POSITION DESCRIPTION
Duties will include organizing and archiving acoustic data; processing acoustic data with automated sound classifiers (e.g., OpenSoundscape, BirdNET); listening to subsets of recordings to verify AI (artificial intelligence)-generated species identifications; managing AI classifier output and human annotation data in a database; programming, deploying, and maintaining autonomous recording units (ARUs) for multiple projects; training other staff to use ARUs; occasionally conducting avian point counts or single-species surveys to validate or augment ARU results; fulfilling other needs related to the development and implementation of a growing portfolio of projects collecting and using avian acoustic data to study and conserve wild birds. The successful candidate will have skills in computer science (e.g. writing, editing, and implementing scripts in R or Python; database design and/or management), ability to identify western birds by sound, and experience working with ARUs and acoustic data. We are looking for a highly organized, systematic thinker with experience managing large amounts of data (in hard storage and cloud storage) and accompanying metadata; and enthusiasm to travel and work in the field about 10% of the year. This is a full-time, salaried staff position, with health insurance and other fringe benefits.
ABOUT IBP
We are an international avian research and conservation organization based in Petaluma
California, with staff across the U.S. We enable science-based conservation of species and habitats by
studying the abundance, demography, and ecology of birds and other wildlife. We collaborate locally,
nationally, and globally with government agencies, universities, and NGOs to assess the effects of
climate change, land management actions, and other ecological stressors on bird populations, and
prescribe practical solutions to conservation challenges. More information is available at
www.birdpop.org.
SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
The successful candidate will ideally have all or most of the following attributes.
- Experience querying and/or building relational databases.
- Programming experience in R, Python, or similar computing language.
- A Bachelor’s degree in biological science, computer science, software engineering or information technology; or equivalent work experience.
- Exceptional data management and organizational skills.
- Experience processing avian acoustic data with software tools
- Experience programming, deploying and maintaining Autonomous Recording Units (ARUs).
- Ability to identify western birds by sound.
- Experience conducting multi-species bird surveys.
- Sufficient physical ability/fitness to work in rugged terrain.
- A sense of humor and a desire to integrate into a friendly, highly collaborative team that includes other acoustic monitoring specialists.
- A clean driving record and a personal vehicle that can be driven to field sites (a normal passenger vehicle should be sufficient). Mileage reimbursement for travel to field sites will be provided.
- Availability for occasional multi-day travel to field sites throughout California.
Meeting occasional fieldwork needs throughout California will require being based in California. Ability to work in our Petaluma office at least one day per week (or up to full-time if desired) is preferred but not strictly required.
COMPENSATION
This is a year-round staff position starting at $4,000-$4,500/month depending on skills and proximity to our Petaluma office. Fringe benefits including health insurance will also be provided.
START DATE AND HIRING SCHEDULE
Employment will begin in early January. Application review will
begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.
TO APPLY
Please email a resume, cover letter, and contact information for up to 3 references to Mandy Holmgren at: mholmgren AT birdpop DOT org. Please specify ‘Acoustic Monitoring Technician’ in the Subject line. No phone calls please.
IBP values diversity and encourages people from all backgrounds to apply. All qualified applicants will receive consideration regardless of race, religion, gender identity or expression, or sexual orientation.