Boise State University will be hiring 2 field technicians to assist with a range-wide, year-round study of American Kestrel phenology. This project is a large collaboration between several University, NGO, and state and federal agencies.

The position is based out of Boise, Idaho and would involve travel to Department of Defense sites (all over the country) to conduct American Kestrel nest box monitoring, band adults and nestlings, collecting biological samples, and data entry/report preparation in the office.

American Kestrel feeds her 5 young nestlings (caught on a trail camera)

Tasks:

-Install, maintain and monitor trail cameras in nest boxes

-Hand capture, band, collect biological data and samples from adult and nestling American Kestrels

-Field data collection, data entry and report preparation

-Responsibly travel via airlines and vehicle to remote field sites and follow detailed procedures for working on DoD installations.

Required Qualifications

  • Avian field experience (e.g. surveys, banding, biological sample collection)
  • Attention to detail/excellent note-taking skills
  • Comfortable living and working with others in field settings
  • Good communication skills and a positive attitude
  • Able to follow directions and be flexible with work tasks and scheduling
  • Comfortable with extensive travel within the U.S. and potentially internationally
  • Comfortable working outdoors in inclement weather, and long work shifts
  • Willing to complete large amounts of paperwork associated with travel and costs
  • Exceptional driving skills
  • Able to climb ladders and lift ~15 pound boxes
  • Able to use hand tools
  • Valid driver’s license, experience driving 4×4 trucks
  • No criminal record, U.S. citizens only

    Preferred skills
  • Experience handling raptors

Position will run from April 15-August 15, 2020. Compensation is $2000-2500 per month commensurate on experience. Accommodation and a per diem will be covered during work shifts away from Idaho.

To Apply: send via email in a single file attachment (include your last name in the file name): a cover letter that states qualifications and career goals (please mention any bird banding experience), a CV with the names and contacts for 3 references to Anjolene Hunt and Dr. Julie Heath at fcphenology@boisestate.edu. Please put “Spring American Kestrel Field Technician” in the subject line. Applications will be reviewed as they are received until February 25, 2020.