Jobs, internships and volunteer positions for ornithologists (II)

 Offers compiled by The OSNA Society http://osnabirds.org/Jobs.aspx. Contact Cheryl Trine (EM: ctrine AT andrews.edu) for posting.
 
VOLUNTEER POSITIONS ON THE 9TH CRAZY ANT STRIKE TEAM EXPEDITION, Johnston Atoll National Wildlife Refuge. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is seeking 4 volunteers beginning early November 2014 for up to 8 months to join the 9th Crazy Ant Strike Team (CAST IX) Expedition to Johnston Atoll National Wildlife Refuge (NWR).
Johnston Atoll is located in the central Pacific Ocean, 717 nautical miles west-southwest of Honolulu. The refuge is managed for 14 species of breeding seabirds and 5 species of wintering shorebirds in addition to its diverse coral reef and marine organism assemblages, including the threatened green sea turtle. The atoll contains four small islands (696 acres), which constitute the only land area in over 750,000 square miles of ocean. The emergent land associated with this refuge provides critical, rat-free habitat for central Pacific seabird populations and its coral reef ecosystem is an important marine resource. The refuge is uninhabited except for the 5 member crew. Volunteers will have the opportunity to live in this remote setting surrounded by birds and sea life. In January 2010, an infestation of Yellow Crazy Ants (YCA), Anoplolepis gracilipes, was found affecting approximately 130 acres of the 630-acre Johnston Island. Yellow Crazy Ants, named because of their manic behavior when disturbed, have wreaked havoc on ecosystems and bird habitats in other parts of the world; therefore the presence of this infestation is cause for great concern. Local impacts to wildlife already observed on Johnston Island include the apparent desertion of the entire affected area by ground nesting birds (Red-tailed Tropicbird and Wedge-tailed Shearwater) that previously occupied those areas and a possible reduction in density and numbers of tree-nesting bird species (Red-footed Booby and White Tern) inside the area colonized by YCA. The potential for even greater impacts to the terrestrial ecosystem at Johnston Atoll is substantial if the infestation of YCA is left unchecked. Efforts have been ongoing since August 2010; YCA numbers have been reduced by 99% and the seabirds have begun to return. Duties performed by CAST IX will include: 1) in Honolulu, Hawai’i, packing and preparing gear, food, and all items necessary for the camp; and 2) on Johnston Island, applying pesticides, biological monitoring of ants, coral reef, and bird communities, and camp maintenance. CAST IX will consist of 4 volunteers and a crew leader. Volunteers will be expected to work at least 48 hours/week, 6 days/week. However, this does not necessarily mean 8-5 M-F as some projects will necessitate working evenings or consecutive days. Primary responsibilities will include: · Ant bait application and monitoring; · Entomological surveys/ bioassays; · Seabird, shorebird, and sea turtle surveys; · Data collection and management; · Weekly and summary reporting; · Camp establishment/disestablishment

; · Camp maintenance and chores. It is imperative that candidates consider that Johnston is a remote site where all but emergency access is by ship, which takes 3-5 days to transit from Honolulu. No re-supply or ship visits during the 6-month camp are anticipated. On the island, transportation will primarily be by foot or bicycle with 1-mile daily commutes to the work site. Living conditions are primitive and consist of 12’x14’x6’ personal sleeping tents while a bunker is used for communal/food storage/kitchen and office areas. Weather conditions can be harsh with strong winds, tropical storms, and hot sun. Bathing and washing is done in the ocean. Communication with the island has proven to be reliable but is limited to slow internet access. However, this internet access cannot be guaranteed and team members must be prepared in case communications become limited to text only e-mail with no internet browsing capability. Direct medical attention is at minimum 1-3 days away. Safety in this remote setting is of primary concern and all individuals are expected to work together as a team to maintain good communication at all times. Requirements: Must be willing and able to work 48 hours per week. Must be physically fit and able to walk 10 miles a day, lift and carry 70 lbs, ride a bicycle, swim, and be able to perform repetitive stooping and bending motions. Must be able to perform all duties in various weather conditions including high heat and humidity, strong winds, and rain. Qualified applicants must possess a valid passport that will not expire before August 2015. All CAST members must follow all pesticide and safety protocols. Prior experience in the following is preferred: camping, invasive species control, shorebird and seabird identification and monitoring, entomological surveying, familiarity with GIS tools and software, data management, pesticide application and possession of a valid U.S. driver’s license. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will provide: airfare to and from Honolulu, housing and a modest food stipend while in Honolulu, transportation between Honolulu and Johnston, island quarantine clothes, and food and housing on Johnston. The Honolulu stipend will not be paid up front so volunteers will need to have sufficient finances to provide for their own food for the preparation period in Honolulu. Applications will be evaluated as they arrive. Interviews will begin mid-September 2014. Please include CAST IX Volunteer Application in the e-mail subject line. Please submit a cover letter, resume, and at least 3 references in one PDF to: (EM: Pacific_reefs AT fws.gov).

SOLAR ENERGY BIRD AND BAT FIELD BIOLOGISTS – H. T. Harvey & Associates is a premier ecological consulting firm based in California and Hawai‘i. For over 40 years, H. T. Harvey has created ecologically sound solutions to our clients’ complex natural resource challenges. We are seeking capable field biologists based in the Las Vegas area to conduct intensive fatality searches for bats and birds at a solar-energy facility. Primary fieldwork will include surveys involving extensive hiking, species identification, data acquisition, and data entry. There are multiple openings for temporary positions during the period mid-August to early October 2014, with potential for longer-term employment. Applicants should have a strong academic background and solid field and/or research experience. A degree in wildlife ecology or field biology is preferred; equivalent work may be substituted. Demonstrable field skills are critical, especially knowledge of avian species identification with specific project experience. Good general communication skills and an ability to work well with diverse personnel within a tightly regulated construction environment also are important. H. T. Harvey & Associates is a growing company with an energetic, forward-thinking approach. More information about H. T. Harvey & Associates and our areas of expertise can be obtained at http://www.harveyecology.com. Interested candidates should respond by emailing your cover letter, resume, transcripts, salary requirement and references to (EM: personnel AT harveyecology.com) and reference “Fall 2014 Solar Energy Field Biologists” in the header, or mail/fax application to H. T. Harvey & Associates, Attn: Personnel, 983 University Avenue, Building D, Los Gatos, CA 95032. (FX: 408-458-3210). H. T. Harvey & Associates is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Women and minorities, disabled and Veterans are strongly encouraged to apply.

AVIAN REHABILITATION INTERNS – The Marathon Wild Bird Center is seeking interns to assist the staff rehabilitators in all aspects of the rehabilitation process. Interns will be trained to perform these following tasks (as experience and aptitude allows) : Gavaging, food preparation, medicating, treating a variety of injuries, assisting with x-rays, keeping the hospital, the cages, equipment, and the outdoor aviaries clean, and releasing birds. There may also be other maintenance projects as time allows to help with the upkeep of the facility. This is a hands-on internship in a fast paced environment. Ideal applicants will be able to juggle multiple tasks while being efficient and following MWBC protocols. Interns can expect time to be equally split 50/50 between animal care tasks and cleaning/sanitation tasks including but not limited to: doing dishes, mopping, scrubbing cages, power washing equipment, pooper scooping outdoor aviaries, cleaning therapy pools, and other organizational tasks. Internships can start in September 2014 but applications will be accepted on a rolling admission basis with the goal of having 1-2 interns at MWBC all times. Duration: Internships must be a minimum of 3 months but not exceed 4 months. Qualifications: -Must be 18 years of age. -Must have or be working towards a degree in Biology, Environmental Science, Wildlife Conservation or equivalent. -Must be able to lift 50 pounds as well as be comfortable working long hours in a hot, humid, mosquito filled environment. (We experience mosquito outbreaks every 1-2 weeks.) -Previous rehabilitation experience not necessary, but a definite bonus. - A willingness to learn and a strong interest in wildlife rehabilitation as a career. -Strong attention to detail. -A positive attitude even while doing dirty work. -Must have own vehicle and valid driver’s license if living offsite. If utilizing on-site intern housing, vehicle not necessary but still strongly recommended. Department stores, restaurants, markets, post office, etc. are within walking/biking distance. -Must be hard working, motivated, and not afraid to get your hands dirty. -Must acknowledge, understand, and accept the use of humane euthanasia in a rehabilitative setting. -Must be comfortable with using dead chicks, rodents, and fish as a food source for patients and permanent residents. Amenities: Optional on site pop-up camper is available for housing 1 intern at a time. Has air conditioning as well as running water but is very rustic. No pets or overnight visitors allowed on camper. If occupied or intern prefers more traditional living situation, it is the interns responsibility to find his or her own housing. Payment: This is an unpaid, educational internship. Please be aware that in the event of a hurricane evacuation is required. Being prepared to evacuate is the responsibility of the intern. The Marathon Wild Bird Center, located in Marathon, Florida, rehabilitates a wide variety of avian species found in the Florida Keys. In addition, MWBC houses a number of permanent educational birds including pelicans, raptors, cormorants, and gulls. MWBC takes in approximately 750 birds a year. If interested please send cover letter, resume, and three references to BETHANY SPIEGEL (EM: Spiegelb1 AT gmail.com). Please allow 1 week after e-mailing for a response.

DIRECTOR OF CONSERVATION with the National Audubon Society–Location: Chicago, IL. Position Summary: The Director of Conservation will lead the development of conservation objectives and implementation of conservation strategies throughout Illinois and the Great Lakes region ensuring alignment with the goals and objectives of the National Audubon Society and the Mississippi Flyway. S/he will oversee Audubon Chicago Region’s (ACR) conservation, restoration, and Bird Friendly Communities programs, collaborating with natural resource agencies (federal, state, county, and municipal), private conservation organizations, and Audubon Chapters. ACR relies upon a network of volunteer conservation leaders, land stewards, and citizen-scientists to ensure the sustainability of its work and the Director of Conservation will develop strategies to support and deepen the engagement of the current network, while also engaging a broader community. The Director will manage the conservation staff and project managers and work in close collaboration with the Executive Director to develop conservation priorities and policies for the region. S/he will develop funding proposals to foundations, corporations, agencies, and individuals. S/he will also be responsible for identifying funding opportunities and managing the funding relationships with natural resource agencies at multiple levels of governance. The Director will play a crucial role in developing and executing conservation priorities and measures for ACR’s strategic plan. This plan will include a significant expansion of ACR’s scope of work to include the Chicago Wilderness region that spans portions of four states, a conservation strategy along IBAs in Illinois, and an exploration of a Great Lakes strategy. Candidates should have experience working with multiple suites of bird species in these areas. Essential Functions: **In collaboration with the Executive Director, develop and implement the conservation strategy for the region, which includes the Chicago Wilderness region, the State of Illinois with a focus on IBAs and rivers, and the Great Lakes **Design and direct ACR’s adaptive management strategies in partnership with a network of land management agencies, NGOs, and citizen scientists **Oversee Bird Friendly communities programs that engage a broad range of communities and deliver meaningful conservation outcomes **Define key policy opportunities and work with the Executive Director to develop action strategies **Develop protocols for staff and citizen scientists for monitoring and management regimes **Analyze data collected by Audubon staff and citizen-scientists to inform adaptive management strategies and understand outcomes of conservation actions **Collaborate with partner organizations to set and achieve conservation objectives **Manage staff and engage volunteers, as needed, to implement ACR’s bird conservation programs. **Design, implement, and direct measures of success focused on birds and habitat for the ACR program. Coordinate these efforts with relevant activities and staff in Audubon’s national and Mississippi Flyway conservation initiatives. **Provide technical expertise related to birds and habitat in the areas covered by ACR to internal and external audiences and partners. **Research and secure public and private funding opportunities to support ACR’s conservation programs. **Support ACR’s Executive Director with development activities including solicitation of gifts and prospect development. Specific activities may include, but are not limited to, leading bird walks and giving presentations to existing and prospective donors. **Develop and oversee priority bird conservation projects, in coordination with state and regional science staff and partners, in order to achieve the goals of ACR’s bird conservation programs. **Coordinate with regional science, policy, education, and communications staff not under direct supervision to guide planning, monitoring, and conservation implementation in the areas overseen by Audubon Chicago. Integrate these efforts into Mississippi Flyway and Gulf of Mexico conservation plans and goals. Qualifications and Experience: **M.S. in Ornithology, Avian Ecology, Forestry, Natural Resources Management, or a related field. Ph. D or other terminal degree is preferred. **8+ years of experience in natural resources management, biology, or related environmental or conservation work and at least 4 years of management experience, specifically leading professional teams. **Must be well-versed in conservation, biology, and identification of Chicago and regional birds. **Strong understanding of the value and previous experience supporting citizen science, especially in the realm of adaptive management. **Deep understanding of conservation issues in the areas managed by ACR: Chicago Wilderness region, Illinois, and the Great Lakes region. **Proven record in project management including managing grants (writing proposals, coordinating with relevant funders, completing reports, and administering contracts), writing articles, and stewarding other relevant projects. **Proven fundraising experience, specifically from public agencies and in conservation preferred. **Demonstrated experience working with public agencies (federal and state) **Must be self-motivated and willing to work in a flexible, non-structured environment. **Excellent oral and written communications skills and the ability to synthesize and communicate technical and complex information to both technical and non-technical audiences. Ability to work with and handle live or dead specimens (banding/tagging, specimen collection, etc.). **Strong leadership and collaborative ethics, as demonstrated in previous work **Strong interpersonal and social skills with a positive attitude and good sense of humor. **Proficiency with Microsoft Office, working knowledge of GIS technology preferred. **Candidate must be willing to conduct in-state travel, occasional out-of-state travel and be comfortable with working evenings and weekends as job demands. **Valid IL driver's license is necessary. **Willingness to travel in cars, planes, boats and other vehicles. **Ability to work outdoors, in all weather conditions and on varying terrain, with or without accommodation. **Ability to carry field equipment, with or without accommodation. To apply, please visit: https://careers-audubon.icims.com/jobs/2222/director-of-conservation/job?mode=view

PROGRAM ASSOCIATE, BIRD-FRIENDLY COMMUNITIES, National Audubon Society – Location: Chicago, IL. Position Summary: The Bird Friendly Communities (BFC) Associate is responsible for the facilitation and implementation of NAS’ Bird Friendly Communities Program in the geographic areas covered by Audubon Chicago Region (ACR): the Chicago Wilderness region, the State of Illinois, and the Great Lakes region. In collaboration with Director of Conservation, the BFC Associate will develop and implement specific goals for the program and new programs that lead to positive results for birds and the communities that support them. S/he will be responsible for implementing a tailored suite of programs to protect birds and to restore and enhance bird habitat through targeted habitat restoration, species management, and environmental education and community involvement in activities that will be outlined in a new strategic plan, which s/he will help to shape. Essential Functions: **Establish Chicago as the national model for BFC through the development and implementation of BFC strategy and programs, in areas covered by ACR, that connect with existing constituents and are culturally resonant for new audiences **In collaboration with Director of Conservation and other key stakeholders, build and support a sustainable and strong community of citizen scientists and conservationists that play a critical role in supporting Audubon’s bird conservation priorities by: **Engaging, motivating and training of a vibrant community of bird, plant, and other monitors to implement monitoring protocols developed with the Director of Conservation **Supporting the work of NAS chapters through the building of collaborative goals **Coordinating and delivering programs and conferences that recognize and support strong volunteer leadership; programs include Wild Things (a biennial conference), the Habitat Conservation Awards, and other activities to be developed **Identifying, developing, and supporting volunteer leadership for specific conservation sites to fulfill goals to support sustainable conservation outcomes that are relevant for the communities surrounding them **Develop new stewardship models in communities throughout Chicago metro region that build on community needs, cultural practices, and bird conservation opportunities **Ensure that BFC programs maximize conservation and behavior outcomes and engage individuals in a ladder of activity, with a focus on building strategies to reach individuals from traditionally underrepresented communities **Developing effective models for local support groups to monitor and protect Important Bird Areas (IBAs) and urban conservation areas, and help develop community-based training to assist in developing pilot programs that engage communities in protecting priority bird species. **Manage the Wild Indigo program through management and training of staff, coordinating with partner agencies, setting goals, and building a dynamic and collaborative environment; use best practices established in Wild Indigo to reach additional geographic and cultural communities. **Liaise with National Audubon Society partners and counterparts to identify opportunities for collaboration, to share best practices, and enhance learning. **Increase awareness and visibility of Audubon Chicago BFC programs through the preparation of articles and print materials as well as speaking engagements for various audiences. Assist with writing and editing of materials, including fundraising proposals, brochures, press releases, and other materials. Work with local team to maintain project information on the Audubon Chicago and NAS websites. Collect stories and information that will promote the value of BFC. **Develop and monitor program/project goals, timelines, and tasks. **Maintain communication with BFC partners and coordinate meetings and activities as needed. **Manage interns and contract staff as necessary. **Respond to incoming requests for Bird Friendly Communities programming. **Collaborate with Chicago Audubon Society to maximize efficacy and expand impact of Lights Out Program and support bird friendly building design work and policy. Qualifications and Experience: **Bachelor’s Degree in in wildlife biology, ecology, or related field or equivalent experience required. Master’s degree preferred. **3 - 5 years’ experience in conservation, environmental education programming or similar area required. **At least 2 years’ experience managing staff **Ability to speak Spanish, Polish, or a language in addition to English is a plus **Demonstrated understanding of scientific monitoring, principles of conservation, and development and implementation of research protocols **Strong initiative and self-motivation, with the ability to lead in a dynamic team environment with limited supervision. **Experience building volunteer leadership through leading from behind **Strong team building and facilitation skills. **Strong written and verbal communications skills. **Ability to communicate to a variety of audiences: professionals, the public, media, donors, and others; must be comfortable presenting in front of groups and teaching to a variety of age and experience levels. **Experience with program evaluation **Experience working cooperatively with partners, recruiting and maintaining volunteers. **Knowledge and comfort of working with diverse communities in urban, suburban, and rural areas **Proficiency with Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and other key Microsoft Office and web-based products. **Interest, knowledge (identification, distribution, ecology, etc.), and passion for Chicago/Illinois/Great Lakes birds, their habitats, and their conservation a must. To apply, please visit: https://careers-audubon.icims.com/jobs/2223/program-associate%2c-bird-friendly-communities/job?mode=view

AVIAN/RAPTOR ECOLOGIST – H. T. Harvey & Associates is a premier ecological consulting firm based in California and Hawaii. For over 40 years, H. T. Harvey has created ecologically sound solutions to our clients’ complex natural resource challenges. We have an immediate opening in our Los Gatos headquarters for a wildlife ecologist with particular expertise in ornithology, especially raptor ecology, conservation, and management. Applicants should have a strong academic background, including at least a MSc degree (PhD preferred) in wildlife ecology, ornithology, or a related field; broad ecological knowledge and familiarity with the flora and fauna of western North America, especially California; solid experience conducting and coordinating wildlife/ornithological field studies, including involvement in raptor trapping, banding, and/or nest monitoring; and strong quantitative and technical writing skills. Preferred candidates will have experience developing monitoring plans and conducting field studies and biological resources evaluations associated with renewable-energy development in an ecological consulting context. Specific familiarity with biological components, impacts analysis, regulatory and permitting requirements, and documentation facets of CEQA/NEPA projects, Section 7 and 10 consultations, bird and bat conservation strategies, and eagle conservation plans is desirable. The ideal applicant will have 2–4 years of post-graduate experience conducting and coordinating relevant field studies, managing and analyzing resulting databases, and preparing technical documents. Good general communication and personnel management skills are essential. H. T. Harvey & Associates is a growing company with an energetic, forward-thinking approach. We offer an excellent salary and benefits package and an employee-focused work environment. Our employment package includes medical, dental, and life insurance, and a 401K with a generous employer match. More information about H. T. Harvey & Associates and our areas of expertise can be obtained at http://www.harveyecology.com. Interested candidates should respond by emailing your cover letter, resume, transcripts, salary requirement and references to (EM: personnel AT harveyecology.com) and reference “Avian/Raptor Ecologist Position” in the header, or mail/fax application to H. T. Harvey & Associates, Attn: Personnel, 983 University Avenue, Building D, Los Gatos, CA 95032. (FX: 408-458-3210). H. T. Harvey & Associates is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Women and minorities, disabled and Veterans are strongly encouraged to apply.

 

 RESTORATION ECOLOGIST – H. T. Harvey & Associates is a premier ecological consulting firm based in California and Hawai‘i. For over 40 years, H. T. Harvey has created ecologically sound solutions to our clients’ complex natural resource challenges. Our ecological restoration division is seeking to immediately hire a restoration ecologist to work out of our Los Gatos office. The position will involve work on ecological restoration design and monitoring projects in a wide variety of geographic locations and habitats (riparian, wetland, grassland, semi-arid, etc.). A graduate degree in restoration or plant ecology is strongly preferred and relevant work experience will be considered. Expertise in some or most of the following key areas is strongly desired: habitat restoration design; plant ecology; soil science; wetland/riparian hydrology; statistical design and analysis; and plant taxonomy. Demonstrable technical writing ability and good communication skills are essential. H. T. Harvey & Associates is a growing company with an energetic, forward-thinking approach. We offer an excellent salary and benefits package and an employee-focused work environment. Our employment package includes medical, dental, and life insurance, and a 401K with a generous employer match. More information about H. T. Harvey & Associates and our areas of expertise can be obtained at http://www.harveyecology.com. Interested candidates should respond by e-mailing a cover letter, resume, transcripts (unofficial are fine), and references to (EM: personnel AT harveyecology.com) and reference “Restoration Ecologist” in the header, or mail/fax application to H. T. Harvey & Associates, Attn: Personnel, 983 University Avenue, Building D, Los Gatos, CA 95032. (FX: 408-458-3210). H. T. Harvey & Associates is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Women and minorities are strongly encouraged to apply.

POSTDOCTORAL FELLOW at The Institute for Bird Populations. Website: www.birdpop.org Location: Point Reyes Station, CA. Duration: 12 months. Job Type: Post-doc. Application Deadline: 5 Sep 2014. Job Description: 12-mo. position beginning around November 1 available to develop and implement Bayesian hierarchical models that integrate count data from the North American Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) and capture-recapture data from the Monitoring Avian Productivity and Survivorship (MAPS) program to inform multi-scale estimates of demographic parameters and population dynamics for at least 10 landbird species. The successful candidate will be employed by The Institute for Bird Populations (IBP; www.birdpop.org) based in Point Reyes Station, CA and will work under the supervision of IBP Research Ecologist Jim Saracco and in collaboration with USGS scientists at the Patuxent Wildlife Research Center in Laurel, MD (J. Sauer and A. Royle). The successful candidate will also be expected to spend about 10% of his or her time assisting IBP staff with data analysis and modeling for other projects, and will likely have additional publishing opportunities related to those projects. Duty location is flexible and may be remote; full-time salary and generous fringe benefits will be provided. Qualifications: Ph.D., experience modeling count and capture-recapture data, experience with Bayesian hierarchical models,programming skills in R and McMC software (e.g., JAGS, WinBUGS, Stan) To apply, send cover letter outlining relevant experience, CV, and contact information for 3 references to JIM SARACCO (EM: jsaracco AT birdpop.org).