Avian Monitoring Technician

YOUR POSITION WITH TNC 

The Avian Monitoring Technician performs a variety of routine tasks that assists the implementation of work plans within the business unit. The Avian Monitoring Technician provides administrative assistance to program or preserve staff. They provide research assistance to a program or preserve tasks, project management and/or general assistance to program or preserve staff. They may work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, in hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstance. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS 

The Avian Monitoring Technician performs a variety of routine tasks that assists the implementation of bird-friendly agriculture objectives within the California Chapter of The Nature Conservancy. 

We will hire 2 technicians for this job, with these approximate staggered start and end dates: 

•late September 

•early October 

Housing will be provided in a TNC – owned field house at Cosumnes River Preserve. Technicians will be permitted to provide their own private off-site housing if they so choose. If technicians opt to provide their own housing they will not be reimbursed for housing costs and it will need to be located within a reasonable distance (maximum 30-40 miles) from the Cosumnes River Preserve. 

RESPONSIBILITIES & SCOPE 

In order to meet its long-term objective to have 1,000,000 acres of bird-friendly agriculture supported in California, the Migratory Bird Initiative is increasing its efforts to implement new projects that demonstrate compatible agricultural practices. Many of these innovations for compatible agricultural techniques are yet untested, and the Avian Monitoring Technician will assist in quantifying the biological value of these techniques on Staten Island, CA and on other private land throughout the Central Valley. Specific duties may include the following functions: 

• Set up fields for monitoring. Includes wading into flooded areas and pounding in depth stakes 

• Conduct visual surveys of birds, focusing on western waterbirds, including waterfowl, shorebirds, and long-legged waders (including cranes). 

• Conduct visual surveys of pertinent habitat features at survey sites. 

• Communicate with rural landowners and/or farm managers. 

• Possible invertebrate and grain sampling in working lands. 

• Complete, accurate, and clear record-keeping of field survey observations. 

• Possible overnight travel to other field sites in California. 

• Possible assistance with preserve management tasks. 

• Maintain project records. 

• May work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, in hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances. 

• Require starting some workdays before sunrise. 

• Require minor physical exertion and/or muscular strain. 

• Present occasional possibility of injury. 

• Expose one to adverse weather conditions (both hot and cold). 

• Require long hours in isolated settings. 

• Requires frequent long periods of driving. 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS 

• Associates Degree in natural resources; environmental studies or equivalent combination of education and 6 months’ experience. 

• Experience identifying western waterbirds (including small difficult to distinguish shorebirds) to species by sight in the field. 

• Experience managing and prioritizing tasks from multiple sources. 

• Independent completion of tasks within assigned timeframes. 

• Clear communication via written, spoken, and graphical means in English. 

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team. 

• Possession of a driver’s license valid in California.  

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS 

• Multi-language skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated. 

• Experience in identifying western waterbirds (including small difficult to distinguish shorebirds) by sound. 

• Experience conducting avian surveys with binoculars and spotting scopes (skill in counting birds in large flocks). 

• Experience interacting with rural landowners. 

• Experience using software, particularly Microsoft Excel and ArcGIS 

• Experience driving 4x4 vehicles off-road. 

• Time management skills. 

This description is not designed to be a complete list of all duties and responsibilities required for this job.

This position requires a valid driver's license and compliance with TNC’s Auto Safety Program. Employees may not drive Conservancy-owned/leased vehicles, rental cars, or personal vehicles on behalf of the Conservancy if considered "high risk drivers." To learn more about the Auto Safety Program, visit the Auto Safety information page. Employment in this position will be contingent upon completion of a Vehicle Use Agreement, which may include a review of the prospective employee's motor vehicle record.

The candidate selected for this position will be paid an hourly rate of $25.22. This range only applies to candidates whose country of employment is the USA. Where a successful candidate’s actual pay will fall within this range will be based on a variety of factors, including, for example, the candidate's location, qualifications, specific skills, and experience. Please note countries outside the USA would have a different pay range in the local currency based on the local labor market, and not tied to USA pay or ranges. Your geographic location will be confirmed during the recruitment.

Who We Are:

The Nature Conservancy’s mission is to protect the lands and waters upon which all life depends. As a science-based organization, we create innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that we can create a world in which people and nature thrive. We’re rooted in our mission and guided by our values, which include respect for all people, communities, and cultures. Whether it’s career development, flexible schedules, or a rewarding mission, there’s many reasons to love life inside TNC. Want a better insight to TNC? Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube   to hear stories from staff or visit  Glassdoor.

One goal is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that all our colleagues around the globe feel a sense of belonging and that their unique contributions to our mission are valued. In addition to the requirements in our job postings, we recognize that people come with talent and experiences outside of a job and consider each applicant’s unique experience. Please apply – we’d love to hear from you. To quote a popular saying at TNC, “you’ll join for the mission, and stay for the people.”

What We Bring:

Since 1951, TNC has been doing work you can believe in. Through grassroots action, we have grown from a small non-profit into one of the most effective and wide-reaching environmental organizations in the world. Thanks to more than 1 million members, over 400 scientists, and the dedicated efforts of our diverse staff and partners, we impact conservation around the world!

TNC offers a competitive, comprehensive benefits package including health care benefits, flexible spending accounts, a 401(k) plan with an 8% employer match, parental leave, accrued paid time off, life insurance, disability coverage, employee assistance program, other life and work well-being benefits. Learn more about our Benefits and Perks here.

We’re proud to offer a flexible work environment that supports of the health and well-being of the people we employ.

Our recruiting process includes a rolling interview process to ensure we engage applicants in a timely manner. This means we may review applications in the order in which they are received. Once a strong candidate pool is identified, the role will be unposted. The timeline may vary depending on the expressed interest in the role, so we highly encourage candidates to apply as soon as possible.

The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our commitment to equal employment opportunity includes the recognition that our conservation mission is best advanced by the leadership and contributions of people of all backgrounds, beliefs, and culture. Recruiting and mentoring staff to create an inclusive organization is a priority, and we encourage applicants from all cultures, races, colors, religions, sexes, national or regional origins, ages, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity, military, protected veteran status or other status protected by law.

The successful applicant must meet the requirements of The Nature Conservancy's background screening process.

Do you have military experience? Visit our U.S. Military Skills Translator to match your military experience with our current job openings!

TNC is committed to offering accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application process. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please send a note to [email protected] with Request for Accommodation in the subject line.