Opportunities


Eagle Studies Field Technician


Classification: Seasonal, Full-time Position (approximately 40 hours/week for 6 months, January – June, 2027)
Location: Salt Lake City, UT
Salary: $3,100/month
Hiring Managers: Dr. Steve Slater and Cody Allen

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. We have 40 years of experience in research and conservation, and continue to invest in people who can help our hardworking team of educators, scientists, and administrative staff.

About the Position

HawkWatch International is seeking a qualified person to participate in various Golden Eagle research projects from January through June, as part of HWI’s ongoing conservation and monitoring work in Utah and Wyoming. The technician will participate in three main projects. As part of our Wyoming “Eagle Vehicle Strike” team, the technician will work with a partner to patrol highways by vehicle 1-3 days/week, from January to mid-April, to document and relocate roadkill carcasses ~40 ft off the road to reduce the risk of eagle-vehicle collisions. The team will work together with minimal supervision for the duration of the survey season and will move items as large as deer or elk. The technician will also assist with our “Golden Eagle Winter Ecology” project in western Utah, from January to mid-April, typically for 2-3 days/week. This work will involve driving to remote sites to place dead antelope, setting and maintaining camera traps and perch scales, and assisting with eagle trapping efforts. Finally, the technician will assist with Golden Eagle nest monitoring and banding in western Utah from late February through June. Nest monitoring will be conducted primarily from a vehicle with a high-powered spotting scope and binoculars. This work occurs in remote landscapes, usually solo, and may involve overnight camping. Eagle handling, banding, and transmitter work would occur under the supervision of other HWI staff. The position will also involve data entry and photo review associated with these projects, especially in the later months of the position. Housing provided near our Salt Lake City office.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

  • Surveying for and relocating roadkill carcasses along highways
  • Transporting and weighing roadkill antelope
  • Camera and perch scale set-up and maintenance
  • Assisting with eagle trapping and handling
  • Golden Eagle nest monitoring
  • Detailed record-keeping of data associated with projects
  • Data entry and photo review

Qualifications (Essential Skills)

  • A valid driver’s license
  • Experience driving safely in winter conditions
  • A keen eye for searching and spotting roadkill and eagles
  • 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 partner
  • A strong stomach and ability to work with dead wildlife
  • Adaptability and ability to work both independently and with others

Characteristics That Will Set You Apart (Desirable skills)

  • Ability to ID western raptor species is a plus, but not required
  • Raptor nest monitoring and/or handling experience
  • Experience with basic vehicle maintenance and repair (changing tires, getting vehicle unstuck from mud/snow, etc.)

Additional Information

  • 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.

How to Apply


Submit an application using this form (https://www.jotform.com/build/262814746433057). Please include your resume and contact information for two references as a single PDF by November 4, for priority consideration. Applications will be reviewed as they are received 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 6, 2026. We plan to make offers no later than November 30, 2026.

** Please note, we are not able to accept international applicants at this time. **

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