Paid Scientist: Shorebird/Western Snowy Plover Biologist (CA)
Point Blue Conservation Science is seeking a Coastal Program Biologist (CPB) to conduct shorebird surveys on migratory and overwintering populations and breeding population monitoring of western snowy plovers at Vandenberg Space Force Base and other locations in central California. Deadline to apply: 11/15/2023.
Agency/Organization: Point Blue Conservation Science
Location: Lompoc, California
Website: https://www.pointblue.org/careers/shorebird-western-snowy-plover-biologist/
Job Description: We are seeking a Coastal Program Biologist (CPB) to conduct shorebird surveys on migratory and overwintering populations and breeding population monitoring of western snowy plovers at Vandenberg Space Force Base and other locations in central California. The CPB work weeks vary from 5-6 days and are typically 40-60 hours. Specific duties include, but are not limited to:
- Conduct coastal surveys for migratory and overwintering shorebird populations.
- Conduct sandy beach geomorphology measurements.
- Conduct beach ecosystem monitoring from March-September within western snowy plover breeding habitat, including but not limited to: conducting nest surveys, following broods, identifying banded individuals, erecting symbolic fencing and rope exclosures, and predator identification
- Assist with analysis of photo and video files from cameras deployed on active nests. Data are collected using field data entry apps in addition to notebooks
- Participate in data management including data entry and QA/QC of entered data.
- Participate in data analyses, report writing, and manuscript writing.
- May participate in the following activities: censuses of coastal breeding seabird populations, seabird nest monitoring, California least tern breeding colony monitoring, community science website development.
Qualifications: This position requires the following qualifications:
- Equivalent to a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in ecology, biology, zoology, ornithology, or a closely related field.
- Minimum of two years’ experience conducting field surveys with shorebird populations.
- Minimum of two years’ experience conducting field surveys within western snowy plover (or similar threatened species) breeding habitat; banding experience desired, but not required.
- Possession of, or qualifications to be added to, a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service section 10(a) (1)(A) Recovery Permit to independently locate and monitor western snowy plover nests and chicks and conduct surveys within western snowy plover nesting habitat.
- Possession of a valid U.S. driver’s license, preferably a Real ID or the ability to obtain one. Point Blue will conduct a motor vehicle report for insurance purposes after hiring.
- Ability to identify shorebirds and seabirds of central California, and their potential predators.
- Ability to spend long hours in the field collecting data 5-6 days/week, willingness to work in inclement weather conditions, and the ability to work well independently and in a group situation.
- Ability to traverse or hike uneven terrain, including sand dunes, 10 miles per day.
Other desired qualifications:
- Familiarity with statistical software such as Stata and R.
- Familiarity with ArcGIS for map making and spatial analyses.
- Familiarity with website development including the use of Python to create data visualizations.
Wage: $26.25-$32.00 per hour depending on experience
To apply: Please visit this application form or copy and paste https://forms.gle/cb8KYPLUsbgyNLF59 into browser. Please contact Dan Robinette (drobinette@pointblue.org) if you experience issues applying.
Point Blue is an equal employment opportunity employer and does not discriminate against applicants or employees because of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, citizenship status, disability status of an otherwise qualified individual, membership or application for membership in an uniformed service, or membership in any other class protected by applicable law and will make reasonable accommodation for applicants with disabilities to complete the application and/or participate in the interview process.
Application Deadline: 11/15/2023
Start Date: 11/15/2023 (start date may be flexible, depending on experience)
Contact: HR (jobs@pointblue.org)
