Avian Monitoring Technician Crew Leader

Description: Are you looking for a career conserving nature? Do you enjoy working outside with wildlife and have an interest in habitat management? Guided by science, TNC creates innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that people and nature can thrive together. We’re looking for someone who is a passionate, motivated problem-solver.  Come join TNC and apply today!

Responsibilities: The Avian Monitoring Technician Crew Leader performs a variety of important field science tasks to assist the California Chapter of The Nature Conservancy with implementation of its Thriving Wetlands strategy. The objective of this strategy is to recover populations of migratory shorebirds and other waterbirds (including Sandhill Cranes) in the Central Valley by creating additional high quality habitat. TNC is working with private landowners of both agricultural properties and managed wetlands to implement innovative management practices intended to improve waterbird habitat value, and the Avian Monitoring Technicians are critical in ensuring collection of reliable data so that the effectiveness of the practices can be rigorously tested. 

The technicians provide science and program management assistance to the team, including ensuring that land managers provide habitat according to specifications required by TNC. The crew leader sets the work schedule and provides training as needed for the other avian technicians. They collaborate and coordinate with partner conservation organizations and public agencies to meet a wide variety of implementation and learning objectives related to programs we are collectively implementing through the Migratory Bird Conservation Partnership. The position requires work to be done in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, in hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances.

This will be a term assignment that starts in February 2025 and ends on March 31, 2026. Shared housing may be offered, or applicants may also make their own housing arrangements at their own expense.

Qualifications: Associates degree (in natural resources, environmental studies or related field) and 6 months of work experience (or equivalent combination of education and experience).

Experience identifying western waterbirds (including difficult to distinguish shorebirds) to species by sight in the field.

Experience conducting avian surveys with binoculars and spotting scopes (including skills counting birds in large flocks).                            

Experience managing and prioritizing tasks from multiple sources and strong time management skills.

Clear communication via written, spoken, and graphical means in English.

Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Willingness to adhere to established safety protocols.

Data management skills and experience using applicable software (e.g., Microsoft Excel, ArcGIS Online, Survey123).

Multi-language skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.

Experience driving vehicles off-road in variable weather conditions (rain, etc.) at remote locations.

Learn more and apply here.