Biological Technician

Position Summary

Audubon Connecticut and New York is seeking two Seasonal Biological Technicians to support Audubon’s Forest Program work. Technicians will conduct point-count surveys and deploy autonomous recording units (ARUs) at monitoring sites in spring and early summer. They will also contribute to vegetation monitoring, data entry, habitat assessments, and report writing for monitoring sites and other projects such as Audubon’s Bird-Friendly Maple program. Technicians will have opportunities to deliver educational programming and outreach alongside Forest Program staff. These positions will run from May 5th or 12th, through August or early September (dates are somewhat flexible and may vary due to weather conditions).

These positions are remote, with field work occurring across both New York and Connecticut. Applicants should be prepared to travel and work in the field for the majority of this position (Audubon will cover overnight accommodations when needed as well as the cost of rental vehicles and gas for their use). Key geographical areas for this work include northern New York; the Allegheny Highlands, Delaware Watershed, and Hudson Valley regions of New York; and northwest and south-central Connecticut. A flexible and either part-time or full-time work schedule is feasible based on candidates’ availability. Housing is not provided. Applications will be accepted until the positions are filled.

Compensation:

$20.00 / hour

Essential Functions

• Navigate to points using GPS applications and other orienteering methods.

• Ability to identify forest birds by sight or sound.

• Follow a protocol to conduct bird point count surveys and deploy autonomous recording units (ARUs) to collect detailed information on bird species, locations, timing, and movements.

• Follow a protocol to conduct vegetation surveys during point count surveys, habitat assessments, and bird-friendly maple assessments: identify tree and shrub species, including non-native and/or invasive plants; measure tree diameter-at-breast height; estimate canopy cover at multiple levels; calculate basal area using a prism (10 factor). Measuring or assessing additional forest characteristics may be required.

• Accurately record bird and vegetation data on data sheets.

• Meticulously enter data into computer databases and upload into eBird.

• Follow Protocol to analyze autonomous recording unit data with BirdNET

• 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 planning and scheduling travel to point count locations and timely completion of data entry.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Working toward or currently have a bachelor’s degree in Biology, Ecology, Conservation, Natural sciences, or related field desired.

• 2-3 years of experience conducting forest bird point-count and vegetation surveys in northeastern forests.

• Willingness and flexibility to work early morning hours.

• Thorough attention to detail and data entry skills.

• Thorough organization and communication skills.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.

• Must hold a valid driver’s license. This position requires regular travel to point count locations and using rental vehicles (Audubon covers the cost of rental vehicles and will reimburse gas for rental vehicles.)

• Ability to work for prolonged periods of time, with or without accommodation, under difficult field conditions such as rugged or muddy terrain, forest undergrowth, high temps/humidity, and biting insects.

EEO Statement

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.

Accessibility Statement

The National Audubon Society endeavors to keep our careers site accessible to any and all users.  If you would like to contact us regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process, please contact Accommodations@audubon.org. This contact information is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.