Overview
Title: Seasonal Crew Leader — Mexican Spotted Owl Monitoring (3 positions)
FLSA Status: Seasonal / Non-exempt / Hourly
Reports to: Avian Ecologist
Direct Reports: Field Technicians and Interns
Location: New Mexico and Arizona
Salary: $22 – $23/hour depending on previous experience. Limited overtime hours may be required. In addition to pay, reimbursement for project-related travel and lodging will be provided.
Duration: 14 – 16 weeks (early April into July)
Benefits: Not eligible
Start Date: March 31st, 2025 (tentative)
Purpose: The crew leader lead technicians and participate in conducting playback surveys to monitor Mexican Spotted Owl populations in U.S. National Forests in Arizona and New Mexico
Project/Position Overview:
Spend 3 months coordinating a long-term monitoring project on the US National Forests in Arizona and/or New Mexico. Bird Conservancy of the Rockies is seeking 3 crew leaders that will each steer a small team of three technicians to conduct Spotted Owl surveys. This is a unique opportunity to build leadership, management and mentorship skills while working on a charismatic federally-threatened species in the southwestern US. Successful candidates will have excellent inter-personal and organizational skills, will be passionate about working outdoors and comfortable working in the backcountry. Crew leaders are responsible for the logistical planning of the field season and will coordinate their crews’ schedule, gear use, and data collection. Crew leaders assist the Avian Ecologist in: overseeing the field safety of the crew, and ensuring data quality, and adherence to protocols. Crew leaders are also responsible for coordinating access with US Forest Service biologists and partners and landowners. The first week of the field season, you will participate in an intensive training session with the Avian Ecologist. It will cover protocols, avian identification, safety protocols, GPS navigation and data entry. The second week of the training, you will assist the Avian Ecologist by co-leading the same training for the technicians.
Work days can be long and strenuous, and the work schedule is highly variable with extensive driving time. Attendance to a 4-day training during the beginning of the field season is mandatory. Technicians and leaders must be able to learn to identify all southwestern owls by sight and sound upon completion of the training. Review this blog post to hear about this position from a previous technician, and this blog post from the Project Coordinator to learn about why we do this work.
Qualifications:
Required qualifications:
• One full year of professional experience working outdoors/conducting ecological fieldwork
• Demonstrated experience with long distance hiking, backpacking, and navigating off-trail; ability to hike up to 8+ miles/day while carrying a 30-lbs backpack in strenuous terrain
• Ability to effectively supervise seasonal personnel and strong problem-solving skills
• Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills
• Enthusiastic, physically fit
Required Skills:
Equipment and reimbursements:
You will need to provide your own smart phone (for data entry in the field) and computer (for timesheets after a hitch), as well as car and backpacking camping gear. You may drive your own 4WD/AWD vehicle (with reimbursement for work-related mileage at the federal rate) or we will provide a rental vehicle (and reimburse gas expenses, must be 21 and over). We will provide a satellite phone, GPS unit, and other work-related survey and safety equipment
Preferred Skills:
Desired additional experience:
• At least one season managing a field crew and supervising multiple people
• Experience using a GPS, topographic maps, compass, navigation apps (such as Avenza, Gaia, Caltopo)
• A personal vehicle with 4WD/AWD and mid to high clearance is highly desirable but not required
• Basic first aid & wilderness first aid training
• Professional or life experience interacting with private landowners
About Bird Conservancy of the Rockies
About the Organization:
Bird Conservancy of the Rockies conserves birds and their habitats through an integrated approach of science, education and stewardship. Our work extends from the Rockies to the Great Plains, Mexico and beyond. Our mission is advanced through sound science, achieved through empowering people, realized through stewardship and sustained through cross-border collaborations. We monitor and identify population trends, research habitat needs, engage landowners and managers in wildlife and habitat stewardship, and inspire audiences of all ages to be better stewards of the land. Together, we are improving native bird populations, the land, and the lives of people. Learn more about our work and programs at our website: www.birdconservancy.org
