The Institute for Bird Populations is looking to fill two biologist (TX,MO)and one intern position (CA) for this spring/summer. The specific announcements follow.
FIELD BIOLOGISTS needed for the Monitoring Avian Productivity and Survivorship (MAPS) program. The Institute for Bird Populations (IBP) is seeking two field biologists to serve as crew leaders to train and lead interns operating a network of mist-netting and banding stations on Texas National Guard properties (Camp Swift and Camp Bowie) in south central Texas and in Fort Leonard Wood, MO. Positions extends from April 23 through August 8, 2009. Join this continent-wide, long-term effort to track demographic variation in North American landbird populations. MAPS data from this network of stations are analyzed to quantify the impacts of land management practices on bird populations, and to identify relationships between annual demographics and variation in climate and seasonal weather. The ultimate goal of these investigations is to provide landbird conservation recommendations with considerations of habitat management, migratory behavior, weather patterns, and climate change. Successful applicants should have previous experience with the MAPS protocol and be proficient at birdsong identification, and MUST have advanced skills in mist-netting, bird banding, and ageing and sexing of landbirds in the hand. Applicants will be expected to use Peter Pyles Identification Guide to North American Birds (Part I) to teach plumages and molts of landbirds in the appropriate regions. Previous MAPS field biologist interns (and crew leaders) are especially encouraged to apply. Demonstrated leadership skills, attention to detail, good physical condition, a tolerance of long days that begin before dawn, and the ability to endure sometimes difficult field conditions are required. The field biologists is expected to drive considerable distances between (and within) locations so a reliable field vehicle is a must (trucks/SUVs not required). These field biologist positions are an excellent opportunity to gain experience leading field crews, and IBP full-time staff biologists are often recruited from the MAPS field biologist pool. MAPS field biologists are considered independent contractors rather than IBP staff, and receive payment of $2,300+ per month and on-the-job mileage reimbursement ($0.35/mile), but no fringe benefits. Interested applicants should send via email (preferred) or U.S. mail a cover letter, resume, and current contact information for three references, as well as complete and submit the MAPS Field Biologist Application Form. The Application Form and further information can be found on our website, www.birdpop.org, or contact MARY CHAMBERS, The Institute for Bird Populations, PO Box 1346, Point Reyes Station, CA 94956. FAX 415-663-9482, PH 415-663-1436, EMAIL: [email protected]. Positions will be filled as soon as qualified applicants are found. EXPERIENCED BIRD BANDER needed for the Monitoring Avian Productivity and Survivorship (MAPS) Program. The Institute for Bird Populations (IBP) is seeking an experienced bird bander to operate constant effort mist-netting and banding stations at Yosemite National Park, California from May 1 to August 8, 2009. Join this continent-wide, long-term effort to monitor the vital rates that cause changes in North American landbird populations. We are looking for an enthusiastic, self-motivated individual with some experience collecting data independently in the field and a solid background in mistnetting, bird banding, and ageing and sexing landbirds using plumage characteristics. We particularly encourage previous MAPS interns to apply. The successful applicant will be expected to learn the MAPS protocol during an intensive training session in Oregon beginning May 1, will join a 4-person crew at Yosemite for the remainder of the season operating 6 MAPS stations, and will occasionally serve as lead bander when the MAPS biologist cannot be present. A free campsite will be provided in addition to a per diem of $33 for 84 days in the field, totaling $2,772 for the season. A personal vehicle is not strictly required, but is a plus; mileage will be reimbursed at $0.35/mile for project-related use. The position entails spending a minimum of 6 of every 10 days in the field, depending on weather and logistical considerations. This volunteer position could potentially lead to a paid MAPS field biologist position with IBP during subsequent seasons. Interested applicants should send via email (preferred) or U.S. mail a cover letter, resume, and current contact information for three references, as well as complete and submit the MAPS Internship Application Form. The Application Form and further information can be found on our website, www.birdpop.org, or contact MARY CHAMBERS, The Institute for Bird Populations, PO Box 1346, Point Reyes Station, CA 94956. FAX 415-663-9482, PH 415-663-1436, EMAIL: [email protected]. Position will be filled when a qualified candidate is found.
