Research Technician

National Audubon Society•Gibbon, NE

3d•$19 - $19•Onsite

About The Position

The seasonal Research Technician will work on a 2-month avian powerline collision study at Audubon’s Rowe Sanctuary during the spring Sandhill Crane and Whooping Crane migration in central Nebraska. The employment period will run from February 19 to April 17, 2026; some flexibility may be granted within those dates. The Technician will report to the Conservation Program Manager. This full-time position will last for approximately 8 weeks with an hourly rate of $19.00 per hour and an estimated 40-hour work week. Housing will be provided for the duration of the employment period. The data collected will help to contribute to our understanding of the benefits of powerline illumination with ultraviolet light for mitigating collisions of birds within the Platte River ecosystem. Primary responsibilities include recording and entering data on crane flock numbers, collisions, and avoidance behaviors from a study blind on the bank of the Platte River at night. Strong visual acuity is important for accuracy of counting cranes as they fly by, sometimes in groups of tens of thousands. The Technician will also be provided with an opportunity for authorship on the publication given completion of the term. The Research Technician is required to live on-site in housing provided by Audubon as a condition of employment.

Requirements

Candidates should have some demonstrated research experience, especially in field data collection and entry.
Ability to work independently or as a part of a 2-person team at night in sub-zero weather conditions and hike ½ mile on uneven terrain in the dark with or without accommodations.
Ability to be comfortable with sitting for long periods of time, sometimes independently, in sub-freezing weather conditions.
Able to sit for long periods of time while focusing.
Computer experience and familiarity with spreadsheets and database maintenance are desired.
Excellent work ethic, a team-focused attitude, and the ability to work independently.
Attention to detail and thorough note-taking skills.
Valid driver’s license required for the operation of Audubon vehicles.
Candidate must have reliable transportation for travel to and from the Iain Nicolson Audubon Center.
Commitment to Audubon’s organizational values of care, collaboration, change, integrity, impact, and innovation.
Demonstrated personal and professional commitment to and experience in advancing equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge and identification of Nebraska crane, goose, and duck species is a plus.

Responsibilities

Assist crew with set-up of blinds and other study materials.
Enter collected data correctly and in a timely manner.
Accurately count large flocks of birds in flight for extended periods of time.
Support a culture of philanthropy, including public funding efforts.
Collaborate with colleagues across the Americas including through joint planning and execution of shared priorities.
Maintains and fosters culture of safety.
Other duties as assigned, including Whooping Crane monitoring and assisting in and around the visitor’s center.

Stand Out From the Crowd

Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.

Upload and Match Resume