Overview

The Raptor Research Center at Boise State University (https://www.boisestate.edu/raptorresearchcenter/) invites interested applicants to apply for the position of Raptor Research Technician. The successful candidate will join a department dedicated to conducting research and the collaborative exploration of raptors and their habitats through research, education, and conservation efforts.

Job Summary/Basic Function:

To provide technical expertise to scientific, engineering and technical staff for tasks such as sampling, monitoring, and equipment operation for multiple media programs and projects; perform related work.

Level Scope:

Applies skills and job knowledge in area of specialization; may adapt procedures, operations, techniques, tools, materials, and/or equipment to meet needs of area of specialization; may work on non-routine tasks; resolves issues/makes working decisions within area of specialization or responsibility with minimal supervision.

Essential Functions:
The Research Technician 2 must:

  • This is a journey-level position and works under general supervision performing advanced technical work utilizing a wide variety of resources. Incumbents provide technical expertise to scientific, engineering and technical staff for tasks such as equipment operation, calibration, and maintenance, multi-media sampling, monitoring, and data processing. Conduct tasks to develop reports, maps and documentation for use by scientific and engineering staff in determining adherence to agreements and/or operating standards. Performs research activities to develop defensible program data for regulatory decisions; researches, evaluates, implements, and standardizes new methods and instrument operation problems; utilizes software and equipment.
  • Coordinates and/or performs sample testing for one or more phases of multiple media monitoring; assures compliance with scientific/engineering plans, materials and specifications; collects samples, inspects facilities to ensure proper placement of monitoring devices and scientific installations; reviews and prepares test reports, spreadsheets and databases for program/project documentation; determines testing equipment to be used and trains other technicians in the installation, maintenance, cleaning, adjustment, and calibration of monitoring equipment and other field devices; monitors the collection of samples and information and provides technical assistance to scientific, engineering and technical staff for assuring proper methodology, equipment and custodial requirements; monitors and develops standards for completion of field documentation, records maintenance, report generation and computer information management.
  • Assembles data and calculations for monitoring projects and profiles; details and drafts engineering projects; compiles materials for public information meetings and hearings; makes field trips and may lead survey projects; revises preliminary reports and assessments and prepares data summaries and maps; may use computer-aided drafting and other computer software systems to research and compile data.
  • Serve as a lead worker for the installation, maintenance, cleaning, adjustment, and calibration of monitoring equipment and other field devices; the collection of samples and information, assessment of habitat and habitat performance; the completion of field documentation and records maintenance; research of records for past decisions and actions related to environmental issues; prepares reports; and manages computer information. May be responsible for all or part of a project. May train staff and supervise workflow.

This 7-month research technician position will work full-time with the Raptor Research Center at Boise State University to conduct raptor mortality surveys in eastern Oregon and the Morley Nelson Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area (NCA), Idaho. As a project crew member, each research technician will execute field survey protocols and enter, validate, and archive survey data and other project information. Surveys will involve vehicle travel (including off-road) and extensive hiking. We seek individuals with excellent field skills and experience identifying western North American raptors and other birds.

Housing for these positions is NOT provided so will be the responsibility of the individuals hired.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

  • Knowledge of supervisory practices
  • Ability to monitor operational procedures in technical environments to ensure conformance to standards

Minimum Qualifications:

Some knowledge of: scientific methods.

Experience: conducting basic multi-media sampling, monitoring and research; using spreadsheet and word processing software; compiling and collecting data and using computer software to enter data and develop reports, charts or maps.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • College degree in biology, wildlife biology, natural resources, or related field
  • Computer skills including word processing and databasing
  • Ability to collect detailed records in an organized fashion
  • Comfortable with long field days and occasional overnight camping
  • Working knowledge of the use of handheld GPS and GIS software
  • Ability to use maps and GIS/GPS to navigate in field settings
  • Safe driving record and ability to drive 4WD vehicles
  • Raptor identification
  • Experience working in the NCA and western United States
  • Comfortable handling avian carcasses
Salary and Benefits:

The salary is $15.00 per hour. Boise State University is committed to offering a benefits package that provides health and financial protection plans as well as resources to promote health and well-being. Our program provides flexibility so you can choose the benefits that are right for you and your family. Learn more about our benefit options at https://www.boisestate.edu/hrs/benefits/.

Required Application Materials:

Cover letter, resume, and names and contact information for three references