(3) seasonal avian field biologists to work on the San Clemente Sage Sparrow Program on San Clemente Island

SEASONAL AVIAN FIELD BIOLOGISTS (Sage Sparrow)--Job Description: The Institute for Wildlife Studies (IWS) is seeking three (3) seasonal avian field biologists to work on the San Clemente Sage Sparrow Program on San Clemente Island (SCI), California. The San Clemente Sage Sparrow is a federally threatened, endemic subspecies. SCI is the southernmost of the California Channel Islands and is located 68 miles off the coast of San Diego. Starting dates range from mid-Jan to mid-Feb and will be discussed during the interview process. These positions run through mid Jul 2010 with the possibility that one or more positions will be extended through the fall. Duties include: Nest searching and monitoring. Mistnetting and color-banding juvenile and adult sage sparrows. Territory spot-mapping, field identification and re-sighting of color-banded birds. Monitoring transmittered individuals using radio telemetry. Data management in ArcView GIS, Access and Excel. Qualifications: We are seeking highly-motivated biologists with a strong research background and a commitment to conservation and applied ecology. The successful candidate will have earned a B.S. in wildlife biology, zoology, ecology or a related field and have knowledge of, and experience with, avian biology. Preferred qualifications include: experience conducting nest searching and monitoring, behavioral observations, color band identification, listed species monitoring, passerine banding experience, mistnetting, attaching transmitters to passerines, and experience using radio telemetry equipment. A valid driver's license is required and experience operating full-sized 4-wheel drive trucks over rocky and muddy roads is preferred. Employment is conditional upon insurability with IWS, so a clean driving record is essential. Applicants should be in excellent physical condition and be comfortable hiking in steep, rocky, cactus-covered terrain and in temperatures as high as 100°F. Applicants should enjoy living as part of a small research community and interacting with fellow IWS biologists, biologists working on other ongoing projects on SCI, and working with military personnel and members of other organizations who may have varying missions, opinions, and personalities. Work schedule will generally be 10 days on and 4 days off. Because this work is conducted on a military installation, applicants must be a citizen of the United States or be covered under a TN NAFTA work visa. Additional information regarding IWS research on SCI is available at (URL: http://www.iws.org). Compensation: Approximately $2000/month (based on an hourly rate). We also provide both housing and food while on island and transportation to and from SCI via twin-engine propeller planes flying out of the Coronado Naval Base in San Diego. Off-island accommodations are not provided. Application Procedure: To apply send a cover letter, resume and the names and contact information (including telephone number, email and work address) of at least 3 professional references as one document to TEEGAN DOCHERTY (EM: docherty AT iws.org) (preferred), 2515 Camino del Rio South, Suite 334, San Diego, CA, 92108. Please indicate "Sage Sparrow field assistant application" in the subject heading. Applicants are encouraged to state the number of passerines (adults and nestlings) they have banded and emphasize their relevant qualifications. Applications will be reviewed in the order they are received and we therefore encourage interested parties to apply promptly. The closing date for this position is 4 Dec 2009.