Corvus Ecological Consulting is seeking two qualified field biologists for an avian fatality monitoring project in Desert Center, California. We seek to fill two positions: Project Manager and Surveyor. The project will commence February 22, 2021 and the expected duration is 2 years. It is estimated that work will average 40 hours per week, five days per week. Applicants will be required to respect all COVID-19 protocols and CDC guidelines involving social distancing and mask wearing. Anyone not prepared to follow COVID-19 guidelines should not apply. A COVID test must be taken within three days of the start date and a negative result must be presented on the first day of work.

The Project Manager will be responsible for overall project coordination and conducting carcass persistence and searcher efficiency field trials. The Project Manager will be responsible for the oversight of 1-3 surveyors. Additional tasks include report writing, data entry, data review, game camera management, photo management, transportation of injured birds to rehabilitation facilities, Common Raven surveys, trial specimen management and trial specimen procurement. Additional tasks may be added as the project progresses. The successful candidate will be good at scheduling, problem solving, have a strong work ethic and positive attitude, and have attention to detail.

Field Surveyor primary duties will include conducting transects to locate bird and bat fatalities within the project boundary, carcass collection, data entry, game camera management, capture and release of stranded birds, transportation of injured birds to rehabilitation facilities and Common Raven surveys. The ideal candidate will have good attention to detail and the ability to concentrate while performing monotonous tasks in adverse weather conditions.

This work takes place in the Mojave Desert of Southern California and is year-round including summer months where temperatures often exceed 110˚ F. Applicants should have experience working in extreme climates.

Minimum requirements for both positions are: 

• Ability to walk 10 miles per day (average 40 miles per week) on uneven terrain
• Have exceptional knowledge and experience with avian communities of the Mojave Desert
• Ability to identify birds of the Mojave Desert by sight
• Have experience with GPS units, basecamp software, and topographic maps
• Experience with digital data collection systems or databases
• Bachelor of Science in biology or related field
• A minimum of 2 years of field experience working with birds. Work conducted as part of a university course is not included, thesis or dissertation experience can be included.
• Have a keen eye for details
• A valid driver’s license and clean driving record
• Have experience working with individuals from a variety of backgrounds

Preference will be given to candidates that have experience conducting avian surveys on renewable energy facilities especially, related to fatality monitoring. Applicants for the Project Manager position must have at least two years of experience with avian fatality monitoring.

Compensation includes:

• Shared housing in Desert Center, CA
• Surveyor – $52,000/ year salaried position
• Project Manager – $70,000.00/ year salaried position
• Reimbursement for personal vehicle use – $0.56/ mile (onsite project miles only)