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Field Technician- 2023 Nesting Season

Description

The Owl Research Institute in western Montana is hiring a field tech for the 2023 nesting season, to begin ASAP and extend through July 15. This is an excellent opportunity to spend the summer gaining field research experience, learning about owls, and living and working in beautiful western Montana.

Field techs will work closely with senior owl researchers and receive training research methods from planning to banding to analysis. By the end of the summer, successful techs will have gained valuable skills to prepare them for full-time wildlife positions and graduate school. Fun will also be had. Shared field housing is provided at no cost.

Activities will include conducting field work on Great Gray, Short-eared, Long-eared, and Northern Pygmy Owl. Early season will begin with surveys to detect nesting owls using a combination of nighttime, dawn, and dusk surveys, callbacks, and ARUs. Nest searching will begin in early April, followed by nest monitoring in May and June. Methods will vary depending on species, and will include transects, remote cameras, and rope dragging. Occasional capture and banding of owls will be conducted. Other field tasks will include habitat assessments, pellet analysis, and behavioral observations. Data entry and management will be expected. Participation in educational programs and presentations is also possible.

Qualifications

Enthusiasm and proven interest in owls, natural history, and conservation
Physically fit and able to hike off trail in steep terrain carrying up to 40lbs of gear for up to 10 miles daily
Excellent observation skills and attention to detail, including nest searching in tall, dense forests and acute sense of hearing
Ability to identify Montana owl and raptor species by sight and sound (or learn very quickly)
Comfortable with navigation using GPS, mapping apps, compass, or maps
Willingness to work long, irregular hours while keeping a positive attitude for the duration of the season. Strong work ethic
Great team player and works and lives well with others in shared housing
Work confidently and effectively in grizzly bear country and carry bear spray
Comfort working outdoors at night, in harsh weather conditions, with biting insects or other potentially hazardous wildlife
Data recording, data management, and data entry skills
Respectful communication skills with teammates and the public
Experience operating 4WD vehicles, ATVs, pulling trailers and clean driving record preferred, willingness to learn required
Coursework in wildlife biology or related field or similar experience is preferred

Technicians will be responsible for collecting detailed data, staying safe in the field, following protocols, and entering data accurately. Responsibilities will also include organization and maintenance of field equipment, volunteer management.

Location

Charlo, Montana

Compensation

$1,500 - $2,400/month depending on experience

Shared housing provided

Dates

April 5 (or as soon as possible) through July 15, 2023

How to apply

Email your resume/CV and cover letter in a single document to Beth Mendelsohn (beth@owlresearchinstitute.org).

State your interest and address each qualification concisely in your cover letter.

Applications will be reviewed as they come in and the position will be closed once filled.