Location: Lompoc, CA

Duration: 1 March through 31 August 2023 (start and end date may be flexible, depending on experience)

Deadline to Apply: Open until filled

Position Type: Seasonal Field Biologist with the potential for year-round assignment

Position Description: We are seeking a Coastal Program Biologist (CPB) to conduct breeding population monitoring of western snowy plovers at Vandenberg Space Force Base in Central California. The CPB work weeks vary from 5-6 days and are typically 40-60 hours. Specific duties include but are not limited to: Conduct beach ecosystem monitoring within western snowy plover breeding habitat, including conducting nest surveys, following broods, identifying banded individuals, erecting symbolic fencing and rope exclosures, and predator identification. Assist with analysis of photo and video files from cameras deployed on active nests. Collect data using field data entry apps in addition to notebooks. Participate in data management including data entry and QA/QC of entered data. May participate in the following activities: censuses of coastal breeding seabird populations, seabird nest monitoring, and California least tern breeding colony monitoring

Compensation: The CPB will earn $26.25-$29.17 per hour plus overtime, depending on experience. Work vehicles are available, but use of a personal vehicle will be necessary at times. Any use of personal vehicles for field work will be reimbursed at the current federal mileage rate. Benefits are limited to 24 hours of sick pay. Housing is not provided.

Qualifications: This position requires the following qualifications:

• Equivalent to a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in ecology, biology, zoology, ornithology, or a closely related field
• Minimum of two years’ experience conducting field surveys within western snowy plover (or similar threatened species) breeding habitat; banding experience desired, but not required
• Possession of, or qualifications to be added to, a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service section 10(a) (1)(A) Recovery Permit to independently locate and monitor western snowy plover nests and chicks and conduct surveys within western snowy plover nesting habitat
• Possession of a valid U.S. driver’s license, preferably a Real ID or the ability to obtain one. Point Blue will conduct a motor vehicle report for insurance purposes after hiring.
• Ability to identify shorebirds and seabirds of central California, and their potential predators
• Ability to spend long hours in the field collecting data 5-6 days/week, willingness to work in inclement weather conditions, and the ability to work well independently and in a group situation
• Ability to traverse or hike uneven terrain, including sand dunes, 10-20 miles per day

To Apply: Please click here! If you have questions or issues with the application process, please contact DAN ROBINETTE  (drobinette@pointblue.org).

Point Blue is an equal employment opportunity employer and does not discriminate against applicants or employees because of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, citizenship status, disability status of an otherwise qualified individual, membership or application for membership in an uniformed service, or membership in any other class protected by applicable law and will make reasonable accommodation for applicants with disabilities to complete the application and/or participate in the interview process.