Research Technician II (Temporary) (Multiple Positions)

The University of Arizona's School of Natural Resources and the Environment seeks to fill the temporary role of Research Technician II. These positions will focus on field surveys and habitat assessments for threatened Cactus Ferruginous Pygmy-Owls in southern Arizona, largely on federal and Tribal lands including in Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument and Tohono O'odham Nation. Effort will involve field work, camping, and driving rough roads with most work during early morning and late evening hours. Work will often be in pairs, and involve interactions with agency and Nation staff and interactions with local residents. Work involves conducting owl surveys and distance sampling by broadcasting recorded owl calls and other methods. Work also involves extensive hiking and driving dirt roads, navigating with GPS, checking and entering field data into MS Excel, and independent work in a desert environment.

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• Conduct owl surveys from one hour before to three hours after sunrise, or two hours before until one hour after sunset. Record responses by owls and other birds and describe habitat along survey routes. Maintain field equipment and field data forms.
• Enter field data from data sheets into computer spreadsheets.
• Navigate, hike and drive to field survey locations with trucks for field work.
• Organize data and prepare field equipment, plan logistics and travel, and work with and communicate effectively with agency staff and supervisor to foster efficient and safe implementation of field work.
• Camp in field at designated camp sites or other locations to foster work across a range of site accessibilities. Carry field gear to support work in more remote locations as needed.

Knowledge, Skill and Abilities

• Ability to traverse rugged often off-trail terrain and be in good physical condition.
• Knowledge of songs and calls of southwestern birds.
• Good hearing ability and skill in identifying birds by both sight and sound.
• Knowledge of vegetation sampling and ability to identify trees to species.
• Ability work as part of a team in remote areas.
• Ability to spend long days hiking and navigating in remote field.
• Ability to begin work before dawn, and camp for several days.

• High school diploma or equivalent, or equivalent learning attained through experience required.
• Minimum of 3 years of relevant experience required.

• Prior experience with point counts and bird surveys in Arizona, and with distance sampling.
  

Aaron Flesch

flesch@arizona.edu