Black Swift Field Technician – Colorado (three positions)

Bird Conservancy of the Rockies is hiring three Black Swift Field Technicians in Colorado for a seasonal position from July to early September. Responsibilities include conducting Black Swift counts in various locations, requiring physical fitness, hiking in rugged terrain, and working independently. Candidates must attend a mandatory training and have skills in identifying Black Swifts. The role involves camping in remote areas and may require travel on public and private lands.
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

Job Duties and Responsibilities:

OVERVIEW

Bird Conservancy of the Rockies is seeking experienced field technicians to conduct Black Swift counts throughout Colorado for the Black Swift Monitoring Network program to advance our understanding of Black Swift population ecology at the state scale. The position will run from approximately July 8th through early September. Technicians will monitor Black Swifts primarily on the west slope of Colorado within mid to high elevations in montane forests, including scenic areas such as San Miguel County, San Juan Mountains, Rocky Mountain National Park. Surveys are located mostly on public land but there may be some sites on private lands.

Successful candidates must be able to attend a mandatory three-day paid training beginning in mid-July. Upon the successful completion of training, technicians will work independently conducting Black Swift surveys. Survey work will include long days in the field and working a variable schedule. Technicians must have a good understanding of Black Swift ecology and be able to identify them by sight and sound upon completion of training. Successful candidates should also expect to hike in the dark off-trail in rugged terrain on a regular basis. Primitive camping, often without phone service or facilities, and some overnight backcountry travel to survey remote, road-less areas will be required. Please visit the Black Swift Monitoring Network blog post to learn more about this monitoring program.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Applicants should be enthusiastic, physically fit, enjoy travel, and be willing to work long hours in the field. The successful applicant will need to be comfortable hiking and surveying in the dark in areas with potentially hazardous wildlife including rattlesnake, black bear, moose, and mountain lion. Applicants must enjoy working independently with multiple days of solitude. The ability to identify Black Swift and other aerial insectivores that breed in Colorado by sight and sound is required. A valid driver’s license, proof of auto insurance, binoculars, camping gear, basic computer skills, a strong work ethic, and enthusiasm for conservation and conducting fieldwork are also necessary. Applicants with personal 4WD/AWD vehicles are strongly encouraged to apply; however, Bird Conservancy may be able rent vehicles for qualified applicants that do not possess 4WD/AWD vehicles if they are at least 21 years of age. Desired qualifications include prior experience conducting point count surveys or nest searching, camping, long-distance hiking, and navigating in the backcountry.

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

· Ability to identify aerial insectivores of Colorado by sight and sound is required

· Driver’s license, proof of insurance, and experience driving 4WD vehicles is required

· Prior experience conducting avian point counts or nest searching is highly desired

· Experience camping, long-distance hiking, and navigating in the backcountry is desired

Equal Opportunity Employer:

Bird Conservancy of the Rockies is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating a diverse work environment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

To Apply:

Email a cover letter detailing your bird identification knowledge and dates of availability, a resume, and three references as a single PDF document to: Rob Sparks at rob.sparks@birdconservancy.org. Applications will be reviewed as soon as they come in and positions will be filled as suitable applicants are found.