Overview

We have one opening for an experienced butterfly surveyor to team with an experienced bumble bee surveyor (already hired) to survey butterflies and bumble bees on plots within the Goosenest Adaptive Management Area on Klamath National Forest in Northern California. Each of the two surveyors will conduct surveys for butterflies and bumble bees, so the butterfly surveyor must be willing to train and support the bumble bee surveyor in butterfly identification, and learn from her how to conduct bumble bee surveys. The study area is predominately second-growth conifer forest with ceanothus understory.

PROJECT DATES: June 1 – mid July (tentative) 2021.

TRAINING: The field season will begin with a training session in survey protocols.
The successful candidate will already be proficient at identifying butterflies of northern California; applicants with previous butterfly survey experience are strongly preferred.

RESPONSIBILITIES: The butterfly surveyor will take the lead on butterfly surveys and provide assistance during bumble bee surveys at fuel reduction treatment plots and control plots for a project examining changes in birds and insect pollinators since the forest plots were treated 20 years ago. On a typical day, surveyors will spend mid- morning through mid-afternoon conducting butterfly and bumble bee surveys, and rapid vegetation surveys at each survey site. The late afternoon will then typically be spent entering data from the day’s surveys. Work will require walking off-trail to survey locations across uneven ground and sometimes through thick shrubby vegetation. The

typical work schedule will be 5-days on followed by 2-days off, though work days may need to be shifted due to inclement weather.

REQUIREMENTS: We are looking for candidates with prior experience and familiarity with butterfly ID of the western US. Prior survey experience is strongly preferred. Other requirements include a sense of humor, a love of adventure, willingness to communicate and coordinate with others, and an appreciation of invertebrate ecology. Housing will be provided, with Covid-19 safety measures implemented as needed next summer.

EQUIPMENT: Biologists are expected to provide their own personal equipment (hiking boots, raingear, daypack, binoculars, etc.) but survey gear will be provided. A personal vehicle is not required, but would be beneficial.

COMPENSATION: $2,700 per month (before payroll taxes), free lodging, and project- related travel mileage reimbursement ($0.37/mile) or a rental vehicle and gas reimbursement. This is a seasonal position that is ineligible for fringe benefits.

TO APPLY: Please email a resume, cover letter, and the names, phone numbers and email addresses of two references to Mandy Holmgren, Biologist at: mholmgren AT birdpop DOT org.

IBP values diversity and encourages people from all backgrounds to apply. All qualified applicants will receive consideration regardless of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, or sexual orientation.