2025 Field Technician Riparian Bird Monitoring

The Field Technicians will contribute to KBO’s growing riparian bird monitoring program. This is a fantastic opportunity to gain exposure to an array of avian field research techniques while working in a beautiful part of the world. Fieldwork takes place at riparian restoration sites in the Applegate and Rogue Valleys of southwestern Oregon, from April 14 – July 18, 2025 (exact dates TBD). Field Technicians should be prepared to start work by dawn and work outdoors 8-10 hrs/day, 5 days/week. Primary duties are spot-map surveys and nest-monitoring for a suite of riparian songbird focal species, insect counts, vegetation surveys, and data entry. Field Technicians will also provide some oversight for two interns. Training in specific field protocols will be provided. Shared housing for the four-person field crew will be provided. Initial transportation to Oregon is the responsibility of the applicant. Applicants must have a valid driver’s license, insurance, and be able to provide their driving record. Field Technicians will be reimbursed for per-mile transportation costs at the federal rate for any work travel done in a personal vehicle.

Job Title: Field Technician – Riparian Bird Monitoring (2 positions)
Base Salary: $19.58 per hour. This position is classified as non-exempt; non-exempt employees are subject to state and federal minimum wage and overtime laws. Field Technicians may be required to work overtime (>40 hours in a given week) upon approval; if so, the overtime rate will be paid at time and a half (1.5 x base pay).
Location: based in Ashland, OR; field sites located throughout Rogue Valley
Duration: April 14 – July 18, 2025 (exact dates TBD)
Application: Send a cover letter, résumé, and 3 professional references to smr@klamathbird.org. Please include your dates of availability, vehicle type (use of a personal vehicle for work purposes may be necessary), and where you saw this job ad in your letter.
Application Deadline: Review of applications will begin January 2; positions will remain open until filled.

Job Duties

Primary duties include:

1. Conducting fieldwork –

• Spot-map surveys to measure the territory density of a suite of riparian birds
• Nest-searching and monitoring to measure productivity and nest success
• Measuring nestling growth rates
• Insect counts
• Vegetation surveys
• Data entry

2. Providing some oversight for two interns –

• Ensure all data are being collected and filed properly
• Assist with managing field crew schedules

Minimum Qualifications

• Minimum education includes at least one year of college. High school graduates may be considered if they have sufficient relevant job experience.
• One season of experience on an avian field research project, or experience in one or more of the field methods listed above.
• Strong interest in avian biology, ecology, and/or conservation.
• Ability to hike in rough terrain, off-trail for 1-3 miles per day.
• Ability to maintain a positive attitude and enthusiasm by starting work early (by dawn), and working full days in the field in all weather.
• Ability to carefully follow protocols and meticulously record data.
• Good communication skills with crew members and supervisors.
• Must enjoy the outdoors and be willing to work in areas with poison oak, blackberry thorns, and biting insects.
• Must be comfortable with the potential to encounter rattlesnakes, black bears, and cougars in the field.
• Must be capable of working both independently and with others, interacting with the public, and respectfully sharing housing.
• Comfort around flowing water is also necessary; some field sites may need waders to cross streams.

Desirable Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• At least one season of previous experience spot-mapping or nest-searching.
• Ability to identify common Western riparian birds by sight and sound.
• Experience navigating with GPS and compass.
• Field crew supervisory experience.
• Bachelor’s degree in biology, ecology, conservation, or related sciences.
• Ability to use your own vehicle for work purposes may be required, depending on how many crew members have cars.