Application Deadline: February 28, 2026
Position Dates: Mid–late April to mid–late August 2026 (exact dates flexible; a 2–3 week break is likely in mid-July)
Location: Tucson, Arizona (Altar Valley, including Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge and Pima County Conservation Lands)
Hours: Variable; up to 40 hours per week
Pay: $20.00–$22.69 per hour (DOE), plus approximately $250–350 per month in per diem for travel expenses and meals
Position Description
An experienced Avian Field Technician is needed to assist with a diverse bird monitoring project in southern Arizona. Fieldwork will focus on using birds as focal species to evaluate the influence of landscape and habitat restoration efforts. Work will take place primarily in the Altar Valley southwest of Tucson and will require independent fieldwork in remote and sometimes harsh conditions. Schedules will vary depending on breeding phenology and will include early mornings as well as some evening and nighttime work.
Primary duties include conducting diurnal and nocturnal surveys for cavity-nesting birds such as American Kestrel, Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl, Gilded Flicker, Western Screech-Owl, and Elf Owl; monitoring and installing nest boxes; conducting woodland point counts in spring and grassland point counts in summer; nest searching and monitoring; data entry and management; and assisting with project planning, scheduling, and logistics.
Qualifications
Applicants must have at least five years of relevant avian field experience and be able to collect high-quality data while working independently. Experience operating a 4×4 vehicle is required, and willingness to camp when necessary is essential. Applicants should be comfortable interacting with agency staff and capable of developing efficient fieldwork and travel schedules. Familiarity with Southwestern bird species and experience with nocturnal surveys are strongly preferred.
How to Apply
To apply, email a CV, cover letter describing relevant experience and ability to work independently, and contact information for three professional references to:
Aaron D. Flesch
flesch@ag.arizona.edu (preferred contact method)
Please include “Avian Field Technician” in the subject line. Applications must be received by February 28, 2026.
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