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Thanks for your interest in employment opportunities at the ASC. 

As of May 2, we have hired for all our positions(unless there's a cancellation).

To download western bird songs and calls (for point count practice) click HERE.

General information applicable to all positions:

- Most positions run ~ 12 May - 18 July 2008 (though some extend). 
- Primary duties include:

locating study sites via GPS and maps, conducting bird point counts or owl playbacks, sampling vegetation, maintaining data sheets and other documentation, and computer data entry.  

- Crews can expect to camp out for much of the season; housing may be provided.

- Salary $2000 - $2400/ mo DOE and the project.

- Some positions will require use of personal vehicle (reimbursement ~ $.50/mile). 

- Applicants MUST be available to start 12 May for a week-long training session.   

 

For all point count work, previous birding experience is required.   Applicants must have the following abilities:

1. Identify birds (preferably western birds) by sight and song (point counts only). 
2. Hike in rugged conditions off roads and trails
3. Drive a truck with a standard transmission
4. Read topographic maps and aerial photos
5. Work independently under minimal supervision..  

 

To apply:  please send a cover letter that address the above criteria and the project of interest, resume, and contact information for 3 references to MEGAN FYLLING, via email (preferred): megan.fylling@mso.umt.edu, or via Avian Science Center, Division of Biological Sciences, University of Montana, Missoula, MT 59812. 

 

2008 PROJECTS

North Idaho Point Counts and Grid Surveys

Investigating Bird Habitat Relationships Project

LBMP Eastern Montana Forest to Grasslands Project

LBMP Flammulated Owls 

Madison -Missouri River Surveys

 

North Idaho Point Counts and Grid Surveys

This project is being directed by the Rocky Mountain Research Station in Missoula and is designed to survey for multiple taxa via established grid points.  In addition to point counts, technicians will assist with carnivore hair snare and weather station sampling.  Four technicians are needed, and this project runs ~ 12 May - 8 August.  Housing will be provided north of Bonner’s Ferry, with field work in the Purcells and possibly the Selkirk Mountains. Vehicles are also provided.  Techs will be hired by the University of Montana (salary $2100 - $2300/mo DOE).

(back to projects)

 

Investigating Bird Habitat Relationships Project (USDA)

This project is an extension of the Landbird Monitoring Program’s efforts to investigate bird habitat relationships across Western Montana and North Idaho. The goal of this project is to collect point count data on birds in a variety of primarily forested habitats in an effort to validate habitat-based models. These models will then be used to inform land management decision-making. Read more about bird-habitat relationships HERE.

We are seeking 4 experienced point counters for work 12 May ~ 18 July 2008.  Technicians can expect to camp for much of the field season.  Two crew members will work in and around the Flathead and eastern Kootenai National Forests (Montana) and 2 crew members will work in and around the Nez Perce and Clearwater National Forests (Idaho).  Expect long hours, inclement weather, spectacular country, and interesting bird communities.  A willingness to drive your own vehicle a plus (4WD or high clearance needed) in return for mileage reimbursement (~ $.50/mile).  These positions will be hired through the University of Montana, and salary is ~ $2100 to $2300 per month DOE. 

(back to projects)

 

Eastern Montana Forest to Grasslands Project - Landbird Monitoring Program

Two additional experienced point counters are needed for continuing projects on the Custer National Forest and surrounding BLM areas in southeastern Montana.  We are surveying a variety of habitats from mature pine forests on the Custer to the rolling hills and open rangelands along the Dakota border. The rangeland work is in areas of active energy and gas development and may involve more intensive area searches.   Join 2 returning LBMP birders (who cannot wait to get back out there because the birds are so varied and cool!).  One technician will be a US Forest Service hire (and require U.S. citizenship). The other position will be hired by the University of Montana (US citizenship not required).  Vehicles provided, and field per diem covers housing.  Positions run ~ 12 May-18 July, with a possibility of extension (and additional biological surveying), and salary is $2200 - $2300/mo DOE.

 

(back to projects)

 

Flammulated Owls - Landbird Monitoring Program

FIELD TECHNICIANS are needed for Flammulated Owl surveys in Montana and northern Idaho.  We are looking for 10 technicians to have a HOOT this summer and conduct nocturnal surveys primarily along roads and trails for nesting Flammulated owls. Technicians will work in pairs on 1 of 6 National Forests in western Montana or Northern Idaho. Previous owl survey experience helpful but not essential. Must be a strong hiker, know how to travel using topographical maps and aerial photos, be able to drive a vehicle with a standard transmission, have a passion for wildlife research, and enjoy working the “night shift”.   Additional duties include finding birds using playbacks, sampling vegetation, locating study sites, maintaining data sheets and other documentation, and computer data entry. Crews can expect to camp out for most of the season.  Salary approximately $2000 - $2300 per month (GS-4 or 5 level) plus field per diem. These positions will hired by the US Forest Service and require U.S. citizenship.

(back to projects)

 

Madison-Missouri River Corridor Surveys

We are continuing riparian bird monitoring and habitat selection studies along the Upper Missouri and Madison Rivers.  We are seeking adventurous point counters to survey birds while canoeing over 400 miles of river—from Yellowstone National Park to Fort Peck.  General duties include surveying birds via point count, sampling vegetation, locating study sites, and computer data entry.  Previous point count experience and boating experience required—western experience preferable. Must be able to hike in rugged conditions, drive a truck with a standard transmission, canoe 10-30 miles/day, read topographic maps and aerial photos, and work independently.  Expect long hours, wet feet, hot feet, great bird communities, and spectacular country.  Salary is ~ $2000-2300/month, depending on experience. Technicians must be available to start 12 May for a week-long training session and the season runs until ~ 25 July.

(back to projects)

 

BIRD SONGS and CALLS

Interested in learning your bird songs and calls for point count survey work? Northern Rockies birding experts Dan Casey and Dick Hutto will get you started. Download and unzip to your computer either or both of these files - Casey_songs (58 MB)  Hutto songs (398 MB).   And also download the information about the tracks for Casey's CD or Hutto's CD.  

Thanks to Charles Nichols for creating these song tracks!

If you need to install zip freeware, click HERE.

For more information contact:

Amy Cilimburg
Avian Science Center
Division of Biological Sciences, HS 209
University of Montana, Missoula, MT  59812

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Info for 2007 Field Technicians

Info for 2008 Field Technicians