Avian Surveyor

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Summary:
Be part of a team of biologists completing a winter raptor survey in Tompkins County. Individuals will be required to work late afternoons to early evenings (approx. 4 hours) with limited supervision. Travel within Tompkins County is required for this position (100%). Fieldwork may take place in a variety of environmental settings and weather conditions. Working on foot in rural areas and on uneven terrain is required.
Your Role:
Successful candidate(s) will focus on raptor identification, recording, and managing field data as well as other duties as assigned. The successful candidate(s) with appropriate work ethic for the industry and position will be trained in survey-specific protocols, data upload, and management. Essential duties include the following:

• Recording the following data each event: date, observer name, point number, point location (coordinates), start and end time, survey period, and weather information (temperature, wind speed/direction, precipitation, snow depth, and cloud cover).
• Document all observations of raptors and identify individuals to species level when possible.
• Record number of individuals per species observed, individual behavior, time of first and last observation of each raptor, and the location of the target species relative to the observer. When target raptor species (northern harrier, short-eared owl), are confirmed, additional information including specific behaviors, flight paths, suspected roost locations, and foraging locations will be recorded.
• Record observations of other species seen or heard during all surveys, including incidental observations.
• Completion and distribution of detailed field notes, daily reports, forms, and checklists.
• Complete all assigned work satisfactorily and on schedule.

Qualifications:

• • Experience in avian identification.
  • Ability to identify northern harrier and short-eared owl.
  • Ability to work late afternoon thru evening hours one to five days a week.
  • Experience with Microsoft Office, especially Word and Excel and use of SharePoint sites.
  • Ability to work independently and in a team-oriented work environment.
  • Ability to walk and stand for extended periods is essential.
  • A willingness to learn.
  • A pre-employment drug screening in compliance with state regulations is required.
  • Must possess a valid driver's license with a clean driving record without restrictions.
  • Have their own cell phone and laptop computer with Microsoft Office.
  • Fluent in English.
  • A Pre-employment drug screen in compliance with state regulations is required.
  • Must possess a valid driver's license with a clean driving record without restrictions.

Although not required, Tetra Tech strongly desires that the successful candidate(s) are currently enrolled in a bachelor's or master's program in biology, ornithology, or related field, and have experience completing ecological field studies, including raptor surveys and field data collection and analysis. Flexible schedule for weekend and holidays work a plus.
Schedule:

• Complete surveys up to five evenings weekly between Dec 1, 2013, and March 31, 2024.
• Scheduling of biologists completed about one week in advance.
• Schedule subject to change due to weather. On-call availability desirable.
• Each survey will occur from one hour before sunset until it is too dark to observe flying birds (at least one half-hour, or up to one full hour if conditions allow after sunset). At a minimum, stationary survey events will be at least 1.5 hours in duration. The entire hourly requirement for each survey effort will not exceed 4 hours which includes mobilizing to and from site and reporting.

Compensation:

• $25 an hour - up to 20 hours a week maximum.
• $40 a day reimbursement for equipment uses (cell phone and laptop with Microsoft Office) and incidentals.
• Personal mileage reimbursement at current GSA rates.

About Tetra Tech:
At Tetra Tech, health and safety play a vital role in our success. Tetra Tech's employees work together to comply with all applicable health & safety practices and protocols, including health orders and regulations related to COVID-19 that are mandated by local, state and federal authorities.
Tetra Tech offers the following optional benefits: Medical. Financial Benefits: 401K
Tetra Tech combines the resources of a global, multibillion-dollar company with local, client-focused delivery in more than 550 locations around the world. Our reputation rests on the technical expertise and dedication of our employees-27,000 associates working together to provide smart, scalable solutions for challenging projects. We are proud to be home to leading technical experts in water, environment, infrastructure, resource management, energy, and international development.
Explore our open positions at https://www.tetratech.com/careers. Follow us on social media to learn more about our people, culture, and opportunities:
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Tetra Tech is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Diversity, inclusion, and equity are among Tetra Tech's core values. Throughout our history, the company has prioritized equitable inclusion of all people. All qualified candidates will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, military or veteran status, gender, age, disabilities, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information and any other characteristics protected by the law. We invite resumes from all interested parties. Please visit our website at www.tetratech.com to see the array of diverse services and exciting projects we are currently working on.
Tetra Tech is a VEVRAA federal contractor, and we request priority referral of veterans for available positions.
We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those candidates selected for interviews will be contacted.
Please no phone calls or agencies.