Opportunities

Eagle Vehicle Strike Project Field Technician – (8) Positions


Classification: Seasonal, Full Time
Location: Multiple locations in the Intermountain West (see below)
Salary: $3,100/month
Application Deadline: November 11, 2024

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About HawkWatch International

Founded in 1986, HawkWatch International (HWI) is a raptor conservation nonprofit with a mission to conserve the environment through education, long-term monitoring, and scientific research on raptors as indicators of ecosystem health. As we approach 40 years of conservation, we are ready to invest in people who can help our hardworking team of educators, scientists, and administrative staff.

About the Position

HawkWatch International is seeking eight technicians (two per study area) to conduct fieldwork from January through mid-April, 2025 as part of HWI’s ongoing study of eagle-vehicle collisions and eagle conservation in the west. Technicians will be responsible for patrolling highways by vehicle, spotting roadkill carcasses, and relocating them ~40ft off the road to reduce the risk of eagle-vehicle collisions. Technicians will also set up and maintain trail cameras to monitor eagle use of carcasses, review photos, and collect data on eagle and other raptor mortality. The position involves long hours of winter driving (potentially more than 8 hrs per day) interspersed with physically demanding work (i.e., lifting or dragging large animal carcasses with a partner). The team of two will work together with minimal supervision for the duration of the surveys. Technicians can expect 2 to 3 days a week spent actively patrolling roads via vehicle for carcasses and 1 to 2 days managing and entering data. Technicians will be responsible for providing their own housing, and one person in the two-person team will be utilizing their personal vehicle to conduct surveys (there will be an extra stipend for vehicle maintenance). Due to the rural location and short duration of this winter position, applicants who already live locally are preferred. The study areas are as follows (two technicians will be hired per site):

  • Wyoming/Colorado Border: Along the border of Wyoming and Colorado near Baggs, WY and Craig, CO
  • Central Utah: Richfield, UT
  • Southwest Utah: Cedar City, UT
  • South/Central Idaho: Twin Falls, ID

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

  • Surveying for roadkill carcasses along highways
  • Physically relocating roadkill carcasses at least 12m from roadway
  • Detailed record keeping of data associated with roadkill relocation effort and surveys
  • Installation and maintenance of trail cameras at relocated carcasses

Qualifications (Essential Skills)

  • A valid driver’s license
  • Experience driving safely in winter conditions
  • A keen eye for searching and spotting big game and other animals
  • Attention to detail and excellent note-taking skills
  • Ability to navigate using maps and a GPS unit
  • Ability to lift 75lbs and drag 200lbs with a partner
  • A strong stomach and the ability to work with dead wildlife

Characteristics That Will Set You Apart (Desirable skills)

  • Ability to ID western raptor species experience is a plus, but not required
  • Experience with basic vehicle maintenance and repair (changing tires, putting on snow chains, getting unstuck from mud/snow, etc.)
  • Live local to study area, local knowledge of area/roads

Additional Information

  • Technicians will work 40hrs/week for 3.5 months from January-mid April 2025. They will also participate in a short, paid training period in December 2024. This training may be conducted virtually.
  • The technician can expect to work long hours (potentially up to 12 hours in a day).
  • This position will be repeated a second year (same timeframe January-April in 2026). Interested and qualified candidates would be considered for both seasons.
  • As part of our commitment to providing a safe and secure work environment, we conduct background checks on all prospective employees. These checks are conducted in accordance with applicable laws and regulations and are designed to ensure that our hiring decisions are based on legitimate, non-discriminatory reasons.
  • Key Points:
    • Consent: We obtain written consent before conducting any background check.
    • Transparency: Should any information from a background check potentially impact hiring decisions, we will provide you with a copy of the report and an opportunity to respond.
    • Non-discrimination: We apply the same standards to all candidates, regardless of race, national origin, color, sex, religion, disability, genetic information, or age.
    • Relevance: A criminal record will not automatically disqualify you from employment. We will consider the nature and timing of any offenses in relation to the job requirements.
    • Mandatory: Final approval of hiring is contingent upon completion of the background check process.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

We believe that just as in nature, diversity in the workforce fosters adaptability, resilience, and well-being. We strive to build a team that reflects the stakeholders and communities we serve and the places we work. Our goal is to create an environment where each team member feels valued, respected, and empowered in their work.

Compensation

This seasonal position offers a salary of $3,100/month plus a $750 vehicle stipend if utilizing a personal vehicle for surveys. Benefits are not available.

How to Apply

Send a cover letter expressing your interest in and qualifications for this position, resume, and contact information for two references as a single PDF document to Frankie Vierela at fvierela@hawkwatch.org by November 11, 2024, for priority consideration. Please write “EVS ( Desired Location) Application – {Your Name}” in the subject line of your email. Please include your desired location in your application (WY-CO, Richfield, Cedar City, or Twin Falls). Applications may be reviewed ahead of November 11, 2024, during a standardized scoring process that will determine which applicants move on to be interviewed. We anticipate that we will have selected all applicants for interviews by November 15, 2024. Interviews will take place the following two weeks. We plan to make an offer no later than Dec 10, 2024.

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