Work at SFBBO
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waterbird biologist
WATERBIRD BIOLOGIST
The San Francisco Bay Bird Observatory (SFBBO) is seeking a full-time Waterbird Biologist to assist with and coordinate waterbird field studies. The Waterbird Biologist position will begin in mid-August. This will be a 16 month appointment with opportunity for extension if funding allows. The position will be based in Milpitas, CA. The biologist will receive training and mentorship from SFBBO staff and will develop their skills in waterbird survey techniques, data management, and project management. The Biologist will be coordinating and participating in surveys at managed ponds in support of the South Bay Salt Pond Restoration Project (www.southbayrestoration.org), in addition to SFBBO’s California Gull Research and Monitoring, Colonial Waterbird Nest Monitoring, and Avian Disease Prevention programs (https://www.sfbbo.org/avian-science.html). The Biologist will transition from a participant into a coordinator role for multiple waterbird programs following an initial 3-6 month training period with SFBBO staff.
Key Responsibilities:
Required Qualifications:
Preferred Qualifications:
Compensation: This is a full-time paid position at an hourly rate of $18-20 depending on experience. The position provides health benefits, generous paid time off, access to a state-run retirement program, and some flexibility in work schedule. An SFBBO vehicle or reimbursement for use of a personal vehicle will be available for pre-approved, work-related travel. SFBBO will provide most field gear, including a spotting scope.
TO APPLY
Please e-mail the following materials to Dr. Max Tarjan, mtarjan@sfbbo.org: 1) cover letter, 2) resume, and 3) list of three references (names, email addresses, and phone numbers). Include all materials in one Word or PDF file, and include your last name in the file name. Include “Waterbird Biologist” in the e-mail subject. Application review will begin August 12th. SFBBO is an EOE.
The San Francisco Bay Bird Observatory (SFBBO) is seeking a full-time Waterbird Biologist to assist with and coordinate waterbird field studies. The Waterbird Biologist position will begin in mid-August. This will be a 16 month appointment with opportunity for extension if funding allows. The position will be based in Milpitas, CA. The biologist will receive training and mentorship from SFBBO staff and will develop their skills in waterbird survey techniques, data management, and project management. The Biologist will be coordinating and participating in surveys at managed ponds in support of the South Bay Salt Pond Restoration Project (www.southbayrestoration.org), in addition to SFBBO’s California Gull Research and Monitoring, Colonial Waterbird Nest Monitoring, and Avian Disease Prevention programs (https://www.sfbbo.org/avian-science.html). The Biologist will transition from a participant into a coordinator role for multiple waterbird programs following an initial 3-6 month training period with SFBBO staff.
Key Responsibilities:
- Conduct waterbird surveys and water quality sampling at South Bay managed ponds
- Coordinate pond selection, equipment and staff schedules for pond surveys
- Lead walkthrough censuses of large gull colonies, recruit volunteers and manage data entry and proofing
- Maintain vehicles, boat, and field equipment; track water quality calibration supplies
- Lead driving surveys, conduct boat trips, and coordinate volunteers to collect dead, diseased, and injured birds in South Bay sloughs as part of an effort to prevent avian botulism outbreaks
- Count gulls, conduct behavioral surveys, and prepare reports for Abatement and Landfill Gull project
- Prepare annual report for Avian Disease Prevention Program with Program Director assistance
- Work with SFBBO staff, partner agencies, and volunteers to coordinate field work
- Enter, proof, and manage data collected
- Train and supervise interns and volunteers
- Assist with equipment maintenance, report preparation and other SFBBO projects as assigned
- Participate in outreach and educational activities as needed
Required Qualifications:
- BA/BS in biology, ecology, or related field
- Familiarity with waterbird species of the San Francisco Bay (including shorebirds, waterfowl and gulls)
- Good physical condition and enthusiasm for long days in the field
- Willingness to tolerate harsh field conditions (mud, sun, dust, salt spray)
- Willingness to work irregular hours including early mornings, evenings and some weekends
- Willingness to operate kayaks and small motorized boats
- Strong work ethic, organizational skills, and attention to detail
- Valid driver’s license, clean driving record, and reliable personal vehicle
- Ability to navigate and orient using maps
- Solid computer skills, including working knowledge of MS Access and Excel
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Effective oral and written communication skills
Preferred Qualifications:
- MA/MS in biology, ecology, or related field
- Excellent waterbird identification skills
- Off-road driving experience (SFBBO truck provided for off-road driving)
- Boating experience (kayaks and small motorized boats)
- Experience conducting field work in the San Francisco Bay
- Experience coordinating field projects and training volunteers
Compensation: This is a full-time paid position at an hourly rate of $18-20 depending on experience. The position provides health benefits, generous paid time off, access to a state-run retirement program, and some flexibility in work schedule. An SFBBO vehicle or reimbursement for use of a personal vehicle will be available for pre-approved, work-related travel. SFBBO will provide most field gear, including a spotting scope.
TO APPLY
Please e-mail the following materials to Dr. Max Tarjan, mtarjan@sfbbo.org: 1) cover letter, 2) resume, and 3) list of three references (names, email addresses, and phone numbers). Include all materials in one Word or PDF file, and include your last name in the file name. Include “Waterbird Biologist” in the e-mail subject. Application review will begin August 12th. SFBBO is an EOE.
waterbird intern
WATERBIRD INTERNSHIPS
The San Francisco Bay Bird Observatory (SFBBO) is seeking two full-time Waterbird Interns to assist with waterbird field studies. The two waterbird internships will begin in September 2019, with a preferred training period beginning in mid-August. The internships require a 9-month commitment through May 2020, and have the possibility of extension depending on project needs. The internships will be based in Milpitas, CA. The interns will receive training and mentorship from SFBBO staff and will develop their skills in waterbird survey techniques and data management. The interns will be assisting with surveys at managed ponds in support of the South Bay Salt Pond Restoration Project (www.southbayrestoration.org). The interns may assist with additional projects in the Waterbird Program, including SFBBO’s California Gull Research and Monitoring, Colonial Waterbird Nest Monitoring, and Avian Disease Prevention programs (https://www.sfbbo.org/avian-science.html).
Key Responsibilities:
Required Qualifications:
Preferred Qualifications:
Compensation: Applicants should be students or recent graduates (within the last year) with a degree in wildlife biology, environmental science or a related field. This is a full-time internship position. A stipend of $250/week will be provided. Shared housing may be available at the Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge in Fremont, CA for non-residents. An SFBBO vehicle or reimbursement for use of a personal vehicle will be available for pre-approved, work-related travel. SFBBO will provide most field gear, including a spotting scope.
TO APPLY
Please e-mail the following materials to Dr. Max Tarjan, mtarjan@sfbbo.org: 1) cover letter, 2) resume, and 3) list of three references (names, email addresses, and phone numbers). Include all materials in one Word or PDF file, and include your last name in the file name. Include “Waterbird Internship” in the e-mail subject. Application review will begin August 12th. SFBBO is an EOE.
The San Francisco Bay Bird Observatory (SFBBO) is seeking two full-time Waterbird Interns to assist with waterbird field studies. The two waterbird internships will begin in September 2019, with a preferred training period beginning in mid-August. The internships require a 9-month commitment through May 2020, and have the possibility of extension depending on project needs. The internships will be based in Milpitas, CA. The interns will receive training and mentorship from SFBBO staff and will develop their skills in waterbird survey techniques and data management. The interns will be assisting with surveys at managed ponds in support of the South Bay Salt Pond Restoration Project (www.southbayrestoration.org). The interns may assist with additional projects in the Waterbird Program, including SFBBO’s California Gull Research and Monitoring, Colonial Waterbird Nest Monitoring, and Avian Disease Prevention programs (https://www.sfbbo.org/avian-science.html).
Key Responsibilities:
- Conduct waterbird surveys and water quality sampling at South Bay ponds
- Conduct gull counts and behavioral survey at local landfills
- Work with SFBBO staff, partner agencies, and volunteers to coordinate field work
- Enter, proof, and manage data collected
- Assist with equipment maintenance and other SFBBO projects as assigned
Required Qualifications:
- Coursework toward a degree in biology, ecology, or related field
- Familiarity with waterbird species of the San Francisco Bay (including shorebirds, waterfowl and gulls)
- Good physical condition and enthusiasm for long days in the field
- Willingness to tolerate harsh field conditions (mud, sun, dust, salt spray)
- Willingness to work irregular hours including early mornings, evenings and some weekends
- Strong work ethic, organizational skills, and attention to detail
- Valid driver’s license, clean driving record, and reliable personal vehicle
- Ability to navigate and orient using maps
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Effective oral and written communication skills
Preferred Qualifications:
- Recently completed BA/BS in biology, ecology, or related field
- Excellent waterbird identification skills
- Off-road driving experience (SFBBO truck provided for off-road driving)
- Solid computer skills, including working knowledge of MS Access and Excel
- Experience conducting field work in the San Francisco Bay
Compensation: Applicants should be students or recent graduates (within the last year) with a degree in wildlife biology, environmental science or a related field. This is a full-time internship position. A stipend of $250/week will be provided. Shared housing may be available at the Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge in Fremont, CA for non-residents. An SFBBO vehicle or reimbursement for use of a personal vehicle will be available for pre-approved, work-related travel. SFBBO will provide most field gear, including a spotting scope.
TO APPLY
Please e-mail the following materials to Dr. Max Tarjan, mtarjan@sfbbo.org: 1) cover letter, 2) resume, and 3) list of three references (names, email addresses, and phone numbers). Include all materials in one Word or PDF file, and include your last name in the file name. Include “Waterbird Internship” in the e-mail subject. Application review will begin August 12th. SFBBO is an EOE.
| 2019_waterbird_biologist_announcement.pdf |
| 2019_waterbird_internship_announcement.pdf |