Natural Resources Job Board

Title: AVIAN FIELD TECHNICIAN – Southern Great Plains (5 positions)

FLSA Status: Seasonal / Hourly / Non-Exempt / Overtime Eligible

Reports to: Seasonal Crew Leader

Direct Reports: None

Location: Texas Panhandle, Eastern New Mexico, Western Oklahoma, Western Kansas, and the Nebraska Panhandle

Salary: $18.38 - $21.63 hourly, depending on experience. Reimbursement for project-related travel and camping/lodging will also be provided.

Duration: Approximately 11 weeks (mid-April to the end of June)

Benefits: Not eligible

Start Date       4/14/2026 (tentative)

 

About the Organization_________________________________________________________________________________________

Bird Conservancy of the Rockies conserves birds and their habitats through an integrated approach of science, education and stewardship. Our work extends from the Rockies to the Great Plains, Mexico and beyond. Our mission is advanced through sound science, achieved through empowering people, realized through stewardship and sustained through cross-border collaborations. 

We monitor and identify population trends, research habitat needs, engage landowners and managers in wildlife and habitat stewardship, and inspire audiences of all ages to be better stewards of the land. Together, we are improving native bird populations, the land, and the lives of people. Learn more about our work and programs at our website: www.birdconservancy.org

 

Position Overview_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Experience a season of adventure counting birds every morning with the Integrated Monitoring in Bird Conservation Regions (IMBCR) program! You’ll travel north with the spring through the western portions of Texas, Eastern New Mexico, Oklahoma, Kansas, and Nebraska. 

Surveys occur mostly on private land in a variety of habitats including mesquite bosques, prairies, and riparian systems. You’ll get to observe an impressive variety of species as you move across the study area, including Painted Bunting, Cactus Wren, Scissor-tailed Flycatcher, Burrowing Owl, Mississippi Kite, Scaled Quail, and Lesser Prairie-Chicken. 

This position will have you birding every day during the height of spring migration in the fantastic Great Plains flyway!

Project Dates: ~ April 14 – June 30, 2026

Training: The first week of the field season will be an intensive group training session covering bird identification, point count & vegetation data protocols, GPS navigation, and data entry. You must pass a bird identification quiz at the end of training. After training, you’ll work and travel solo for the duration of the season (with opportunities to meet up with the crew every few weeks)

 

Conduct point counts each morning, then drive to a new survey location each afternoon

Work a variable schedule including long days in the field

Hike long distances off trail in rolling terrain on a regular basis

Car camp daily, often without cell service or facilities

Give a courtesy call to landowners prior to surveying on private property

Enter data, update timesheets and worklogs, and research how you’ll access survey locations

Check in frequently with your Crew Leader and be available by email/phone

 

Work ~ 40-45 hrs per week (overtime pay after 40 hrs)

10 days on/4 days off with some flexibility to adjust schedule to accommodate weather and personal needs

Most field days will begin before dawn and end in the mid afternoon

You’ll need to provide your own binoculars, laptop computer (with working battery), as well as car camping gear. You may drive your own 4WD/AWD vehicle (with reimbursement for work-related mileage) or we’ll provide a rental vehicle (with cost of gas reimbursement)

 

Ability to identify all bird species by sight/sound that regularly breed in the Southern Great Plains

You’re enthusiastic, physically fit, enjoy travel, and can work long hours in the field

Willing to wake up before dawn, face hot/cold/rainy/windy weather, and encounter hazardous wildlife including rattlesnakes, venomous spiders, and biting insects

Ability to hike off trail in variable terrain

You don’t mind solitude and are independent, organized, responsible, and trustworthy

You have a driver’s license, proof of insurance, and experience driving 4WD vehicles

Must pass a background check and DMV screening

 

Desired additional experience:

Experience solo backpacking, long distance hiking, and navigating off-trail

Prior field work experience, especially conducting avian point counts

Experience using a GPS and navigation apps (such as Avenza, GAIA, onX, or Caltopo)

A 4WD/AWD personal vehicle is highly desirable but not strictly required

 

To Apply_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

Upload your cover letter, resume, and three references as a single PDF document named “Last Name First Name IMBCR Technician” at this form: http://birdconservancy.org/imbcr-hiring.

Please include in your cover letter how you meet the qualifications (especially bird ID) and why you’re interested in the position. Applications will be reviewed as they are received and positions will be filled as suitable applicants are found. If you have questions, email IMBCRhiring@birdconservancy.org.

Bird Conservancy is hiring for similar positions in several study areas including Northern Great Plains (NE, SD, ND), Southwest (AZ, NM, UT), Wyoming, and Colorado. See https://www.birdconservancy.org/about-us/employment/ for job posting for each study area. You can apply for multiple positions with a single application.

 

Bird Conservancy of the Rockies is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating a diverse work environment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

 

Visit the IMBCR Webpage (birdconservancy.org/imbcr)