career goals, CV/resume, copies of transcripts and GRE scores (unofficial are acceptable at this time), and contact information for 3 references to DYLAN KESLER, Department of Fisheries and Wildlife Sciences, University of Missouri. Please address email to
(EM: ratbird AT picra.net).

PALOMARIN FIELD STATION BANDING INTERNSHIPS (2). Fall Interns needed at PRBO's Palomarin Field Station on the Marin County coast, north of San Francisco in Point Reyes National Seashore, a fall birding hotspot. We have been studying songbirds at the Palomarin Field Station since 1965, with special focus on Wrentits, Song Sparrows, and White-crowned Sparrows. Fieldwork includes mist-netting, habitat assessment, and conducting area search surveys in coastal scrub and riparian habitats.
All internships include data entry. Expect long hours in the field and office. Interns will become proficient in landbird monitoring techniques and learn about various aspects of avian ecology (e.g., hands-on and via scientific literature). Self-motivation, a sense of humor, and the desire to spend long hours in the field and office are required.
Participants must be able to work in groups and independently. Exposure to poison oak is unavoidable. A functioning pair of binoculars is required. Fall internships require the use of a personal vehicle, current proof of insurance, and a driver's license. Any use of personal vehicles will be reimbursed at the federal mileage rate. Approximate dates are 23 Jul to 30 Nov. On-site housing is provided (communal living). This is a voluntary training position that includes a stipend to offset living expenses while on the project ($700 per month [gross]).
Email/mail a letter of interest describing previous experience with field research, specific dates of availability and whether or not you have a vehicle, a resume, and contact information for three references (Please note if applying to other positions within PRBO) to RENEE CORMIER, PRBO Conservation Science, PO Box 1157, Bolinas, CA 94924 (PH:
415-868-0655 ext. 316; EM: rcormier AT prbo.org).

FIELD RESEARCHERS (2 positions available)–The Gulf Coast Bird Observatory is seeking field researchers to assist in systematically surveying parts of the historic Texas range of Ivory-billed Woodpecker.
The project period will be 1 Sep 2008 – 28 Feb 2009. The successful applicant will possess demonstrable skills and abilities in the detection and identification of southern bottomland forest birds by sight and sound, be familiar with the identification of the canopy trees of southern bottomland forest, be willing to cheerfully work under sometimes difficult field conditions with limited supervision, will be able to work as part of a team, will be willing to use his or her personal vehicle with standard federal rate mileage compensation, will have the ability to interact positively with the public and with volunteers in a rural setting, be able to enjoy being outdoors under a variety of weather conditions, be willing to do some primitive camping, and possess a valid U. S. driver’s license. Highly desirable attributes will include experience with other IBWO search efforts using the Habitat Occupancy Model, skills in overland navigation using GPS, a working knowledge of ArcView or ArcGIS for mapping saved tracks and waypoints collected in the search and for generating maps of the search area for use in the field, competence in handling small boats, both motorized and nonmotorized, competency in the safe use of ATVs and prior certification of successful participation in an approved ATV safety course that satisfies the regulations for such use on federal property. Compensation includes a $2000 per month stipend. Applicants may have to use their own vehicles. Mileage reimbursement will be at the federal rate (currently $0.48.5/mile; higher if the reimbursement rate goes up as anticipated).
Housing will be available in the search area at field stations at the Big Thicket National Preserve and Trinity NWR for most of the time.
Primitive camping in the search areas may be necessary some of the time.
Work period will usually 5 days per week with weekends off, although some weekend work may be necessary for special situations. Applications will be accepted electronically by JOHN ARVIN, Project Coordinator, Gulf Coast Bird Observatory, at (EM: jarvin AT gcbo.org). Please supply two references with their contact information (e-mail and telephone number) that may be contacted concerning the applicants’ qualifications. No applications can be reviewed before 21 Jul, but telephone interviews with qualified applicants will begin shortly after that date.

FIELD RESEARCH ASSISTANT needed to assist with field work at Avon Park Air Force Range in south-central Florida. Primary activities associated with this position focus on population monitoring and management of endangered red-cockaded woodpeckers (RCW) and Florida scrub-jays (FSJ).
RCW duties include: population monitoring, data collection using GPS, marked cavity tree maintenance (involves tree climbing using sectional ladders), and data entry and verification. FSJ duties include:
population monitoring, assisting with trapping and banding adult jays.
The position requires a willingness to work independently in longleaf pine and oak scrub habitat, often in remote areas on a 100,000-acre military reservation. Applicants must be able to read color bands and feel comfortable with heights, heat, and driving through water. Ability to drive 4WD vehicles, handle and band birds, tolerate biting insects and work under hot, humid or wet field conditions will be essential.
Position Available 1 Oct 2008 through Mar 2009 (dates are somewhat flexible). Salary is $1360 [A1] per month, plus free housing (no pets).
Applicants should send a letter of interest and resume with names, email addresses, and phone numbers of three references via email to (EM:
aclifton AT archbold-station.org) or by mail to Archbold Biological Station Office, Avon Park Air Force Range, 475 Easy Street, Avon Park, FL 33825. Questions may be directed to AMY CLIFTON at the same e-mail address or by calling (PH: 863-452-4180). Applications accepted through
31 Aug 2008.

HAWK WATCHER NEEDED—19 Aug - 20 Nov 2008. Bedford Audubon Society, a local chapter of National Audubon Society, is conducting a long-term study on raptor migration along the coast in conjunction with the Greenwich Audubon's Quaker Ridge Hawkwatch. Come and be a part of this exciting research as you count as many as 17,000 hawks and other raptors. Responsibilities: Identify and count migrating raptors as they travel along the Atlantic flyway at the Arthur Butler hawk watch site.
On site, you will be recording weather conditions, species and numbers of raptors migrating, and the age/sex of a few select raptor species. In the evenings, this information must be posted onto the HMANA website. In addition, you must also be able to assist occasional visitors with bird identification and general birding questions during the hawk migration period. Qualifications: Self-motivated individual who can work well independently, enthusiastic field worker, good physical condition to work primarily outside, willingness to work some early mornings and late evenings, good communication and organizational skills, interest and experience in bird monitoring and research work outdoors. Previous raptor identification experience is strongly preferred, as is a familiarity with computer data spreadsheet analysis. Stipend will be based on experience, Monday – Saturday. Housing provided: Private furnished room, bath, furnished living room and fully-equipped kitchen in house on sanctuary property. Period of Internship: 3-month period, 48 hours/week, 9AM - 5PM, 20 Aug - 20 Nov 2008, with some additional days off depending upon available volunteer assistance. Applicants will be considered upon submission. Emails Preferred. Send cover letter, resume, and 2 references with the subject as Hawk Watch to: Att: Tait Johansson, Bedford Audubon Society, 35 Todd Rd., Katonah, NY 10536. Contact info:
TAIT JOHANSSON (EM: tjohansson AT bedfordaudubon.org, PH: 914-232-1999 ,
FX: 914-232-5038, URL: http://www.bedfordaudubon.org).

2 FIELD ASSISTANTS needed to assist in radio telemetry study of Clark’s Nutcracker in Washington State this fall. One position runs from mid-Jul through Oct; second position runs from early Aug through Oct. Study sites for telemetry are located in beautiful subalpine and montane forests and meadows in Cascade Range, east of Mount Rainier National Park, and in the Olympic Mountains, outside of the town of Quilcene, WA.
Field conditions on the study sites are typically fairly ideal in early autumn; applicants can expect to work under sunny skies with daily temperatures ranging from 50-70 degrees, and on study sites free of biting insects. The typical work week is 5 days long, 8-10 hours per day. Duties include radio tracking and behavior watching of radio tagged nutcrackers, and data entry. Experience with radio telemetry is not required; however this position requires that assistants are exceptionally physically fit and capable of hiking 5-15 miles per day and in terrain with substantial changes in elevation (1,000-4,000 ft on an average day). Applicants are expected to keep pace with the current field crew when they arrive on site. Housing, field vehicle, and a weekly stipend of $300-350 per week provided. Review of applications will begin immediately and the positions will remain open until filled.
Please send cover letter, resume, and the names and contact information for 3 references to: TERESA LORENZ (PH: 509-653-1441, EM: teresalorenz AT fs.fed.us). In your cover letter or resume, please explicitly state your past experience as a hiker/backpacker/runner and the extent to which you are currently physically active. Preference will be given to applicants who are currently involved in activities that require distance hiking or running. Feel free to call or e-mail with questions about the position.

FALL 2008 BIRD-BANDING WORKSHOP in the Peruvian Amazon (19-30 Sep 2008):
Ten days of bird surveying and bird-banding as we continue to document the avifauna of a private reserve on the Tambopata River, Madre de Dios Peru. The workshop will include training in bird survey and capture techniques (ground and canopy mist nets and bal-chatri traps). It will also offer a rare opportunity to examine plumage variation by species, age and sex up close on rainforest birds in the hand. Birds will be individually marked for long-term monitoring and research. We plan to work in different habitat types around the reserve and will leave plenty of time for birding and independent explorations of the surroundings. A field trip to the nearby Lago Sandoval is also included. The workshop will take place at the Centro de Education, Ciencia y Conservacion Tambopata (CECCOT), a young conservation, education and research center dedicated to promote the knowledge and conservation of the region’s natural history with a minimal human footprint. The center is rustic with thatch-covered cabins, a large and comfortable common area, shared cabins, composting toilets and cold water camping showers, limited solar-powered electricity available. Requirements: serious interest in birds (previous experience not required) and willingness to stay in very rustic/shared conditions in the rainforest. Good mobility. Yellow fever shot, immunizations and your own travel insurance. Cost: US$2100
includes: Roundtrip air-fare to Lima (either from Los Angeles or Miami), in-country transportation and airport taxes, lodging and meals, field trip costs, materials and instructional fees. Group size 8-12. For detailed information and to determine availability (3 SPACES LEFT!), contact us before 30 Jun 2008: DANIEL FROEHLICH (EM: danielfroehlich AT gmail.com, PH: 206-595-2305) or URSULA VALDEZ (EM: ursvaldez AT hotmail.com, PH: 206-219-9924).

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