Seasonal Wetland Ecologist (Scientist I)

Point Blue Conservation Science advances the conservation of birds, other wildlife and ecosystems through science, partnerships, and outreach. Our highest priority is to reduce the impacts of climate change, habitat loss and other threats on wildlife and people, while developing climate-smart, nature-based solutions. Because of the collaborative climate-smart conservation work we do today, we believe healthy ecosystems will continue to sustain thriving wildlife and human communities well into the future. Founded in 1965 as Point Reyes Bird Observatory, we have a proven track record of scientific excellence.

We are hiring a seasonal wetland ecologist to support the monitoring of waterbirds and their habitat, primarily in the Central Valley. The ecologist may conduct point counts of waterbirds, monitor bird breeding activity, travel to survey shorebirds, and support sediment and invertebrate sampling for a study on shorebird food supply. Work is part of the BirdReturns program, a multi-partner habitat program in the Central Valley, and the ecologist’s work will help assess how Central Valley wetland habitat supports bird conservation. Work is primarily located in California’s Central Valley and is approximately 85% field work and 15% office work. Projects involve working with a variety of different landowners and private and public partner organizations. We are hiring one ecologist for 6 months (Apr – Oct; start/end dates somewhat flexible).

We are committed to removing barriers based on racial, gender, cultural, and other factors and believe that equal representation is essential to the success of Point Blue’s mission and vision. We seek and strongly encourage applicants from all backgrounds to join our teams.

Location: The position is based out of the greater Sacramento area with travel to work sites. Work sites are located primarily in Suisun (vicinity Fairfield) and the Sacramento Valley (vicinities of Yuba City, Oroville, Willows). Some travel to support shorebird surveys elsewhere in California is possible.

Duration: Apr-Oct; 6 months total beginning on a flexible start date (April 1-14; earlier preferred).

Job type: Full-time, seasonal

Compensation: $28.31 -$33.26 per hour, depending on experience and internal equity, with overtime pay according to California State law. Some overtime is anticipated. You are compensated for driving your personal vehicle from residence to field sites and for any other work trips at the Federal IRS rate. Benefits limited to up to 40 hours of sick pay. Housing is not provided.

Primary duties include but are not limited to: Working both independently and in small teams, the ecologist will perform up to four main activities (85% field work/15% office work):

Conduct point counts and/or transect surveys of waterbirds (emphasis on shorebirds) at private wetlands in Suisun. Sites are accessed by coordinating with landowners and visiting by vehicle or on foot. (April; July-August).
Monitor breeding activity of birds in Suisun wetlands. Perform area searches of all bird species and track breeding behavior using typical Breeding Bird Atlas practices (April – July)
Support a shorebird food project by collecting data and samples at Sacramento Valley farmlands and wetlands (July – September). Follow various sampling protocols including point count bird surveys, habitat surveys, water quality readings, GPS locations, trail camera downloads, and other measurements. Also support field lead to ensure all field gear and equipment is properly decontaminated, maintained, and stored after each field day, and that data sheets and soil samples are stored appropriately. This is physically demanding field work involving soil sampling in hot weather in shallowly flooded, muddy fields.
Office tasks. Enter data and support data management and reporting (all season) from a home office. Use Word, Excel, Google Sheets, Survey123, shared digital platforms, and possibly ArcGIS or R to digitize records and keep datasets up to date. Attend weekly check-ins and participate in other regular communication with the Principal Investigator, project team, and partner staff. Office work is likely to be heaviest in June-July, supporting a literature review of bird use of agricultural wetlands

For most activities, extensive driving is required to reach field locations that are widely spread across Northern California. There may be tasks outside the Central Valley (Northern California, Southern Oregon) for 2-3 weeks based on skill and interest. Other than field work for the shorebird food project, many surveys are conducted from the vehicle. Some driving is on narrow dirt levees, uneven roads, and/or roads in agricultural areas. We anticipate 3-4 field days and 1-2 office days per week for a total of 5 days per week with some overtime anticipated in summer (up to 50 hour weeks possible on occasion).

Minimum qualifications:

A combination of education and experience equivalent to a bachelor’s degree, plus 1-3 years of experience in environmental science, wildlife conservation, ecology, or related fields
Be capable of identifying waterbirds (ducks, shorebirds, waders) and common Central Valley landbirds rapidly by site and/or sound. Knowledge of field data collection practices and procedures for avian research
Strong communication skills. Be prepared to communicate and coordinate with a variety of private landowners and partner organizations (NGOs, State agencies, etc.) both in person and via phone/email in a professional manner. In addition to working with partners, be prepared for solitary field work, navigation between sites, and office work
Demonstrated experience with physically demanding field work. Ability to follow technical SOPs and work in demanding field conditions (muddy, buggy, hot) for long mornings while keeping a positive attitude in an environment of shifting plans and opportunities; ability to hike in uneven or shallowly flooded terrain while carrying gear and/or a backpack and wearing waders. Knowledge of field data collection practices and procedures for wetland habitat research
Ability to collect, maintain, and proof data, and entry level technical knowledge relating to data analysis (such as calculating summary statistics and understanding data analysis and figures presented in technical reports). Have some familiarity with basic data analysis, such as manipulating datasets and calculating summary statistics, and with spatial datasets and reading maps
Availability and use of a personal vehicle with proof of insurance. Must have a valid U.S. driver’s license, at least two years of driving experience, and will be asked to provide information to verify their good driving record with one or fewer moving violations in the last three years
Ability to lift and carry up to 40 pounds, hike up to 3 miles, and bend/pull to extract cores from hard-packed soil

Preferred qualifications:

Experience in field work in Central Valley farmlands, rangelands, and especially managed, semi-permanent wetlands
Knowledge of natural history of California birds and wetlands
Prior experience with standardized bird surveys (e.g., point counts, area searches, transects) and associated digital records. Demonstrated ability to identify other wetland-associated birds, such as songbirds, including by their vocalizations, is especially helpful
Ability to navigate with handheld GPS and to use other data-collection devices (water meter, digital camera, phone-based data apps)
Experience with soil sampling, including hard-packed clay or muddy sediment
Experience with using water quality meters to take data on dissolved oxygen, pH, and oxidation reduction potential and performing regular calibrations

Work environment and physical requirements: The work environment includes a home office and remote field locations with limited cell reception, narrow private and uneven roads, and major land management activities (plowing, flooding, etc.) often in a solitary capacity (though invertebrate field work will usually be in small teams). Some field sites are flooded, and access requires strenuous walking through water and mud.

Equipment: Field ecologist should have their own field gear including binoculars, knee high rubber boots, and appropriate field attire for exposed conditions (rugged clothing, hat, etc). Additional survey gear including GPS, chest or hip waders, and laser range finder will be provided by Point Blue.

Qualified candidates will be hired as they are identified, with the first review of applications beginning February 24 (applications may remain open through March 3rd).

We are an equal employment opportunity employer and do 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.

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Seasonal Wetland Ecologist I