Survey Technician

The National Audubon Society is a nonprofit conservation organization that protects birds and the places they need today and tomorrow. We work throughout the Americas towards a future where birds thrive because Audubon is a powerful, diverse, and ever-growing force for conservation. Audubon has more than 700 staff working across the hemisphere and more than 1.5 million active supporters.
North America has lost three billion birds since 1970, and more than 500 bird species are at risk of extinction across Latin America and the Caribbean. Birds act as early warning systems about the health of our environment, and they tell us that birds – and our planet – are in crisis. Together as one Audubon, we are working to alter the course of climate change and habitat loss, leading to healthier bird populations and reversing current trends in biodiversity loss. We do this by implementing on-the-ground conservation, partnering with local communities, influencing public and corporate policy, and building community.
Audubon is committed to a culture of workplace excellence, where our talented and diverse staff are deeply engaged with a strong sense of belonging. The birds Audubon pledges to protect differ in color, size, behavior, geographical preference, and countless other ways. By honoring and celebrating the equally remarkable diversity of the human species, Audubon brings new creativity, effectiveness, and leadership to our work throughout the hemisphere.

The Audubon Center at Riverlands is seeking two seasonal Survey Technicians to assist in our long-term bottomland forest bird surveys for the Upper Mississippi River system. Working under the Conservation Science Manager, Survey Technicians will assist in conducting point-count surveys on islands and areas along the Mississippi River during the spring/summer. Technicians will also assist in associated data entry and quality assurance, as well as data analysis. This position starts May 1st until July 31st (dates may vary due to river conditions) with some weekend and holiday work being required. Housing is not provided. Applicants will be accepted until the position is filled.
Compensation:

$15.00 / hour

• Navigate study points using GPS and other orienteering methods
• Collect detailed information on bird species locations, timing, and movements
• Record measurements on data sheets and/or field notebook computers
• Meticulously enter data into computer databases
• Collect, record, summarize, organize, and/or file data using various standardized data collection procedures and equipment
• Assist with facilitation of monitoring and logistics. This may include putting together survey equipment, assisting in transportation to and from survey sites (by boat and by car), etc.

• Working to or currently have a bachelor’s degree in Biology, Ecology, Conservation, Natural sciences, or related field required
• Prior experience conducting biological surveys is preferred
• Familiarity with identifying Midwestern songbirds by sight and sound is preferred
• Familiarity with avian point count surveys is preferred
• Willingness and flexibility to work early morning hours, weekends, or holidays
• Strong attention to detail and data entry skills
• Strong organization and communication skills
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite
• Must hold a valid driver’s license and have access to a personal vehicle
• Ability to operate light trucks and boats with outboard motors desired but not required
• Boating experience desired but not required
• Ability to work for prolonged periods of time, with or without accommodation, under difficult field conditions such as rugged or muddy terrain, thick grass, forest undergrowth, high temps/humidity, and biting insects
• Ability to lift and carry weights up to 25 lbs., with or without accommodations
• Ability to bend, crouch, stoop, and reach with or without accommodations

The National Audubon Society is a federal contractor and an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. We are committed to a policy of nondiscrimination, inclusion and equal opportunity and actively seek a diverse pool of candidates in this search.

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