2026 Part-Time Bird Bander to help run MAPS stations in the Northern Sierra

Point Blue Conservation Science is a growing and internationally renowned non-profit organization with over 160 staff and scientists. Founded in 1965 as Point Reyes Bird Observatory, our mission and programs have evolved over time to include a broad range of conservation activity, from restoration to environmental education to innovative work in the field of regenerative agriculture. We have a proven track record of scientific excellence.

We are hiring one seasonal, part-time Avian Technician to help us run two long-term MAPS stations near Lassen Volcanic National Park. Both stations are in meadows, yielding capture rates of ~ 25 – 80 birds per day and consisting of ~50 species in a season, with some of the more common species being Song Sparrows, Wilson's Warblers, Orange-crowned Warblers, and MacGillivray's Warblers. In addition to banding, the technician will help with data entry and validation each week. This position presents an opportunity to work with a variety of birds among the stunning mountains of northern California and offers experience helping to manage two productive MAPS stations and long-term datasets that are the result of decades of collaboration with the Lassen Volcanic NP and other organizations.

Location: To be determined based on candidate preference. We can provide housing near our study sites, and are flexible about what those arrangements might look like given the needs of a part-time employee

Duration: Tentatively, 25 May – 7 August 2026

Job type: Part-time, seasonal

Compensation: $23.15 per hour, depending on experience, with overtime pay according to California State law. Hourly rate of pay subject to change due to 2026 salary projections. Housing will be provided at no cost in Chester, CA on dates when working at the MAPS stations.  Benefits limited to up to 40 hours of sick pay.

Primary duties include but are not limited to: Helping clear net lanes; setting up, and taking down, mist nets and banding station; extracting and banding birds; identifying, sexing, and micro-aging birds; data entry and proofing (could potentially be completed remotely). MAPS stations are run every ten days, and so the part-time technician would need to be in, or near, Chester, CA for two days at a time approximately every-other-week (one day for each banding station). This technician will generally work 40-60 hours per month, and we are flexible and might be able to accommodate fewer hours if needed. Weekly work distribution will vary based on banding dates.

Minimum qualifications:Experience extracting, banding and micro-aging passerine and near-passerine species, preferably in the Western U.S.Experience running, or helping run, a passive mist netting operationAll candidates must feel confident in their ability to hike and navigate in complex wetland habitats with uneven ground and dense shrub coverWe require self-motivation, enthusiasm, a good sense of direction, the ability to cope with inclement weather and sometimes high-volume bird capture activity, the willingness to spend long hours in the field with additional time on the computer, and the ability to work well independently and with othersMust have a valid U.S. driver's license, at least two years of driving experience, and will be asked to provide information to verify their good driving record with one or fewer moving violations in the last three yearsAbility to lift and carry up to 40 pounds and actively hike for up to 5 hours per day to check netsPreferred qualifications:Multiple seasons of passerine banding experienceAn academic background in ecology, environmental studies, or related fieldUse of a personal vehicle is highly desirable and might be necessary depending on the technician's location. If a personal vehicle is used, you must have proof of insurance. We reimburse for mileage at the Federal IRS rate for using a personal vehicle for work. The vehicle does not need to be an off-road or 4WD vehicleWork environment and physical requirements: The work environment includes locations with limited cell reception, complex meadow terrain, with a MAPS team. All field locations are near a paved road with vehicle access. Must be able to lift and carry up to 40 pounds and hike actively for up to 5 hours per day.

Equipment: Field technicians should have their own field gear including binoculars, daypack, raingear, hiking boots, knee high rubber boots, etc. A list of required and suggested items to bring with you will be provided upon hiring. Please speak to the interviewing biologist if this presents an overwhelming financial burden; it may be possible to find some personal gear for loan for the duration of the season.

Point Blue is an equal employment opportunity employer and does not discriminate against applicants or employees because of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, citizenship status, disability status of an otherwise qualified individual, membership or application for membership in an uniformed service, or membership in any other class protected by applicable law and will make reasonable accommodation for applicants  with disabilities to complete the application and/or participate in the  interview process.

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