Southern Sierra Research Station

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Employment

Avian Field Technicians: join the Weldon Crew! – OPEN

Dates:

Start Date: we are looking for 1-2 people to start in April, with the rest of positions starting mid-May, 2025 (5/19/25 at the latest).

End Date: early to late-August (flexible), with possibility for extension into the fall. Depending on funding and experience there may be one opportunity to transition to a permanent position at the Weldon office after the field season.

Application Deadline: 3/7/2025 

Job Description:

The Southern Sierra Research Station (SSRS) is looking for 2-4 seasonal, full-time avian field technicians and a crew lead/bander to assist with multiple avian research and conservation projects. Working at our station, technicians will have the opportunity to be part of a small research community and gain training and experience in a variety of field research techniques, such as threatened/endangered species surveys, target-netting and bird-banding, point count surveys (depending on experience), radio telemetry, vegetation surveys, and Motus tower construction/data retrieval. The main projects are described below. Technicians are expected to help where needed as priorities shift through the field season and will be expected to take on some responsibilities that are not directly related to these main research projects.  

  • Federally Endangered Southwestern Willow Flycatcher (SWFL) population monitoring and conservation efforts in the Kern River Valley. After training, technicians will independently conduct SWFL broadcast surveys, assist with brown-headed cowbird control by target-netting and trapping, and work as a team to collect vegetation data. 
  • Federally Threatened Western Yellow-billed Cuckoo (YBCU) population monitoring in the Kern River Valley. Technicians will conduct YBCU broadcast surveys and color band resighting on the South Fork Kern River, and may assist with YBCU target-netting using canopy nets. There may also be opportunities to track tagged YBCU with handheld radio telemetry. 
  • Long-term avian monitoring in the Kern River Valley. Technicians with point count and/or strong visual + aural bird identification skills will conduct point count surveys for our long-term study monitoring avian populations on the South Fork Kern River and other monitoring projects. Point counters will participate in up to 2 weeks of point count surveys. 
  • MAPS (Monitoring Avian Productivity and Survivorship) bird banding station at the Kern River Preserve. We are looking for one bander capable of leading or co-leading a MAPS station. All technicians will have the chance to assist at our MAPS station and will receive training in handling, banding and processing songbirds (~4-5 days over the course of the season). 
  • Federally Endangered Least Bell’s Vireo nest monitoring for our small population in the Kern River Valley. Technicians will locate Least Bell’s Vireos opportunistically, determine breeding status and assist with nest monitoring. 
  • Those available to start in April may be able to assist with a grassland spot-mapping survey effort on a local conservation property.
  • Motus station construction, maintenance, and data retrieval at various sites in California. Motus is a rapidly growing research tool for wildlife tracking (www.motus.org). We have several Motus projects here at SSRS, including both tagging birds and installing Motus towers (stationary radio receivers). Technicians will assist with Motus station duties as needed; no previous experience required. 

All projects require attention to detail, the ability to follow protocols, and organization. Data entry and proofing will be a daily duty. Position is full time (typically 40hrs/wk). Shared field housing is provided in Weldon, CA, 5-10 minutes from most field sites. Field vehicles are provided in most cases, a personal car is recommended for personal use but not required. We pay mileage for any use of personal vehicles for work and per diem for overnight stays away from the station. Rubber boots and waders are provided.  

The Kern River Valley is located in the southern Sierra Nevada foothills at the junction of 3 of North America’s 10 floristic provinces. As a result, the landscape is incredibly diverse with an array of distinct habitats boasting many interesting endemics and rare species. This makes it a fantastic playground for naturalists, birders, and outdoor enthusiasts. Within a 30-mile radius of the station you can find extensive riparian forest along the South Fork Kern River, towering Giant Sequoias in their southernmost groves, red fir forests at 9000ft elevation on the Kern Plateau, pinyon-juniper woodlands and oak woodlands lining the valley slopes and enormous patches of Joshua Trees spilling over from the Mojave desert. The Kern River Valley and vicinity is a major stopover site for birds during spring migration, as well as a breeding site for Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Summer Tanager, Vermillion Flycatcher, Brown-crested Flycatcher, White-headed Woodpecker, Flammulated & Spotted Owls, Kern Red-winged Blackbird, Tricolored Blackbird, Black-chinned Sparrow, Black Swift, and LeConte’s Thrasher, to name just a few. Additionally, there are excellent opportunities nearby for river sports/whitewater, mountain biking, climbing, fishing, hiking/backpacking, etc. 

Location: Weldon, CA  

Salary

–$620-720/week DOE for general avian technicians (1-3 positions) 

–$700-800/week DOE for crew lead/bander and point counter positions (1-2)  

40hr work weeks (five 8-hr days per week), with overtime pay according to California State law. All positions include housing, 1hr/week of sick time, and paid federal holidays 

Qualifications

Required

  • Must be in strong physical condition, with the ability to hike at least 5 miles through wet overgrown areas, dense vegetation, and downed wood. Depending on spring runoff, this may include the use of waders. 
  • Must have an avid interest in wildlife research/conservation and being outdoors.  
  • Must be patient, reliable, and able to persevere through difficult tasks. 
  • Ability to conduct work independently in the field, start work before dawn and hike to survey points before daylight. 
  • Must be willing to have atypical weekends (not Sat-Sun), however staff will always have 2 days off per week. 
  • Must have a positive attitude and the ability to live and work well with coworkers. This includes being respectful to fellow staff and keeping shared spaces clean. Technicians are expected to share in household duties.  
  • Must be a U.S. citizen, possess a valid U.S. work visa, or be able to apply for a CUSMA work permit (for Canadian and Mexican Citizens). Unfortunately, we do not have the capacity to apply for work visas for residents outside of Canada and Mexico who do not already have a work visa.  
  • Must be at least 18 years of age. 
  • Must possess a valid driver’s license. 

Desired 

  • Bachelor’s degree in Natural Resources, Wildlife Management, Wildlife Biology, Zoology, Environmental Science, or a related field (or in progress). 
  • The ability to identify western songbirds by sight and sound. Training for all survey protocols will be provided, but some prior bird identification skills are highly desired. Non-work experience in bird ID is very much applicable! Applicants with prior experience performing avian point count surveys will be given preference. 
  • Mist-netting experience: please list separately your estimated number of birds extracted and banded if applicable. We are looking for at least one bander capable of leading or co-leading a bird banding station; mention any previous experience leading banding stations and training others in banding or other field techniques. Please also mention any experience you have with the MAPS protocol. 
  • Prior experience conducting field research 
  • Prior experience conducting endangered species surveys  
  • Willingness to travel for short multi-day trips to various sites across California, as well as work pre-scheduled irregular hours on occasion. 
  • Ability to communicate clearly with coworkers and supervisors 
  • Ability to navigate using GPS/aerial imagery and compass, previous experience using ESRI Field Maps app 
  • Willingness to assist with occasional Motus tower construction (no previous experience required, but experience with tools/construction would be considered a plus).  

Enthusiasm for working outdoors, a strong interest in birds, persistence, a great work ethic, and ability to deal with hard field conditions are more important than experience or specific knowledge for general avian technicians. We are planning to hire one person that has interest and enthusiasm for fieldwork but lacks experience. 

How to apply: Please email a single file (word or pdf) which includes: 

  • A cover letter (1-2 pages): state your interest in this position, describe your interest in birds, what you would hope to gain from this position, explain any experience that isn’t in your resume, and give your dates of availability for the 2025 field season. Applications with dates of availability listed will be reviewed first! 
  • A resume  
  • Name and contact information (email and phone) of 3 references  

…to Sasha Robinson at jobs.ssrs@gmail.com. Include your name and “Weldon 2025” in the file name of your attachment (e.g. Darwin_C_Weldon 2025.pdf) and in your email subject line. The Southern Sierra Research Station is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against applicants or employees because of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, age, citizenship status, sexual orientation, or disability status of an otherwise qualified individual. Feel free to reach out to the listed email address with questions! 

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Field Biologists- New Mexico Pinyon Jay Surveys: OPEN

Location: Across New Mexico 

Dates of Employment: Mid-March to Mid-May.  

Application deadline: Application review will begin on January 20 and continue until the positions are filled.  

Number of Openings: 5 

Job Description: The Southern Sierra Research Station is looking for field biologists to conduct Pinyon Jay (PIJA) surveys in pinyon-juniper (P-J) woodlands across New Mexico.   

The project aims to assess PIJA occupancy of P-J woodlands across the New Mexico. Survey training will be provided to teach the methods used to conduct surveys and collect field data and enable accurate PIJA identification by sight and sound. Field work will be conducted five days a week, in various P-J habitats, from open Juniper Savanna to persistent P-J/ Ponderosa Pine woodlands. Study sites will be 2.5 km2 locations randomly selected across the state.  

Surveys will generally be conducted on foot, starting ½ hour after dawn and will usually require 3-4 hours to complete. While walking the study site searching for PIJA, field data will be recorded on personal smart phones using the ESRI Field Maps app (a login will be provided). Data will be proofed (QA/QC’d) following the completion of the survey and be synced with an online database (an ArcGIS Online Map) when the internet is next available. Following the completion of a survey, field staff will drive to the next scheduled study site and prepare for the following day’s survey. 

From March to May, variable weather (rainy, cloudy, and sunny) and temperatures (cold mornings to warm afternoons) are expected. Off-road/off-trial surveys will require hiking up to five-miles per day and navigating using maps, compass, aerial images, and smart phone app (Field Maps). Housing will not be provided, but a daily per diem will be paid to offset expenses. Staff are generally expected to camp at or near the survey site the night before surveys are to be conducted. Use of a personal vehicle is required (mileage will be reimbursed). Accessing survey sites will require driving on dirt roads; a high clearance vehicle may be desirable, but 4-wheel drive travel is not expected.  

Required Qualifications:  

  • Patience and persistent observation needed to carefully locate our target species is required. Training of the PIJA survey protocols will be provided, but prior bird identification skills are preferred.  
  • Applicants with prior pinyon-juniper bird experience preferred. 
  • A valid driver’s license, and attention to detail is a must. Use of a reliable personal vehicle will be required. Work related mileage will be recorded and reimbursed. 
  • Experience navigating using a smartphone app, GPS (recording waypoints and tracks), aerial photos, and/or topo maps preferred.  
  • Previous experience recording field data on a mobile device (tablet/smart phone) and using ArcGIS Field Maps app preferred. Applicants must be responsible to ensure that electronic devices are charged daily. 
  • Applicants must be in good physical condition, as long hours hiking over variable terrain will be required. Applicants must be confident navigating in a remote wooded areas. 
  • The applicant is expected to work independently, to accomplish surveys and data entry/proofing on schedule.  

Applicants should email a single file (word or pdf) which includes 1) a cover letter stating their interest in the position and dates of availability, 2) a resume, and 3) names and contact information (email and phone) of three references to: John Stanek at the following email address: jobs.ssrs@gmail.com. Include your name and “NM PIJA” in the file name of your attachment (e.g. LastName_FirstInitial_NM PIJA.doc) and in your email subject line. The Southern Sierra Research Station (www.southernsierraresearch.org) is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  

Salary: is $1,400 – $1,550/2-week pay period (80 hours), depending on experience ($17.50 – $19.38 / hour) Mileage will be reimbursed $0.67 per mile, and a per diem of $100 per day worked will also be paid. 

Contact Person: John Stanek  

Contact e-mail: jobs.ssrs@gmail.com  

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Executive Director: CLOSED

Pay: $95,000 plus benefits (health, dental, vision, life, retirement fund, PTO)

Duration: Permanent, beginning immediately

Location: Flexible. HQ in Weldon, CA. To be discussed during interview

Founded in 2000, the Southern Sierra Research Station (SSRS) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization headquartered at our research facility in the foothills of California’s southern Sierra Nevada, an area unique for its convergence of 5 biological regions and a high diversity of mammals and birds in North America, including over 300 bird species. Our mission is to conduct, promote, facilitate, and disseminate biological research that informs conservation decisions and environmental policy, and contributes towards understanding, sustaining, and conserving natural resources and environmentally challenged species. With a focus on research in the Pacific Southwest through Latin America, in collaboration with government, academic, and conservation organizations, we increase scientific knowledge of species in support of our mission, aid in projects to protect and restore endangered species and their habitats and encourage public support and appreciation for conservation of biological diversity.

POSITION DESCRIPTION

The Executive Director of SSRS is a dynamic individual who will build on the strengths and successful history of SSRS by providing the scientific and organizational vision, discipline, and drive in keeping with the station’s research, development, and outreach goals. The Executive Director is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the SSRS operations, including research initiatives, fundraising efforts, strategic planning, community engagement and partnership building. The candidate will require exceptional collaborative skills to leverage the considerable resources of the SSRS to increase its influence and identify opportunities for program development and diversified funding streams.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES

· Ensures the overall success of SSRS.

· Provides visionary leadership to advance SSRS’s mission and strategic objectives. Develop SSRS’s long-range strategic and annual work plans with measurable and achievable goals. Design the research vision for the station from its overarching scientific roadmap into 5-yearly executable plans.

· Leads and supervises a motivated, high-quality staff and team in support of yearly and long-range plans, including coaching and mentoring. Maintain a work climate that attracts, retains, and motivates a strong staff, and talented contractors.

· Oversees and implements SSRS’s research program and its research projects. Lead, manage and direct the station’s scientific research efforts, including supervision of the Research Director, and (directly or indirectly) the technical staff. Coordinate and collaborate with the Research Director to develop long-range and annual research workplans and ensure project scientific integrity and successful outcomes.

· Fosters and promotes an increase in SSRS’s research efforts and its impact across state and international lines. Create awareness about the research station and network among peers and potential donors and

grantors to increase grants, contracts, and donations. Identify and pursue opportunities to build a broader constituency in support of species conservation and scientific research. Obtain and secure funding for all scientific research/study and research programs through government/private grants, private donors, and/or other means. Minimum expectation is $1 million per year.

· Ensures the short and long-term financial sustainability of SSRS. Manage the SSRS budget and financial resources effectively. As mentioned above, lead in securing research grants. Coordinate with the Board of Directors and develop and implement fundraising strategies to secure financial support from donors, grants, and other funding sources.

· Represents and expands the network of SSRS’s external relations and partnerships. Represent the lab in professional conferences, workshops, and other networking events to promote our work and foster collaborations. Communicate research findings and conservation recommendations through publications, presentations, and outreach activities to diverse audiences. Supervise and empower Research Director and other SSRS staff to continue to cultivate and build positive external partnerships and opportunities for collaboration.

· Ensures SSRS meets its legal and human resource obligations promptly and with the highest integrity. Oversee SSRS accounting and ensure SSRS financial accounting is in accordance with federal, state, and non-profit organization 501 (c)(3) requirements. Lead the planning and management of yearly budgets and allocations, including project specific and overhead. Develop, update, and ensure implementation of by-laws, personnel policies, and other policies approved by the Board, in conjunction with the Board of Directors. Ensure organizational compliance with all local, state, and federal regulations.

· Reports regularly and is accountable, responsive, and timely in responding to the Board of Directors and appropriate committees on the status of internal and external operations and issues and/or any Board of Director requests.

· Ensures the research station is properly maintained through building improvements and/or ordering new equipment.

· Ensures SSRS has all the proper insurance, including, but not limited to, insurance for the Research Station and all of SSRS’ operations.

· In coordination with the Research Director, ensures the safety of the research station from fire and other accidents.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

· Demonstrated leadership, effective staff and program management skills, including ability to retain, motivate and attract strong and creative staff; strong strategic organizational and financial skills.

· Demonstrated ability to create organizational visions, develop strategies, produce and execute detailed implementation plans.

· Demonstrated ability to secure funding from government/private research grants and from private donors.

· Ability to work independently, excellent organizational and team building skills, and exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including proven ability to innovate and implement successful communication strategies.

· Basic understanding of 501 (c)(3) managed organizations, and demonstrated ability to work with the Board of Directors

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

· Bachelor’s or Graduate degree in Biology, Environmental science or management, and/or in a scientific research related field or a degree in Business Management, in particular Non-Profit Management.

· Prior non-profit leadership/management experience and/or research station scientific and organizational management experience.

· Prior fundraising experience.

· Prior experience preparing and presenting financial analysis and reports. Proficient in financial tools and accounting practices.

· Understanding of federal and state research grants and/or contracts, and associated Cost Accounting Standards.

· Proficiency in data management and associated Information Technology platforms, such as MS Office 365 or similar platforms.

· Advocacy experience and effective working knowledge of policies to protect endangered species.

· Proven ability to strategically network and collaborate with other organizations, agency staff and the private sector, as needed, to advance the mission of the SSRS.

LOCATION: Headquarters: California’s southern Sierra Nevada – Weldon, California, and virtual extensions growing into New Mexico and Arizona.

TO APPLY: Please send cover letter (please include date of earliest availability) and resume to Ernie Flores (Flores@NP-ExecSupport.org, 661 803-9300). Review of applications will begin on April 30th and continue until the position is filled.

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Reviews!

Wondering what a technician position with SSRS would be like? Here are some quotes from our 2023 Weldon techs:

“I have unending amounts of wonderful things to say about this position! … I love how every week is different; very few days feel the same throughout the entirety of the season. The work is so much fun, I feel like I was always having a good time because I was always doing something interesting…. The whole community at the station is absolutely delightful and it’s been such a privilege to work with everybody. I genuinely enjoy each person who works here…and I felt that everyone clearly prioritizes the wellbeing and health of the techs.”

“Yes, I would work here again. The work environment is amazing, surround by devoted, caring, and hardworking people is a hard thing to beat. “

“lots of educational opportunities with everyone working at the station – a great sense of community – working on a diversity of projects, getting to travel, and learn a wide variety of skills – felt like my boss was really looking out for each tech and making sure we all got enough time on each project“

“The impressive variation in surveys, tasks, and jobs meant the job never got stale, and kept me fully engaged. As a result of this variation, I learned a huge amount, much of it I know will be useful for future jobs.”

“I would absolutely love to work for SSRS again! It would be such an honor to return.“