Technician - Wintering Grassland Bird and Habitat Surveys

Sul Ross State University • Del Rio, TX

15h • Onsite

About The Position

Grasslands are one of the largest biomes within the Chihuahuan Desert ecosystem, and are valuable for food and energy production, recreation, tourism, and culture. Additionally, these desert ecosystems also provide critical ecosystem services such as climate regulation, carbon sequestration, erosion and pest control, water regulation, and pollination services, and are rich in biodiversity. However, despite their significance, desert ecosystems are one of the world’s most imperiled ecosystems. Populations of grassland birds have declined consistently and at higher rates than any other group of birds in North America. Long-term avian population change data from the North American Breeding Bird Survey illustrates that 67% of grassland bird populations have decreased in the past 60 years. This decline is primarily attributed to the loss of suitable habitat, but wintering habitat requirements are not well-studied for most species. This position will support an ongoing study of birds that winter in the Chihuahuan Desert grasslands and how bird communities respond to woody plant treatments. Two individuals will be hired.

Requirements

• Experience identifying birds, vegetation
• Ability to work in a team and independently
• Ability to work in remote locations and in cold/windy conditions
• Must be able to walk/hike over rough terrain, in cold and windy conditions, to collect data.
• Must have good vision and hearing required to properly identify birds.
• Must be fit enough to carry a pack with field gear, food/water, etc…while working.

Responsibilities

• Follow established protocol to identify and count grassland birds.
• Follow established protocol to measure vegetation at various scales.
• Record and enter related data.
• Follow established protocols to identify and count grassland birds and measure various vegetation at various scales.
• Ability to record and input data.
• Other tasks as assigned.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed