Natural Resources Job Board

The Intermountain Bird Observatory (IBO) at Boise State University is hiring seasonal avian field technicians to contribute to a large-scale breeding bird monitoring program (Integrated Monitoring in Bird Conservation Regions, "IMBCR") across Idaho in spring/summer 2025. Primary responsibilities include conducting standardized avian point count and vegetation surveys, and data entry. Technicians should expect to begin work on ~May 19th and to perform their duties at a professional quality and rate of completion through ~July 18th. Technicians may have the opportunity to extend employment depending on 2025 IBO project needs and job performance. 

Compensation is $18.00–19.50/hr (DOE), 40hrs/wk for the duration of the season (please note that this position is FLSA exempt). Weekly work schedules are flexible, largely determinant on survey completion rate and weather. This position requires daily travel between survey sites and overnight camping in undeveloped and remote areas. Most surveys sites are accessible by vehicle, but a small amount require short overnight backpacking trips (<10 mi hike in). Technicians will work (and live) independently for the majority of the duration of this position. 

Technicians will have the opportunity to observe a large suite of interesting bird species, work in proximity to charismatic megafauna, and travel to beautiful and historic locations significant to the American West. Surveys are in a wide variety of habitats that occur in the region, including grassland, shrubsteppe, riparian, pinyon-juniper, montane forest, and alpine ecosystems. Surveys occur on both public and private lands. 

Technicians have the option to use either a personal 4WD/AWD vehicle or be provided with a 4WD/AWD rental vehicle for the season. Personal vehicles must be able to handle variable road conditions characteristic of the region, e.g., muddy, rocky, and steep terrain. Applicant must have a clean driving record for rental vehicle use. All work-related mileage incurred in execution of responsibilities using a personal vehicle will be reimbursed at the current federal mileage rate. All other work-related expenses, e.g., rental vehicle fuel, incurred in execution of responsibilities will be fully paid for by IBO. 

Applicants must possess:
 

IBO will provide pertinent training, survey equipment, and safety gear (e.g., inReach satellite communication safety device, bear spray, first-aid kit, tire repair kit, tow strap, etc.) to technicians before beginning fieldwork. 

Applicants: using the subject line "2025 Idaho IMBCR Application", please email a single PDF document that includes a one page cover letter describing your interest and qualifications, and a resume or CV with 3 professional references, to Jeremy Halka (jeremyhalka@boisestate.edu). Applicants will be considered on a rolling basis until all positions are filled. 

*Please note that IBO is currently hiring for several projects occurring before, after, and during this advertised field position, including IMBCR positions occurring simultaneously in Montana and Utah. Please voice interest within your application if you would like more information or to be considered for any other positions with IBO. 

At IBO, we work to impact human lives and significantly contribute to bird conservation through a unique combination of cooperative research, education, discovery of the natural world, and community engagement. 

We at IBO strongly encourage interested technicians to expand their experience and skills by contributing to other IBO projects throughout their time with us. IBO research projects include surveys for Cassia Crossbills, Pinyon Jays, Yellow-billed Cuckoos, shorebirds, woodpeckers, and high-elevation bird communities, as well as MAPS songbird banding and hummingbird banding. Please visit our website to learn more about our organization and the projects we work on!