Grassland Project Crew Leader

Job Overview

The Missouri River Bird Observatory (MRBO) is seeking a Grassland Bird Project Field Crew Leader for the 2022 field season. This position will begin April 15^th and last through November 15^th, 2022, with the possibility of extension.

MRBO’s grassland projects are entirely conservation-focused and target species include some of the most precipitously declining birds in North America such as Eastern Meadowlark, Henslow’s Sparrow and Grasshopper Sparrow.

The Field Crew Leader will coordinate and supervise MRBO’s grassland bird breeding survey, nest-searching and monitoring, and fall migration survey projects. There is a possibility for additional work on other projects if time allows but the grassland projects are the focus of this position. Participation in education and outreach events may be required if time allows.

After a training period in mid-April, the Crew Leader will be responsible for coordinating all logistics and daily operations of the survey and nest-monitoring projects and supervising two seasonal technicians. Nest-searching and monitoring will take place from late-April through early/mid-August. Line-transect surveys will take place from mid-May through the end of June.

Beginning in late August, the crew leader will be responsible for training and then supervising one seasonal technician for repeat line-transect bird surveys on two prairies to monitor the phenology and grassland occupancy of migrating birds. This will take place from September 1st through November 15^th.

All survey and nest-monitoring data are collected on smartphones/devices using ArcGIS Field Maps. This is a good opportunity for gaining leadership experience working in a threatened habitat and employing innovative technology for conservation purposes in the ArcGIS Online (AGOL) platform. The crew leader will have a small role in managing data in AGOL throughout the position.

Required Qualifications:

• Excellent Midwest bird ID by sight and sound.
• Experience with grassland bird nest-searching.
• Strong environmental conservation ethic.
• Outgoing, positive, and professional demeanor with ability to interact with agency staff, private landowners, and general
• Supervisory, leadership, and mentoring skills.
• Flexibility to work within changing logistics and live in close quarters with a small group.
• Excellent physical condition, stamina, and ability to handle hot and humid weather, ticks, chiggers, and occasional encounters with cattle on private
• A personal vehicle, 4WD/AWD/high clearance encouraged.
• Fully vaccinated against Covid-19 (required before employment)

The grassland bird breeding season is a short but intense field season where at least 6 days/week of work are needed. Off-days are usually due to weather. Use of personal vehicle for traveling to and from work sites is required. Compensation is $2000-$2200/month (D.O.E.), mileage reimbursement for personal vehicle use at $0.35/mile, and shared housing with all utilities. This position occasionally requires travel to survey sites far from the field house, sometimes for as long as a week. Camping may be required while on the road. Lodging and camping costs will be reimbursed. The home base housing in El Dorado Springs, MO has internet access, clothes washer/dryer, and free access to the community recreation center.

Please send a letter of interest, resume, and contact information for three references to [email protected] and CC [email protected] and [email protected]. Please address your qualifications as listed above. Deadline is February 15th, 2022 but applications will be reviewed as they are received.

MRBO values diversity of all kinds and is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace where we all learn from each other. Our commitment to diversity includes the recognition that our conservation mission is best advanced by the leadership and contributions of people with diverse backgrounds, beliefs, and culture. We are an equal opportunity employer and seek to hire, develop, and retain talented people from all backgrounds and perspectives. Individuals from non-traditional backgrounds, historically marginalized, or underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply.