Overview

Job Description:
In cooperation with the Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW), the Great Basin Institute is recruiting a Senior Owl Survey Technician to conduct surveys for California Spotted Owls (Strix occidentalis occidentalis) in the east Lake Tahoe Basin, NV, and adjacent areas of the Carson Range. The goal of this project will be to locate new nesting territories and monitor nest success. The Senior Owl Survey Technician and a Raptor Survey Technician will coordinate with NDOW on protocols for surveys and associated work.

Field work will include:
• Broadcast surveys for Spotted Owl
• Stand searches for Spotted Owl
• Nest monitoring for Spotted Owl
• Habitat evaluation and vegetation data collection
• Data organization and report write-up
• Assisting with other NDOW wildlife work (as time allows)

The Senior Owl Survey Technician must be able to work in difficult terrain that may include steep, rocky slopes, areas of dense trees, and exposure to adverse weather.  This work is physically demanding and requires long hours of off-trail hiking while conducting surveys.  Spotted Owl surveys will be conducted primarily at night.  Overnight camping may be required in some cases.  Travel to survey sites may require driving on narrow, winding, dirt roads for distances up to 20 miles.  While driving to and from survey sites, frequent encounters with vehicles, hikers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders should be expected on backcountry roads.  Radio communication will be necessary for emergencies and for communication with the Project Manager.
Contract Timeline:
o 3 May – 15 August 2020 (15 weeks)
o 40 hours per week
Location:
Field work will be conducted in backcountry regions of the east Tahoe Basin, NV, and adjacent areas of the Carson Range. Many recreational opportunities are available in the region, which is considered by many as among the most scenic in the country. Base of operations: Reno, NV.
Compensation and Benefits:
o Wage: $16.00/hour
o Camping per diem: $15/day (for up to 30 nights of camping)
o Housing stipend: $75/week
o No-cost medical, dental, and vision insurance
Job Qualifications:
Technical requirements:
o Bachelor’s degree in biology (wildlife or conservation), ecology, or related field;
o Experience in conducting surveys for Spotted Owls, including nest monitoring and knowledge of vocalizations, signs, and behavior (required);
o Previous field experience that included:
– adhering to field data collection protocols, and
– accurately collecting, recording and managing field data;
o Experience in habitat evaluation and collection of vegetation data preferred;
o Ability to use:
? standard methods and equipment for habitat characterization,
? a GPS unit for navigation and data collection, and
? GIS technology for mapping and other uses;
o Familiarity with raptor species of the Sierra Nevada and their habitat, preferred; and
o Familiarity with and/or interest in forest ecology, avian ecology, and conservation biology.Additional requirements:
o Possess a valid, state-issued driver’s license and clean driving record;
o Ability to safely drive a 4WD vehicle on unpaved roads that can be steep and rutted;
o Experience in supporting field assistants during training and field work;
o Ability to work productively, consistently and cooperatively as part of a team to accomplish mutual goals;
o Possess strong organizational skills;
o Ability to work in variable weather conditions, traverse uneven terrain, carry upwards of 20 pounds in a backpack, and otherwise maintain good physical condition;
o Willingness and ability to camp in remote areas;
o Familiarity with backcountry, low-impact principles preferred; and
o Pass National Sex Offender Public Registry (NSOPR) and federal criminal background checks.