BIOLOGIST-EDUCATOR FOR BIRD PROGRAMS

at Audubon’s Starr Ranch Sanctuary

Location:
Trabuco Canyon, CA

Duration:
One position: November 2011 – March 2012; second positions: April through July 2012

Job Description:
Description: Audubon California’s 4000-acre Starr Ranch Sanctuary in southeast Orange County, California solicits applicants for positions (2) as seasonal Biologist-Educator for Bird Programs. One position extends November 2011 – March 2012 and the other from April through July 2012. Both positions will integrate long term songbird monitoring into education programs that involve kids and adults in applied avian research. November 2011 - March 2012: responsibilities include supervision of volunteers who assist with songbird banding during winter migrant monitoring (Monitoring Overwintering Survival or “MoSI”). Also will do data entry, data summary, and point counts. Will instruct fall and winter Ecology Programs, 1-2 hour field research simulations that offer groups of all ages an opportunity to experience nature hands-on as wildlife biologists and plan and instruct a week-end adult bird research camp, possibly focusing on training banding volunteers. Will help coordinate the Christmas Bird Count for a local Audubon Chapter. April - July 2012: will supervise volunteers who assist with long term songbird banding during breeding season (Monitoring Avian Productivity and Survivorship or “MAPS”). Will conduct point counts and enter and summarize data. May help coordinate volunteers and conduct surveys of the rare Coastal Cactus Wren. Will instruct spring Ecology Programs and also Starr Ranch Junior Biologists, spring and summer programs for kids ages 8 – 16, who join the Starr Ranch scientific team to experience how biologists study native animals and habitats. Opportunity to do applied bird research that is integrated into Starr Ranch land management, conservation, and education programs. We seek applicants who wish to contribute to wildland conservation through applied research as well as research-based education and who are enthusiastic, dedicated, organized, self-starting and thorough. Opportunity to live in a private cabin in an oak woodland on our 4000-acre Sanctuary. Salary: $500/wk plus housing in a private one bedroom cabin in an oak woodland. Qualifications: Grad or undergrad degree in biology or ecology with strong ornithological background and experience. Strong background in songbird banding, ageing, and sexing as well as other bird monitoring techniques essential. Strong knowledge and interest in birds and bird watching and general natural history of animals and their habitats. Some experience in education desirable but must have enthusiasm for working with kids, adults, and families. For More Information: (EM: sdesimone@audubon.org; URL: http://www.starr-ranch.org)

To Apply:
Please go to the confidential Audubon career center to start the application process: (URL: https://careers-audubon.icims.com). Please use this link to send a cover letter addressed to DR. SANDY DESIMONE stating career goals and résumé. The most qualified candidates will have a phone interview and be asked to submit three letters of recommendation. If you have any problems with this system, please contact DR. SANDY DESIMONE (EM: sdesimone@audubon.org; PH: 949-858-0309).

Number of Openings:
2 Back to the Top