2026 Sierra Avian Nest Searching and Territory Mapping Technician

Point Blue Conservation Science is a growing and internationally renowned non-profit organization with over 160 employees.

Founded in 1965 as Point Reyes Bird Observatory, our mission and programs have evolved over time to include a broad range of conservation activity, from restoration to environmental education to innovative work in the field of regenerative agriculture.

We have a proven track record of scientific excellence.

We are hiring one seasonal Avian Technician to help conduct field studies of birds breeding in meadows of the northern Sierra Nevada Mountains.

This program offers a unique opportunity to explore and observe birds in some of the most beautiful landscapes in California.

Van Norden meadow, near Donner Summit in the Lake Tahoe area, is a large Alpine meadow that has been recently restored.

This project will contribute to efforts to evaluate the success of restoring the meadow for wildlife.

Field work primarily consists of territory mapping and nest searching / monitoring of seven meadow breeding bird species – song sparrow, white-crowned sparrow, yellow warbler, Lincoln’s sparrow, Wilson’s warbler warbling vireo, and willow flycatcher – in addition to collecting data on habitat characteristics to help inform meadow restoration practices and better understand at risk meadow bird communities.  Qualified technicians may help with running mist-netting stations.   We are committed to removing barriers based on racial, gender, cultural, and other factors and believe that equal representation is essential to the success of Point Blue's mission and vision.

We seek and strongly encourage applicants from all backgrounds to join our teams.  Location :

• Technician will be based in, or near, Truckee, CA, working primarily at Van Norden Meadow.
• Housing could potentially be in a rental house or at an RV park, depending on housing availability.

Duration :

Primary duties include but are not limited to :

Minimum qualifications :

We will provide species lists, audio recordings and links to learning resources before positions begin We require self-motivation, enthusiasm, a good sense of direction, the ability to cope with inclement weather and high densities of mosquitoes at times, the willingness to spend long hours in the field observing birds and their habitat with additional time in the office, and the ability to work well independently and in a communal living situation Must have a valid U.S. driver’s license, at least two years of driving experience, and will be asked to provide information to verify their good driving record with one or fewer moving violations in the last three years Ability to lift and carry up to 40 pounds and hike up to 5 miles Preferred qualifications :

The vehicle does not need to be an off-road or 4WD Work environment and physical requirements :

Equipment :