Seasonal Crew Leader - Mexican Spotted Owl Monitoring; position

Title:

Seasonal Crew Leader – Mexican Spotted Owl Monitoring (1 position)

FLSA Status:
Seasonal / Non-exempt / Hourly

Reports to:

Avian Ecologist

Direct Reports:
Field Technicians and Interns

Location:

Douglas and Boulder counties in Colorado

Salary: $21 - $22/hour depending on previous experience. Limited overtime hours may be required. In addition to pay, reimbursement for project-related travel and lodging will be provided.

Duration: 5-7 weeks (tentative mid-May through June)

Benefits:
Not eligible

Start Date:

May 11th, 2025 (tentative)

The crew leader leads technicians and participate in conducting playback surveys to monitor Mexican Spotted Owl populations in the Pike-San Isabel National Forest, near Castle Rock, Colorado and Arapahoe-Roosevelt National Forest, near Boulder, Colorado.

Bird Conservancy of the Rockies conserves birds and their habitats through an integrated approach of science, education and stewardship. Our work extends from the Rockies to the Great Plains, Mexico and beyond. Our mission is advanced through sound science, achieved through empowering people, realized through stewardship and sustained through cross-border collaborations. We monitor and identify population trends, research habitat needs, engage landowners and managers in wildlife and habitat stewardship, and inspire audiences of all ages to be better stewards of the land.

Together, we are improving native bird populations, the land, and the lives of people. Learn more about our work and programs at our website:(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..org

Spend 1.5 months coordinating a monitoring project on the Arapahoe-Roosevelt and Pike San-Isabel National Forests in Colorado. All field work will be conducted with appropriate federal permits. Bird Conservancy of the Rockies is seeking 1 crew leader that will each steer another technician to conduct Spotted Owl surveys. This position will build leadership, management and mentorship skills while working on a charismatic federally-threatened species in Colorado.

Successful candidates will have excellent inter-personal and organizational skills, will be passionate about working outdoors and comfortable working in the backcountry. The crew leader is responsible for the logistical planning of the field season and will coordinate their crews’ schedule, gear use, and data collection. The crew leader assists the Avian Ecologist in: overseeing the field safety of the crew, and ensuring data quality, and adherence to USFWS approved survey protocols.

The crew leader is also responsible for coordinating access with US Forest Service biologists and partners and landowners. The first week of the field season, you will participate in an intensive training session with the Avian Ecologist. It will cover protocols, avian identification, safety protocols, GPS navigation and data entry. The second week of the training, you will assist the Avian Ecologist by co-leading the same training for the technicians.

• Work closely with Avian Ecologist to: manage another technician, train new employees, assign equipment, coordinate work schedules, enforce safety check-ins
• Coordinate with US Forest Service and landowners to confirm authorization and feasibility to access sites
• Research best routes to access sites and guiding technicians, develop backup plans to accommodate changes in the field (weather, road‑conditions etc.)
• Be on call to answer technician questions and help problem solve from noon to very early morning (~4:00 am) 5 days a week
• Work ~35-50 hours/week with highly variable hours (overtime pay provided); expect long hours in the field. Fieldwork conducted in weekly schedule: 5 days on/2 days off with limited flexibility for personal needs
• Travel and work with a field partner
• Drive on remote, 4wd roads and hiking on and off trail in steep rugged terrain on a regular basis
• Navigate to survey site using combination GPS, compass and map during the day and at night
• Car camp occasionally, often without cell service or facilities, and return to camp late at night from owl surveys
• Occasionally overnight backpack in remote roadless/wilderness…