Northern Spotted Owl Monitoring Technician

NORTHERN SPOTTED OWL MONITORING TECHNICIAN (Seasonal, Part Time)
Location: Marin County, CA
Duration: March 1 to July 7, 2027 
Position Type: Technician (1)
Deadline to Apply: November 16, 2026
Job Type: Part Time (20 hours per week), Seasonal

Position Description: One technician needed to assist in the Northern Spotted Owl monitoring project at Point Blue Conservation Science, in Marin County, California. We have been studying this dense population of Northern Spotted Owls since 1997. Fieldwork includes determining site occupancy, nesting status, and reproductive success. The technician will conduct field work and data collection approximately 2-3 days per week with some time also dedicated to data entry each week. The field schedule is variable and involves working at night and during the day. The technician will follow field protocols for monitoring Spotted Owls, and be responsible for data entry and management. Use of a personal vehicle for field work will be reimbursed at the current federal mileage rate. The technician is needed from March 1 to July 7, for the full duration of the season. Local housing is provided. 

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. 

Compensation: The technicians will be paid $23.15 per hour (rate subject to change due to 2027 salary projections), plus overtime, minus a deductible for housing (determined by the Dept. of Labor and the Internal Revenue Service: current rate is $65.59 per week, subject to change). Benefits limited to up to 40 hours of sick pay. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

This position entails ~80% field work and ~20% office and other work

• Follow field protocols to determine occupancy, nesting status, and reproductive status of Spotted Owls during the breeding season.
• Hike several miles each day with a mix of on-trail and off-trail hiking through steep forested habitat and with some poison oak.
• Work collaboratively with the crew to complete surveys, and after a period of training, be able to survey independently at a subset of sites.
• Conduct work safely and practice good judgment in the field and when traveling to and from field sites.
• Record data in the field with precision and high attention to detail.
• Enter and manage data during office time throughout the field season, and complete end-of-season proofing and data management to help maintain the quality of this long-term dataset.
• Communicate effectively with partner agency land managers and private landowners.
• Manage time and tasks appropriately to ensure all work is completed well and within a reasonable time frame.

Qualifications: Desired applicants will have a strong interest in birds and conservation, and the desire to spend long hours in the field and office. Applicants must have at least one season of previous experience with field work and scientific data collection, and experience with bird identification. Only applicants with at least one full season of relevant experience will be considered. Applicants should have the ability to traverse long distances through steep and uneven terrain. Participants must be able to work alone for daytime surveys (after a training period), as well as with a partner for all nighttime surveys and some daytime work. Applicants will need a valid driver's license, a personal vehicle, and current proof of insurance; Point Blue will conduct a motor vehicle report for insurance purposes, after hiring. 

If you have questions or issues with the application process, please contact Maggie Brown at [email protected].

Point Blue is proud to be an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. We do not discriminate against applicants or employees because of race, color, religion, national origin, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, 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.