Field Technician, NC Ivory-billed Woodpecker Search
Location: Wilmington, NC
Immediate Supervisor: State Deputy Director, NC State Office
Division/Department: NC Science

Purpose of the Position

In April 2005, the rediscovery of the Ivory-billed Woodpecker  in Arkansas was announced.  Following this announcement, reassessments of historically occupied areas throughout the Southeast began.  The North Carolina Ivory-billed Woodpecker Search Field Technician will be responsible for implementing standardized protocols developed for systematically searching for the presence of Ivory-billed Woodpecker in the swamp forests and associated woodlands of southeastern North Carolina.  Simultaneously, the field technician will survey the study area to assist in research pertaining to the North Carolina Important Bird Areas program.  The study locations include the Waccamaw River bottomlands and associated tributaries, selected areas along the Lumber River, and other site TBD. Search efforts will require long days in remote locations and will be physically demanding. After each search day, the field technician will be required to download and enter field data, and maintain all field equipment.  Other duties will include: camping, use of canoe or motorized boat, organizing and training volunteers, use of audio and video recording equipment.

Special Considerations:
This grant-funded position is for one year only. Continued employment  is contingent on procuring additional funding.

Essential Functions:

The NC Ivory-billed Woodpecker Search Field Technician must have very good bird identification skills and be familiar with forest birds of southeastern NC.  The field technician will be required to work long days, usually alone, in remote swamp forests in southeastern NC.  The work will be physically demanding at times.  The field technician will be required to use video and sound equipment, digital still photography equipment, a GPS unit, binoculars, spotting scope, computer, maps, and additional field equipment as needed. The field technician will be required to take detailed field notes each day, complete data sheets, maintain a database, keep detailed records, and have excellent organizational, writing, and verbal communication skills. After each search day, field technician will be required to download and enter field data, and maintain all field equipment in good working order.  Other duties will include: camping, use of canoe or motorized boat, organizing and training volunteers, literature review and searches, research summaries, public speaking and presentations, producing reports, representing Audubon NC at key meetings and working groups, and other functions as necessary. 

Job Description - NC Ivory-billed Woodpecker Field Technician:

• Implement standardized protocols developed for systematically searching for the presence of Ivory-billed Woodpecker in southeastern NC;
• Inventory birds and monitor assemblages of birds at study sites;
• Coordinate, manage, and recruit Ivory-billed Woodpecker Search participants;
• Manage a database for NC Ivory-billed Woodpecker Search;
• Record, photograph, and document all evidence, in whole or in part, that may indicate the presence of an Ivory-billed Woodpecker;
• Maintain daily, detailed, and extensive field notes; complete data sheets.

Additional Functions:

Prepare and present outreach and education programs, including public presentations; write articles, reports and updates, keep detailed field notes and records, attend Board and other meetings, coordinate volunteers; work with partner agencies/organizations and volunteers.  Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to meet deadlines are essential.  Travel statewide (including overnights and weekends) required. 

Other duties as assigned.

Relationships

Internal:

Work with all Audubon North Carolina staff and Audubon NC Board of Trustees.

External:

Extensive contact with Audubon chapters, private landowners, NC state agencies, federal agencies (e.g., U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, NC Wildlife Resources Commission, Natural Resources Conservation Service, US Forest Service, and others), community leaders, conservation organizations, and volunteers.

Measurement of Performance

Monthly reports and biannual Performance Management Plan (PMP)

Equipment: (e.g., computer, typewriter, calculator, copy machines, telephone, etc.)

Standard office equipment (i.e., phone, fax, copier, MS Windows operating system computer, etc.).  Familiarity with Microsoft Office Software products (Access, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.), ESRI software, GPS operation, small motor boat, canoe and/or kayak, video and sound equipment, digital still photography equipment, binoculars, spotting scope, maps, and additional field equipment as needed.

Qualifications (e.g., education, training, experience, licenses and skills)

 B.S. degree is required, M.S. preferred, in conservation biology, wildlife biology, ornithology, natural resources, or equivalent experience is required. Keen interest in bird conservation, experience in avian monitoring and inventory/survey methodologies required.  Must be willing to work long days, usually alone and without direct supervision, in remote swamp forests in southeastern NC.  The work will be physically demanding at times, therefore the applicant must be physically capable of completing all assigned duties (see physical requirements). Excellent public speaking and writing skills, familiarity with a variety of software programs, ability to organize and manage complex projects with a variety of partners, and a willingness to travel.  Must possess a valid driver’s license.

Physical Requirements: (e.g., lifting, reaching, climb, push/pull, etc.)

Moderate outdoor activity (walking on flat, moderate slopes, and sometimes uneven or muddy terrain) related to field work required, climbing in and out of boats sometimes required, ability to carry binoculars, spotting scope, data collection gear, and other light equipment required.  Lifting, reaching, climbing, push/pull motions required as needed for the operation of office and field equipment.

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.