Opportunities for birders (OSNA)

http://osnabirds.org/Jobs.aspx

*********************
SEASONAL FIELD BIOLOGIST at University of Illinois. Location: Fort Hood, TX. Job Type: Temporary. Application Deadline: 4 Jan 2013. Job Description: The University of Illinois seeks SEASONAL FIELD BIOLOGISTS to assist U. S. Army natural resources specialist in monitoring of the endangered golden-cheeked warbler at Fort Hood, Texas starting 11 February and ending 7 June 2013. The primary tasks will be to resight color-banded birds, locate and monitor nests, delineate territories, conduct point count surveys, mist net and band birds, navigate using a GPS unit and map, complete and verify data forms, and maintain a work vehicle and other field equipment. Crew members will be expected to keep extensive records and follow detailed protocols. Workers will receive 6 weeks of paid training in mist-netting, banding, nest finding, driving off-road, and navigating with a GPS unit and map. Pay is $13.00/hour. Workers must provide their own housing and transportation to work, but we assist you with the housing search. Field biologists work 35-48 hours/week and get overtime pay for hours beyond 40/week. Eight days of weekend work is expected. Applicants should be in good physical condition, have good hearing, and be able to see the full spectrum of colors. Experience operating 4WD manual transmission vehicles on and off road is a plus. Work starts before sunrise, and involves walking in a hot, sunny environment with chiggers, fire ants, cacti, snakes, and poison ivy along with a variety of birds and wildflowers. Applicants must have a valid driver’s license and a good driving record. Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in related field is preferred. To Apply: Send cover letter, resume and contact information for 3 references as 1 DOCUMENT to (EM: Setophaga.chrysoparia AT gmail.com) . The application deadline is 4 January 2013 but positions will be offered as qualified applicants apply so don’t wait!

SEASONAL FIELD BIOLOGISTS at University of Illinois. Location: Fort Hood, Texas. Job Type: Seasonal. Application Deadline: 30 Nov 2012. Job Description: The University of Illinois is seeking several seasonal field biologists to conduct monitoring of the federally endangered Black-capped vireo in Fort Hood, Texas (an active military base). Biologists are needed from early March till the end of June (exact dates to be determined). The primary tasks will be to resight color-banded birds, locate and monitor nests, delineate territories, conduct distance sampling surveys, mist net and band birds, navigate using a GPS unit and map, complete and verify data forms, and maintain a work vehicle and other field equipment. Crew members will be expected to keep extensive records and follow detailed protocols. Workers will receive of training in mist-netting, banding, nest finding, driving off-road, and navigating with a GPS unit and map. Pay is $13.00/hour. Workers must provide their own housing and transportation to work, but we can assist you with the housing search. Work lasts 35-55 hours/week and you will get overtime pay for hours beyond 40/week. Work is regularly weekdays, but a few days of weekend work is expected. Qualifications: Applicants should be in good physical condition, have good hearing, and be able to see the full spectrum of colors. Experience operating 4WD manual transmission vehicles on and off road is a plus. Bachelor's degree in a related field is preferred. Work starts before sunrise, and involves walking long distances in a hot, sunny environment with chiggers, fire ants, cacti, snakes, and poison ivy along with a colorful variety of birds and wildflowers. Field equipment, such as a field vehicle, binoculars, day packs, notebooks, GPS, and snake chaps, is provided. Applicants must have a valid driver's license and a good driving record. To Apply: To apply, e-mail cover letter, resume and contact information for 3 references, IN ONE FILE, to (EM: uiuc.forthood.BCVI AT gmail.com) include "Seasonal Field Biologist" in the subject line of the e-mail. The application deadline is November 30th, 2012 but positions will be offered as qualified applicants apply.

SAGE-GROUSE FIELD ASSISTANTS at University of California Davis. Website: http://www.eve.ucdavis.edu/gpatricelli/ Location: Lander, WY. Duration: ~2 Months. Job Type: Seasonal. Number of Openings: 4 or 5. Application Deadline: 1 Feb 2013. Job Description: FIELD ASSISTANTS (4-5) needed approximately March 3 – May 5 for investigations of the behavior and ecology of Greater Sage-Grouse near Lander, Wyoming and the scenic Wind River Range. The projects are part of a larger effort in Prof. Gail Patricelli’s lab at UC Davis to understand how sexual selection and environmental acoustics shape sage-grouse display behaviors- see the following websites for more information (http://www.eve.ucdavis.edu/gpatricelli/) and (http://www.alankrakauer.org). Assistants will use video and audio recording technology to support an NSF-funded study of courtship dynamics and display plasticity on the lek. Duties include maintaining camera and acoustic monitoring equipment, observation of basic courtship behavior and lek counts, GPS surveying, habitat characterization, assisting in the capture of adult sage-grouse, data entry, and some computer and video analysis. Work will be daily and primarily early in the morning, with afternoon and night work required as well. Assistants will receive a total stipend of $1200 (~$600/mo) plus room and board, but need to provide their own transportation to Lander and their own personal gear. Qualifications: Assistants must be flexible in their needs and comfortable living and working in close quarters in a remote field station, and able to work in adverse field conditions (mainly MUD and COLD). Applicants must have a valid driver’s license, basic computer skills, and have participated in at least one field biology project in the past. Wilderness First Aid or First Responder, and previous experience/certification with off-road driving and/or ATV’s is preferred but not required. Must be able to show proof of United States employment eligibility. To Apply: Please send a cover letter, resume, and contact info for two (2) references to: ALAN KRAKAUER, Department of Evolution and Ecology, University of California Davis, One Shields Avenue, 2320 Storer Hall, Davis, CA 95616, or preferably by email to (EM: ahkrakauer AT ucdavis.edu). The positions will remain open until filled, and review of applications will begin immediately.

WOODPECKER FIELD ASSISTANT at Old Dominion University. Website: http://www.ericlwalters.org/employment.htm Location: Carmel Valley, California. Duration: 4-5 months. Job Type: Seasonal. Number of Openings: 2. Application Deadline: 21 Nov 2012. Job Description: Field assistants are needed for ongoing long-term studies of the behavioral ecology of the cooperatively breeding Acorn Woodpecker at the Hastings Reserve in upper Carmel Valley, California. Hastings is run by the Museum of Vertebrate Zoology, UC Berkeley. We have studied the behavioral ecology of color-banded Acorn Woodpeckers for over 45 years at this site. The research focuses on both ecological and evolutionary factors involved in the evolution of cooperative breeding. Interns will participate in monitoring group composition, experimental manipulations, and roosting/nesting/mateguarding/feeding behavior. Positions include a modest stipend ($600/month) and housing. The experience is designed to be one of total immersion six days per week, and provides the necessary training needed for those interested in applying to graduate school. Two spring positions are available: (1) Feb 15-Jul 15 and (2) Mar 15-Jul 15. Qualifications: Must be an avid hiker who is comfortable hiking up and down hills. Prior experience with birds (especially the ability to read color bands) is desirable but not required. Self-motivation, enthusiasm for the research questions, a willingness to sit in a blind for up to 3 hours per session (in hot weather with lots of annoying face flies), and an ability to tackle the rigors of field work are a must. We especially encourage those applicants that wish to attend graduate school in the near future and are interested in conducting an independent study during their tenure at Hastings. Because the reserve is about an hour to the nearest town, having a vehicle is highly desirable. To Apply: Please include the following in your application: 1) a resumé / CV (please provide detailed descriptions (>1 page) of your academic, volunteer, and professional experiences); 2) a cover letter describing why you should be considered for one of our positions and an indication of what your short- and long-term career goals are; 3) the names, phone numbers, titles, and email addresses of at least three academic / professional references; 4) the dates you are available to work at the Hastings Reserve; Send resumé or curriculum vitae (email preferred) to: DR. ERIC L. WALTERS, Department of Biological Sciences. Old Dominion University. Norfolk, VA 23529-0266 (EM: jobs2013 AT cavitynester.org).

SEASONAL SHOREBIRD MONITORING FIELD TECHNICIAN at Audubon California. Website: http://ca.audubon.org/ Location: Sacramento, CA. Duration: 9 months. Job Type: Seasonal. Application Deadline: 17 Dec 2012. Job Description: Audubon California’s mission is to conserve and restore natural ecosystems, focusing on birds, other wildlife, and their habitats for the benefit of humanity and the earth's biological diversity. Audubon California is a field program of the century-old National Audubon Society, one of the nation’s preeminent conservation organizations. This is a full time (40 hours/week), 9 month (January 15th, 2013 – September 15th, 2013) position, with occasional overtime. The Field Technician will work with Audubon California’s Migratory Bird Conservation Program and in coordination with partner conservation groups as part of the Migratory Bird Conservation Partnership. In the Sacramento and San Joaquin Valleys, this program works with private agricultural landowners to identify, evaluate, and implement alternative field management practices that benefit a variety of migratory birds. The Seasonal Monitoring Field Technician will conduct waterbird surveys on experimental rice, wheat and other crop fields in the Sacramento and San Joaquin Valleys. Essential Functions: • Conduct waterbird surveys on private rice and other agricultural farms • Conduct breeding waterbird surveys and nest searches on private and public lands • Assist with project set up • Enter and proof data in a database • Assist with preliminary data analyses and reporting The ideal candidate will have experience with bird monitoring and nest searching, particularly with the shorebirds and waterfowl of the Pacific Flyway, and be able to work both independently and as part of a team. Qualifications: Qualifications: • Bachelor's Degree in related field or 2+ years applicable field experience • Ability to identify birds by sight and sound, specifically shorebirds and waterfowl • Experience driving field trucks and ATVs on narrow roads in variable conditions • Strong initiative and self-motivation and ability to work with limited supervision • Ability to communicate effectively with supervisors, conservation partners, private landowners, paid laborers, volunteers, and local community members • Experience working on field projects; work in an agricultural setting and interaction with private landowners a plus. • Ability to travel in California, and to work evenings and weekends, as needed • A valid driver’s license and excellent driving record • Comfortable using a GPS unit • GIS knowledge desired • Familiarity with MS Word, Access, Excel, PowerPoint • Ability to engage in strenuous outdoor activity, carry field equipment and endure outdoor field conditions including cold and wet winter weather and extreme heat. • Proven effectiveness working in a team setting • Comfort working alone in a field setting To Apply: Audubon promotes a diverse workplace and is an equal opportunity employer. It is the policy of the National Audubon Society to employ the person best qualified for the job regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability (handicap) or marital status. To apply, please send go to URL: https://careers-audubon.icims.com/jobs/1537/seasonal-shorebird-monitoring-field-technician/job Only applications submitted online will be considered.

PH.D. RESEARCH ASSISTANTSHIP IN AVIAN FORAGING ECOLOGY at Florida Atlantic University. Website:http://www.science.fau.edu/biology/gawliklab Location: Boca Raton, FL. Job Type: Student. Application Deadline: 16 Dec 2012. Job Description: Project uses experimental approaches to address questions about drivers of foraging success in wading birds. The candidate will primarily draw on a large existing data set, but will also be expected to execute a field experiment. The candidate will be exposed to a multidisciplinary research program as well as the application of science into one of the nation’s most comprehensive ecosystem restoration projects. Start date is August 2013. Graduate Teaching Assistantship stipend is $20,000/year with tuition waiver. The PhD degree is in Integrative Biology. Qualifications: MS degree and experience in avian ecology, wetland ecology, aquatic ecology, or wildlife science is required. The ability to work well in teams is essential. Candidate must have evidence of the ability to publish the results of scientific studies. Strong statistical analytical skills are also favorable. To Apply: Send via email, a letter of interest, CV, pdf of transcripts, GRE scores (unofficial copies will suffice), and the names and contact information for 3 references to: DR. DALE GAWLIK, Environmental Sciences Program, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL 33431-0991. (EM: dgawlik ATfau.edu, PH:  561-297-3333).

VOLUNTEER - AVIAN FIELD ASSISTANT - Agency: Max Planck Institute for Ornithology - Location: Seewiesen, Bavaria, Germany. Job description: we are seeking one volunteer to help us collecting behavioral data on Great tit (Parus major) in January and February 2013 (starting January 7th). Our current research focuses primarily on identifying how natural and sexual selection act on animal “personalities” and behavioral plasticity. However, this project focuses primarily on personality-related differences in information use and behavioral plasticity. The candidate will work in close collaboration with a post doc but will also interact with a large international team consisting of several post-docs, PhDs and students. Duties include behavioral observations mostly in the lab (i.e. sampling behavior and social information use, live and from videos), bird handling, videos, data entry and data management. Some help with field work (catching birds during roosting inspection) may also be possible. Qualifications: Candidate should have a BSc in Biology or a related field in preferably have proven experience with bird handling. Candidate should be highly motivated, able to work independently and well organized. A valid drivers’ license is advised. Work will involve long hours of observations and work in the week-end while still maintaining a positive attitude. We will provide housing for living. Non-EU applicants should make sure that they eligible for a stay in Europe. Applications will be accepted until 15th of December 2012 or until the positions are filled and should include (1) a statement that highlights relevant experience, and (2) a short resume or CV and contact information for references (up to 2). Send applications to: MARION NICOLAUS (EM: mnicolaus AT orn.mpg.de) Max Planck Institute for Ornithology; Dept. Evolutionary Ecology Group of Variation; Eberhard-Gwinner-Strasse 7; 82319 Seewiesen, Germany. For more information about the lab visit: (URL: http://www.orn.mpg.de/159079/Research_Group_Dingemanse).


CURATOR OF EDUCATION at the High Desert Museum, Bend, Oregon. Job Summary: The successful candidate will provide leadership in creating and managing the delivery of interpretive, exhibit, and school programming for the High Desert Museum. The Curator will plan, design, implement and deliver interpretive presentation in all areas of the Museum including formal talks, demonstrations, station interpretation, tours and exhibit driven activities. Additionally, the curator is responsible for designing, directing and managing the volunteer interpretive program. The successful candidate will have a minimum of three years of professional experience; will be familiar with the methods and philosophies of hands-on, interactive learning; and will have a collaborative leadership style, outstanding communication and writing skills, and a strong track record in program development. S/he must be comfortable managing a program of varied projects that involve in-house staff and outside collaborators. The hands-on, interactive, multidisciplinary and interpretive nature of the museum’s exhibits and education programs requires an engaged, flexible and highly creative individual, who is eager to take ownership for the success of the Education Department as a whole. A background in hands-on natural history and/or science museums, including interpretive programs, and a proven track record in project management, community outreach with multiple organizations (libraries, schools), budgets and staff, are key requirements. A graduate degree in a science related field is highly desired for this position. Responsibilities and Tasks: **Supervise education department staff, and interpretive volunteer teams and interns. **Plan, design, implement and deliver interpretive presentations in all areas of the Museum including formal talks, demonstrations, station interpretation, tours and exhibit driven activities. **Develop year round interpretive activities to meet the Museum mission to complement exhibits and create valuable experiences for visitors. **Plan, design, and implement school programs. **Create and oversee paid public programs. **Outreach: develop relationships with community organizations to ensure the Museum’s educational programs are relevant to teachers, libraries, and other groups. **Provide continuing education opportunities for teachers and community members. **Continually evaluate and improve educational programming to ensure effective delivery of visitor experience. **Train interpretive volunteers. **Create and implement a rigorous evaluation program for interpreters and interpretive programs. **Provide programming as needed. **Curate exhibits as needed. **Partner with development department to provide content for revenue opportunities: grants, corporate and private donors, etc. **Outreach oversight: coordinate staff/volunteers to present at institutions, fairs, and other events taking place on and off museum grounds (excluding marketing outreach). Responsibilities with Percentage of Time: **Manage Interpretive Base Program: Develop and implement a high quality interpretive training program. Manage specific elements including daily interpretive programs : 25% **Oversee school programs and community educational programs: 30% **Exhibit Related Program Development and delivery: 20% **Oversee paid public programs: Group tours, “Lunch & Lectures”, workshops, camp-in program: 15% **Outreach: 10% Qualifications: **Bachelors Degree required. Masters degree in science related field, Museum Education, or similar highly preferred. Progressive work experience considered. **Minimum of three (3) years experience managing education programs in a museum, interpretive center, environmental educational organization, zoo or similar facility, or one year experience and two years of related coursework. **Proven ability to work well within a team environment, particularly with design and exhibit teams **Demonstrated success in managing the experience design process, meeting deadlines on time and within budget. **Ability to coordinate operations, planning, and training concurrently. **Previous performance and/or presentation experience preferred, either in an informal, or classroom setting. **Mastery of informal learning theory and best practices with family learning in informal environments. **Ability to apply informal learning theory and STEM topics to the design and training process **At least two years of volunteer management experience. **Three years experience giving public presentations programs in a museum, interpretive center, zoo or similar facility. **Administrative experience, including budget development and work plans. **Demonstrated excellent organizational, communication, writing and presentation skills. **Positive attitude and familiarity with new and emerging learning technologies. **Demonstrated ability to work successfully in a team environment with a diverse group of staff and volunteers. **Ability to work flexible hours and days including Saturdays and Sundays. **Knowledge of and experience in conducting visitor evaluation studies. To apply, email or fax a cover letter and resume to: (EM: jobs AT highdesertmuseum.org, FX: 541-382-5256 Attn: Human Resources).