6 seasonal avian field biologists

SEASONAL AVIAN FIELD BIOLOGISTS (LOGGERHEAD SHRIKE) - The Institute for Wildlife Studies (IWS) is seeking applicants for 6 seasonal avian field biologists (6-7 months depending on start date) to assist with the monitoring and release of the San Clemente Loggerhead Shrike (SCLS), a federally endangered, endemic subspecies on San Clemente Island (SCI), California. IWS is responsible for monitoring the wild population of SCLS, as well as releasing captive-reared SCLS to supplement the wild population on SCI. SCI is the southernmost of the California Channel Islands, located 68 miles off the coast of San Diego. Starting dates will range from mid-Jan to mid-Feb and will be discussed with applicants during the interview process. Contingent on performance, one or more seasonal employees may be offered promotions to full-time positions, which include health benefits and paid vacation. DUTIES: Seasonal Avian Field Biologist duties include, but are not limited to: 1) nest searching and monitoring; 2) field identification and re-sighting of color-banded birds; 3) banding adults and nestlings; 4) data management in Microsoft Access and Excel, and ArcView GIS; 5) provisioning food to captive and wild birds; and 6) construction and maintenance of large avian cages. This position requires patience and sharp observation skills using spotting scopes and binoculars. SCI is owned and operated by the U.S. Navy as a training facility and personnel will be required to follow established military protocols and rules. QUALIFICATIONS: We are seeking enthusiastic biologists with strong research backgrounds who are committed to conservation and applied ecology. Each 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, endangered species monitoring and passerine banding experience. Because of permitting issues, only those individuals with experience banding >200 passerines or small raptors will be allowed to participate in banding. A valid driver's license is required and experience operating full-sized 4-wheel drive trucks over rocky and muddy roads is preferred. All employment offers are contingent on the insurability of the applicant by IWS so applicants will be asked to provide information to verify their driving record. 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 citizens of the United States or be covered under TN NAFTA work visas. Additional information regarding IWS research on SCI is available on the IWS website (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 (highlighting the number of adult and nestling passerines banded) and the names and contact information (including telephone number, email and work address) of at least 3 professional references to JUSTYN STAHL at (EM: stahl AT iws.org) (preferred) or 2515 Camino del Rio South, Suite 334, San Diego, CA, 92108. Please indicate 'SCLS field assistant application' in the subject heading. 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 20 Nov 2009.