Natural Resources Technician - Avian

About the opportunity

Our Flagstaff, Arizona office is seeking an Avian Field Technician to support a variety of natural resources surveys, particularly avian surveys. The Avian Field Technician will be a field-based role, primarily working on remote project site locations across northern Arizona. We are looking for someone who is following their passion, gaining valuable field experience, and dedicated to delivering the highest-quality project work.

The Avian Field Technician position requires some educational or experienced background in biology, natural resource management, ornithology, ecology, or a related field. This primarily field-based position takes place in an outdoor environment, often remote, where the climate, weather and terrain can be demanding. Hiking, 4wd vehicle use, and ATV use in all seasons and conditions will be required. This is a temporary, hourly position with potential to become a full-time permanent position. The position may involve an irregular schedule and variable or extended hours, depending on workload. Travel, including overnight stays, will be required. Hotel rooms, a field truck, per diem, and other supplies will be provided during field work deployments. Travel to neighboring states is possible. This position also requires the ability to submit & pass random workplace drug screening.

What you will accomplish

• Conduct avian surveys in accordance with federal and state wind energy guidelines, Migratory Bird Treaty Act, Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act, and Endangered Species Act.
• Conduct nest-clearance surveys in accordance with Migratory Bird Treaty Act.
• Conduct post-construction avian and bat fatality monitoring.
• Assist with other vegetation and wildlife habitat surveys, threatened/endangered species assessments, and other field-based efforts when the occasional opportunity arises.
• Use tablets equipped with topographic maps and aerial photographs for data collection and navigation.
• Travel to field sites using hiking, 4wd vehicles, and off-road vehicles to conduct fieldwork in all weather and terrain conditions. Conduct basic safety checks on any vehicle used for travel.
• Record data on field site forms or in digital tablets, organize and transfer field data, assist with data QA/QC, and help support project management team.
• May author or co-author reports, conduct literature searches, and reviews.

Experience and qualifications for success

• Minimum of B.A. or B.S. in Biology, Ecology, Environmental Science, Natural Resource Management, or a related field preferred but not required. Coursework in zoology, field ecology, and/or ornithology strongly preferred.
• Strong identification (by sound and sight) skills of avian species that occur in the Southwest, particularly eagles and other raptors, strongly preferred.
• Previous experience in conducting fieldwork (e.g., point counts, presence/absence surveys, special-status species surveys, population and nesting studies, habitat assessments, and plant identification) or related outdoor work, strongly preferred.
• Knowledge of avian survey techniques preferred.
• Bat identification skills and use of bat acoustic detectors preferred.
• Previous experience conducting post-construction bird and bat fatality monitoring preferred.
• Must have ability to work both as member of a team and independently to make decisions and complete tasks in the most effective manner.
• Must have ability to take initiative, resolve problems, and create improved procedures to assure tasks are completed in the most effective manner.
• Must have excellent communication, interpersonal skills, and attention to detail.
• Must have ability to follow complex protocols, record accurate field notes, and communicate effectively with field leads and the project management team.
• Must have ability and willingness to learn new survey and monitoring techniques and protocols.
• Must have flexibility and willingness to learn company procedures, and ability to try new, improved techniques.
• Ability to use digital tablets and GPS units for navigation and data collection; familiarity with ArcGIS and tablet data collection platforms (Field Maps, Survey123) preferred.
• Ability to travel to a location, conduct fieldwork for long hours in inclement weather conditions, walk up to 10 miles per day, often in rugged terrain and often at high altitudes, and carry equipment and/or supplies, weighing up to 40 pounds required.
• Ability to drive or learn to drive ATVs, UTVS, and other off-road vehicles and haul trailers required.
• Travel to project sites away from Flagstaff with overnight stays near the project site for several days at a time required.
• Valid driver’s license and the ability to drive a 4WD vehicle on backcountry roads required.
• Ability to submit to and pass random workplace drug-screening required.
• Ability to research and prepare technical documents preferred.

SWCA Environmental Consultants is a growing employee-owned firm, providing a full-spectrum of environmental services. With offices across the United States, SWCA is one of the largest environmental compliance firms and ranks among Engineering News-Record’s Top 200 Environmental Firms.

If you would like to contact SWCA regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the online application process due to a disability, please email accommodations@swca.com or call 480-581-5378. This contact information is for disability accommodation requests only. All other inquiries will not receive a response.

SWCA is committed to salary equity and salary transparency for all its employees. In alignment with this commitment, SWCA posts good faith pay ranges on all its advertised job postings to promote pay equity and transparency.

An employee in this Flagstaff office -based position can expect a salary of $18.50/hour to $24.50/hr. Actual pay within this range may depend on experience, qualifications, geographic location, client requirements where applicable, and other factors permitted by law.  Regular-status employees are also eligible for performance bonuses. Candidates are also encouraged to consider SWCA’s Total Rewards package, which includes a competitive Benefits package, forward-thinking workplace flexibility, outstanding corporate culture, award-winning career development, and more.

EOE - women, minorities, individuals with disabilities and veterans are encouraged to apply.

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