Description
Title: Seasonal Crew Leader – Mexican Spotted Owl Monitoring (1 position)
FLSA Status: Seasonal / Non-exempt / Hourly
Reports to: Avian Ecologist
Direct Reports: Field Technicians and Interns
Location: Douglas and Boulder counties in Colorado
Salary: $21 - $22/hour depending on previous experience. Limited overtime hours may be required. In addition to pay, reimbursement for project-related travel and lodging will be provided.
Duration: 5-7 weeks (tentative mid-May through June)
Benefits: Not eligible
Start Date: May 11th, 2025 (tentative)
Purpose: The crew leader leads technicians and participate in conducting playback surveys to monitor Mexican Spotted Owl populations in the Pike-San Isabel National Forest, near Castle Rock, Colorado and Arapahoe-Roosevelt National Forest, near Boulder, Colorado
About the Organization:
Bird Conservancy of the Rockies conserves birds and their habitats through an integrated approach of science, education and stewardship. Our work extends from the Rockies to the Great Plains, Mexico and beyond. Our mission is advanced through sound science, achieved through empowering people, realized through stewardship and sustained through cross-border collaborations. We monitor and identify population trends, research habitat needs, engage landowners and managers in wildlife and habitat stewardship, and inspire audiences of all ages to be better stewards of the land. Together, we are improving native bird populations, the land, and the lives of people. Learn more about our work and programs at our website: www.birdconservancy.org
Project/Position Overview:
Spend 1.5 months coordinating a monitoring project on the Arapahoe-Roosevelt and Pike San-Isabel National Forests in Colorado. All field work will be conducted with appropriate federal permits. Bird Conservancy of the Rockies is seeking 1 crew leader that will each steer another technician to conduct Spotted Owl surveys. This position will build leadership, management and mentorship skills while working on a charismatic federally-threatened species in Colorado. Successful candidates will have excellent inter-personal and organizational skills, will be passionate about working outdoors and comfortable working in the backcountry. The crew leader is responsible for the logistical planning of the field season and will coordinate their crews’ schedule, gear use, and data collection. The crew leader assists the Avian Ecologist in: overseeing the field safety of the crew, and ensuring data quality, and adherence to USFWS approved survey protocols. The crew leader is also responsible for coordinating access with US Forest Service biologists and partners and landowners. The first week of the field season, you will participate in an intensive training session with the Avian Ecologist. It will cover protocols, avian identification, safety protocols, GPS navigation and data entry. The second week of the training, you will assist the Avian Ecologist by co-leading the same training for the technicians.
Work days can be long and strenuous, and the work schedule is highly variable with extensive driving time. Attendance to a week-long training during the beginning of the field season is mandatory. Technicians and leaders must be able to learn to identify all Colorado owls by sight and sound upon completion of the training.
Fieldwork Responsibilities:
Work closely with Avian Ecologist to: manage another technician, train new employees, assign equipment, coordinate work schedules, enforce safety check-ins
Coordinate with US Forest Service and landowners to confirm authorization and feasibility to access sites
Research best routes to access sites and guiding technicians, develop backup plans to accommodate changes in the field (weather, road-conditions etc.).
Be on call to answer technician questions and help problem solve from noon to very early morning (~4:00 am) 5 days a week.
Work ~35-50 hours/week with highly variable hours (overtime pay provided); expect long hours in the field. Fieldwork conducted in weekly schedule: 5 days on/2 days off with limited flexibility for personal needs
Travel and work with a field partner
Drive on remote, 4wd roads and hiking on and off trail in steep rugged terrain on a regular basis
Navigate to survey site using combination GPS, compass and map during the day and at night
Car camp occasionally, often without cell service or facilities, and return to camp late at night from owl surveys
Occasionally overnight backpack in remote roadless/wilderness areas
Enter data, update timesheets and worklogs, and proof crew data and timesheets at end of work week
Equipment and reimbursements:
You will need to provide your own smart phone (for data entry in the field) and computer (for timesheets after a hitch), as well as car and backpacking camping gear. You may drive your own 4WD vehicle (with reimbursement for work-related mileage at the federal rate) or we will provide a rental vehicle (and reimburse gas expenses, must be 21 and over). We will provide a satellite communication device, GPS unit, and other work-related survey and safety equipment. You are responsible for your own food. Lodging will be a mix of US Forest Service housing, car-camping, or backpacking during the week, and US Forest Service housing during off days.
Required qualifications:
One full year of professional experience working outdoors/conducting ecological fieldwork
Demonstrated experience with long distance hiking, backpacking, and navigating off-trail; ability to hike up to 8+ miles/day while carrying a 30-lbs backpack in strenuous terrain
Ability to effectively supervise seasonal personnel and strong problem-solving skills
Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills
Enthusiastic, physically fit and able to work long hours in the field
Experience driving 4WD vehicles on unpaved roads, comfortable driving 1-4 hours a day
Willing to stay up late at night, and face hot/cold/rainy/windy weather in the outdoors
Comfortable with likely encounters with hazardous wildlife including black bears, mountain lions, rattlesnakes, and venomous insects
Able to work independently with multiple days of solitude and enthusiasm for 1.5 months of fieldwork.
Ability to identify or learn to identify nocturnal avian species of Colorado by sight and sound
A valid driver's license, proof of auto insurance, and clean driving record
Must pass a background check and DMV screening
Desired additional experience:
Prior experience and USFWS permitting for Spotted Owl surveys is highly desirable but not required
At least one season managing a field crew and supervising multiple people
Experience using a GPS, topographic maps, compass, navigation apps (such as Avenza, Gaia, Caltopo, OnX)
A personal vehicle with 4WD high clearance is highly desirable but not required
Basic first aid & wilderness first aid training
Professional or life experience interacting with private landowners
Equal Opportunity Employer:
Bird Conservancy of the Rockies is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age or veteran status. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job. Bird Conservancy of the Rockies will consider an equivalent combination of knowledge, skills, education, and experience to meet minimum qualifications. If you are interested in applying, we encourage you to think broadly about your background and skill set for the role.
To Apply:
Please visit https://www.birdconservancy.org/mso-hiring to fill out the application where you will attach your cover letter and resume in a single document named “LastName_MSO2026_crewleader”. Please include in your cover letter: (1) how you meet the qualifications; (2) why you are interested in the position and (3) where you saw the job posting. Applications will be reviewed starting in February 2026 and positions will be filled as suitable applicants are found.
Requirements
Required qualifications:
One full year of professional experience working outdoors/conducting ecological fieldwork
Demonstrated experience with long distance hiking, backpacking, and navigating off-trail; ability to hike up to 8+ miles/day while carrying a 30-lbs backpack in strenuous terrain
Ability to effectively supervise seasonal personnel and strong problem-solving skills
Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills
Enthusiastic, physically fit and able to work long hours in the field
Experience driving 4WD vehicles on unpaved roads, comfortable driving 1-4 hours a day
Willing to stay up late at night, and face hot/cold/rainy/windy weather in the outdoors
Comfortable with likely encounters with hazardous wildlife including black bears, mountain lions, rattlesnakes, and venomous insects
Able to work independently with multiple days of solitude and enthusiasm for 1.5 months of fieldwork.
Ability to identify or learn to identify nocturnal avian species of Colorado by sight and sound
A valid driver's license, proof of auto insurance, and clean driving record
Must pass a background check and DMV screening
Desired additional experience:
Prior experience and USFWS permitting for Spotted Owl surveys is highly desirable but not required
At least one season managing a field crew and supervising multiple people
Experience using a GPS, topographic maps, compass, navigation apps (such as Avenza, Gaia, Caltopo, OnX)
A personal vehicle with 4WD high clearance is highly desirable but not required
Basic first aid & wilderness first aid training
Professional or life experience interacting with private landowners
