Tidal Marsh Bird Technician

Tidal Marsh Bird Technician

Position Description: One (1) Tidal Marsh Bird Technician is needed to assist with saltmarsh bird data collection for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Southern New England Coastal Program (SNEP), based on Long Island, NY. Technician will be hired through Northwoods Stewardship Center (a Public Lands Corps Hiring Authority) and function as an independent contractor at USFWS. Technician’s primary responsibilities will focus on monitoring at-risk tidal marsh sparrow species including Saltmarsh Sparrow and Seaside Sparrow. Duties will involve assisting with songbird banding, point counts, salt marsh vegetation data collection, nest searching, and salt marsh restoration data collection in salt marshes across New York and Connecticut.  

Applicants must be capable of hiking long distances in wet/soggy/muddy conditions and jumping over ditches carrying heavy equipment in a variety of conditions including exposure to high temperatures and humidity, limited shade, and biting insects. Must be a team player, have a positive attitude, and be willing to work on other projects within the biological program as needed.  

Applicants should be able to work well as part of team led by a Wildlife Biologist or Crew Leader and be able to work independently without direct supervision if needed. Work schedule will be 5 days per week with early morning work (arrival on site ~5 am most days). 

Requirements: Applicants are required to have or be working towards a Bachelor’s degree in a natural resources related field. Applicants should have a strong interest in conservation and wildlife. Applicants are required to have a valid U.S. driver’s license. Occasional overnight travel to remote field sites may be required. Previous experience collecting data in a field setting and experience identifying birds by sight and sound is preferred but not required. 

Position Dates: One position available from ~late May-mid September (exact start and end dates flexible). 

Salary: $700/week. Shared housing will be provided on Long Island, NY. Government vehicle for use during  work hours will be provided. A personal vehicle for use outside official duties/work hours is recommended. 

How to Apply: Send letter of interest, resume, and contact information for 3 references as a single PDF document with “Tidal Marsh Bird Technician” in the subject line to SNEP_Seasonals@fws.gov by February 20, 2024. Applications will be reviewed as they are received, so you are encouraged to apply early.

Justice, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at NorthWoods:

People of every race, color, gender, gender expression, age, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, religion, belief system and background are encouraged to apply. Reasonable accommodation will be made for applicants with disabilities.  NorthWoods believes that diversity in our workplace is essential to building vibrant human and natural communities and strives to provide opportunities for everyone without discrimination.

About NorthWoods

NorthWoods Stewardship Center is a non-profit conservation and education organization based in East Charleston, Vermont.  We serve the communities of Northern Vermont and New Hampshire, as well as facilitating conservation projects and programs throughout New England.  Our main lodge and facilities are part of a 1,500 acre conserved campus and demonstration forest, open to the public, year-round. We achieve our mission to connect people and place through the synergy of four program areas:  Environmental Education, the Conservation Corps, Conservation Science, and Forest Stewardship. Learn more about us.