IBO is seeking four technicians for the Summer 2020 season for a large-scale survey of Yellow-billed Cuckoos in southeastern Idaho (mid-June to mid-August).
The western distinct population segment of Yellow-billed Cuckoos is listed as Threatened under the ESA and we are contributing to range-wide surveys to better assess habitat associations and statewide status. Primary duties consist of standardized broadcast-call surveys, riparian vegetation assessment, and data entry using the USFWS Yellow-billed Cuckoo Survey protocol. Attending a USFWS sanctioned Yellow-billed Cuckoo Survey training is mandatory and will be included in the training.
The work will occur along riparian corridors and we access survey sites via kayak, foot, and jet boats. We ask that technicians record eBird checklists during all surveys on public land to increase knowledge of avian communities in riparian habitat in Idaho. These are full time positions for the duration of the project (mid-June to mid-August). Hourly pay rate is $12.50-$13.50/hr DOE (plus a $30/field day per diem which amounts to an additional, non-taxable ~$1,000 over the season). Technicians must have a valid driver’s license and either use their personal, high-clearance vehicle (mileage reimbursed) or IBO can provide a rental SUV.
IBO conducts research and partners with numerous organizations and agencies world-wide. Please browse our website to learn more about the work we do. We strongly encourage our technicians to expand their skill set via hands-on experience with other IBO projects.
Qualifications include:
- Available for the full duration of the season: June 15th (±1 day) to August 15th.
- Patience, skill, and vision/hearing ability to detect Yellow-billed Cuckoos.
- Ability and willingness to work independently (alone ≥60% of the time) for the duration of the field season.
- Strong physical and mental endurance to complete 1 or more surveys per day, in oftentimes buggy, hot, and wet conditions.
- Ability to navigate off-trail, in densely vegetated riparian landscapes using maps and GPS units.
- Ability to kayak safely and comfortably in rivers (needed for 2 positions).
- Willingness to work in landscapes occupied by apex predators (bears, mountain lions), other hazardous wildlife (moose and rattlesnakes), and mosquitoes.
- Careful and accurate data collection/entry/management.
- Strong interpersonal skills for communicating and working effectively with private landowners, fellow technicians, and program managers.
- Ability to carefully navigate rough roads in a 4WD vehicle.
Preferred qualifications:
- Experience conducting Yellow-billed Cuckoo surveys using USFWS protocol.
- Willing to use personal vehicle for fieldwork and kayak transportation (mileage will be reimbursed at state rate ~$0.57/mile).
- Ability to identify Western birds by sight and by sound.
To apply:
Please email a single pdf document that includes a one-page cover letter describing your interest and qualifications for the position, your resume or CV, and contact information for three references to Stephanie Coates (stephaniecoates@boisestate.edu).
(One additional position is available on this project in the Idaho Falls region through the Idaho Department of Fish and Game. View IDFG’s job posting here).
Positions will be filled as qualified candidates are identified.