Field Technician
Location: San Francisco Bay, Audubon California
Immediate Supervisor:
Division/Department:

The mission of Audubon California is to conserve and restore California's natural ecosystems, focusing on birds, other wildlife, and their habitats for the benefit of humanity and the earth's biological diversity. By connecting people with nature, Audubon California will be a leader in creating a powerful California voice for the environment, deeply rooted in and broadly drawn from all parts of our population.

The San Francisco Bay Estuary is among the most significant shorebird and waterbird sites in North America.  It is an Important Bird Area (IBA) of global significance providing critical breeding, wintering and stopping grounds for over 70 percent of migratory birds of the Pacific Flyway.  Audubon California has a significant presence on San Francisco Bay through its long-term lease of 900 acres of subtidal lands in Richardson Bay (north of San Francisco). 

In the past several years, Audubon California has partnered with National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), San Francisco State University, San Pablo Bay National Wildlife Refuge, PRBO Conservation Science, San Francisco Bay Bird Observatory, and United States Geological Survey (USGS) to increase restoration and research in San Francisco Bay.  In 2008, Audubon California and San Pablo Bay National Wildlife Refuge will commence a new tidal restoration project on Tubbs Island.  The Restoration Technician will collaborate directly with partners on ecological restoration and research projects primarily at this new wetland restoration project within San Pablo Bay National Wildlife Refuge and Richardson Bay Audubon Center & Sanctuary. 

Summary of Position

The Restoration Technician will be responsible for working with Audubon staff, public and private partners on a variety of ecological restoration and research projects throughout the greater San Francisco Bay Area.  Audubon staff include a San Francisco Bay Area Conservation Coordinator, Estuarine Ecologist, Richardson Bay Field Technician, and Richardson Bay Sanctuary Manager.

The Restoration Technician will work well as a collaborator in groups, and as well as being efficient and productive when working alone.  The Technician will be comfortable working in the field in a variety of weather conditions, and at a desk.

The Restoration Technician will be based at San Pablo Bay National Wildlife Refuge office and/or Audubon California’s Emeryville office, will report to the San Francisco Bay Conservation Coordinator, and work closely with Refuge staff.

This is a seven month, ~ 20 hours/week position and will be extended if additional funds can be secured.

Primary Duties

San Pablo Bay National Wildlife Refuge (approx. 20 hours/week)

• Work with San Francisco Bay Coordinator to establish bird monitoring protocol
• Conduct songbird and waterbird surveys routinely at the Refuge
• Work with San Francisco Bay Coordinator to organize Audubon and Refuge volunteers to assist with survey efforts
• Assist Refuge biologist with endangered species surveys (Clapper Rails and salt marsh harvest mouse)
• Work with Estuarine Ecologist/San Francisco Bay Coordinator to establish vegetation monitoring protocol
• Conduct routine vegetation sampling
• Conduct physical sampling (e.g., sediments, water levels)
• Conduct photo-documentation
• Develop and maintain project database
• Enter field data
• Prepare draft end of season report with Refuge and Audubon staff
• Assist Refuge biologist with plant restoration

Other

• As time permits, assist with other Audubon California projects

• Applicants must have strong interpersonal skills and be in good physical condition (able to walk long hours), be willing to potentially work some weekends, holidays, and odd/long hours that may change (dependent upon wildlife and weather). Vehicle required for travel between field sites; reimbursement for miles will be provided.
• Prior experience with data collection and management, avian field monitoring, and wildlife tracking preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree, or working towards a bachelor’s degree in wildlife biology/management, ecology, zoology, environmental science, marine biology, or related field.
• Prior experience with bird censusing, particularly shorebirds and waterfowl, preferred as well as knowledge of birds of the San Francisco Bay region. 
• Knowledge of San Francisco Bay region flora and vegetation sampling preferred.
• Good organizational skills, demonstrated initiative, flexibility, creativity, sound judgment and a positive attitude.
• Comfort in using PC-based computers and related programs.
• Commitment to Audubon California’s mission.

The National Audubon Society's mission is to conserve and restore natural ecosystems, focusing on birds, other wildlife, and their habitats for the benefit of humanity and the Earth's biological diversity.

Audubon promotes a diverse workplace and is an equal opportunity employer. It is the policy of the National Audubon Society to employ the man or woman best qualified for the job regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability (handicap) or marital status.