Employment Opportunities
2013
Thank you for your interest in employment opportunities at the ASC. We have hired all of our technicians and interns for the 2013 field season. Please check back with us in approx. mid-February for next season's positions.
Click here for field technician resources.
General information applicable to all positions:
- Most positions run May – mid July (though some begin early and/or extend).
- Primary duties include:
- locating study sites via GPS and maps
- conducting bird point counts, vegetation surveys, or bird banding
- sampling vegetation
- maintaining data sheets and other documentation
- computer data entry
- Crews can expect to camp out for much of the season; housing may be provided.
- Salary $1800 – $2500/ mo DOE and the project.
- Some positions will require use of personal vehicle (reimbursement ~ $.50/mile).
- Applicants MUST be available to start mid May for a week–long training session.
For all point count work, bird identification skills are required. Applicants must have the following abilities:
- Identify birds (preferably western birds) by sight and song
- Hike in rugged conditions off roads and trails
- Drive a truck with standard transmission
- Read topographic maps and aerial photos
- 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 Kristina Smucker (unless otherwise stated in the job description) via email (preferred): kristina.smucker@mso.umt.edu or via Avian Science Center, Division of Biological Sciences HS 104, University of Montana, Missoula, MT 59812.
2013 PROJECTS
Crew leader for Statewide Bird monitoring project - position closed
Avian Point Count Technician - all positions closed
Crew Leader for Bird Banding and Education project - position closed
Crew Leader position for Statewide Bird Monitoring Program: The Avian Science Center is seeking an experienced crew leader to coordinate Montana’s 2013 statewide bird monitoring program from mid-March through October, 2013. The Avian Science Center conducts avian point counts throughout Montana as part of the IMBCR regional long-term bird monitoring program. The crew leader will conduct all aspects of field season planning: selecting survey locations, calling private landowners for permission to conduct surveys, assembling field materials, and training field crews. During the field season, the crew leader will supervise 8 technicians and 2 interns, and can expect to spend approximately 50% of time in the field conducting point counts and site visits. Field locations cover a range of elevations and habitats including conifer forest, sagebrush steppe, grasslands, and riparian habitats. While in the field, primitive camping, often without phone service or facilities, will be required as well as occasional overnight backcountry travel. Some surveys are located in grizzly bear country. Beginning in mid-July the crew leader will supervise data entry, follow a detailed protocol for proofing data, make updates to online databases, and send out thank you letters to private landowners. Avian Science Center staff will provide supervision, but the crew leader must have the ability to work and make decisions independently. Qualified applicants must have substantial experience with database management and ArcGIS, point count experience, and excellent songbird ID skills. Ideal candidates will be detail oriented, exceptionally well organized, possess excellent written & verbal communication skills. Salary: $16/hr (~$2775/mo), plus mileage (~ $0.50/mile) for project related driving. The crew leader will be expected to use his/her own vehicle for travel throughout the season. Housing will not be provided. To apply: please send a cover letter addressing the above criteria, resume, and contact information for 3 references ALL in 1 document to Kristina Smucker (Kristina.Smucker AT mso.umt.edu). We will begin reviewing applications immediately and conduct interviews in January, 2013.
BIRD TECHNICIANS (8) needed for bird surveys in Montana from mid-May to mid-July 2013, with potential for some positions to begin early or end late. The Avian Science Center is seeking experienced point counters to conduct surveys for Montana portions of a regional long-term bird monitoring project (IMBCR). Technicians will be assigned to one of eight geographic areas. Field locations cover a range of elevations and habitats including conifer forest, sagebrush steppe, grasslands, and riparian habitats. Technicians will be expected to attend a week-long training workshop that begins May 13. Upon successful completion of training, technicians will work independently conducting bird surveys. The standard work schedule will be ten days on/four days off. Technicians must be able to identify all regional birds by sight and sound upon completion of training, hike off-trail in steep and difficult terrain, and communicate with private landowners. Primitive camping, often without phone service or facilities, will be required for all positions as well as occasional overnight backcountry travel. Some positions include working in grizzly bear country. Applicants should be enthusiastic, physically fit, and can expect long hours, multiple days of solitude, and spectacular country. Preference will be given to those with the ability to identify western birds by sight and sound. Technicians are expected to use their own vehicle for travel throughout the season. Binoculars, camping/backpacking gear, and a strong work ethic are required. Compensation: Monthly salary of $1,800-$2,500 DOE plus mileage (~ $0.50/mile) for project related driving, and $400 a month in camping/lodging reimbursement. To Apply: please send a cover letter with ONLY relevant experience; be sure to address the above criteria; send cover letter, resume, and contact information for 3 references ALL in 1 document to Kristina Smucker (email: Kristina.smucker AT mso.umt.edu). Positions open until filled. Initial application review begins immediately.
BIRD BANDING and EDUCATION CREW LEADER (1) needed from mid-May to mid-August 2013, with possibility to extend to mid-October. The Avian Science Center operates 4 songbird banding stations in the Butte, MT and Missoula, MT area. Stations will be run according to the MAPS protocol and the crew leader will be trained to educate the public about the effects of mining, the importance of riparian systems, and life history traits of songbirds. Other project duties include maintaining data sheets, assisting with Osprey banding and education, training technicians and interns, and target-netting Gray Catbirds to retrieve geolocators. Ideally, applicants will also have experience entering, proofing, and submitting MAPS data, and a portion of time will be spent each week doing so. Previous banding experience using MAPS protocol is required, experience with public education is preferred. Must be able to work under minimal supervision while leading a crew, and maintain a flexible work schedule including some weekends. Expect early morning hours, inclement weather, beautiful country, and rewarding work. Salary is ~ $2200-$2600/month DOE. Crew Leader will be expected to camp on occasion and must be willing to find their own housing. To apply please e-mail a cover letter including dates of availability and a resume with three references to: Kristina.smucker AT mso.umt.edu. We will begin reviewing applications February 1 and positions will be filled as suitable applicants are found.