Summary:

Beginning in 2024, and in collaboration with partners with the Bureau of Land Management, Museum of Wildlife and Fish Biology at the University of California, Davis, Northwest College, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Draper Natural History Museum (DNHM) initiated a study to characterize the distribution, habitat use, and movement of Pinyon Jays (Gymnorhinus cyanocephalus) in Wyoming’s Bighorn Basin. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is currently conducting a formal Species Status Assessment (SSA) for the Pinyon Jay across its range.

Once trained, technicians will conduct breeding season surveys and characterize areas of Pinyon Jay use including nest, and foraging sites. Survey work will involve ecosystems that support Grizzly Bears, mountain lions, rattlesnakes, and wasps. Technicians should be familiar and comfortable with off-trail travel, safety precautions (including carrying and deploying bear spray), and a keen understanding of situational awareness. No overnight camping is required, and all work will be conducted during the daytime and in groups of 2 or more. Compensation per position is $20/hour NTE 40 hours per month (4 months). Work is expected to be completed April-August, 2026. Mileage to and from Cody, Wyoming to Field Sites will be reimbursed at a rate of $0.725/mile up to a total of 500 miles per position.

Job Duties:

• Survey BLM lands for Pinyon Jay use, occupancy, and nesting colonies at known and suspected sites
• Complete a Nest Site Characterization datasheet for confirmed Pinyon Jay nests. Includes physical measurements of nests, vegetation substrate, coordinates, elevation, etc.
• Conduct a Rapid Vegetation Analysis (including the identification of woody perennial plants) for each nest and Quadrant Sampling datasheet for each nest, as well as for a paired non-nesting site
• Identify and document any Black-billed Magpie (Pica hudsonia) nests
• Digitize handwritten datasheets using a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet template
• Must provide laptop
• Assist Principal Investigators with other fieldwork duties, as assigned

Competencies:

• Familiarity with backcountry travel and safety practices
• Ability to hike with backpack (~25 lbs) on rugged terrain for extended distances (e.g., 5-10 miles per day with a potential of 3,000 feet elevation gain)
• Good communication skills, both verbal and written
• Familiar or proficient with Microsoft Excel
• Must have a strong interest in natural history (e.g., botany, zoology, conservation biology, ornithology, environmental science, or another appropriate field)
• Keen attention to detail, especially when recording data
• Critical thinking skills
• Must be able to provide your own transportation, high-clearance vehicle with 4WD or AWD may be necessary to reach remote nest sites
• Clean driving record
• Must be able to stand or sit for long periods of time
• Must have strong work ethic and be dependable. Ability to commit to starting a project and see it through to completion

Supervisory Responsibilities:

None

Required Education and Experience:

• Preferred Bachelor’s degree in a Life Sciences degree track
• Two years of wildlife-related field work experience or two years of college including courses in the natural, physical or social sciences and one year of wildlife-related field work experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Minimum High School or General Education Diploma

More information can be found on the job description at: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1oY_1-4bolIuzhb9roUklXf5DxSz4qSPv/view?usp=drivesdk

Applicants should send a cover letter, resume, and signed copy of the job description to DNHMSampling@centerofthewest.org