Avian Monitoring Technician, California (Seasonal)

Galt, California, USA.

Housing will be provided in a TNC–owned field house at Cosumnes River Preserve. Technicians will be permitted to provide their own private off-site housing if they so choose. (If technicians opt to provide their own housing, they will not be reimbursed for housing costs or commute, and it will need to be within a reasonable commuting distance from the Cosumnes River Preserve.)

The mission of The Nature Conservancy (TNC) is to conserve the lands and waters upon which all life depends. As a science-based organization, we develop innovative, on-the-ground solutions to the world’s toughest environmental challenges so that people and nature can thrive. Our work is guided by our values, which include a commitment to diversity and respect for people, communities, and cultures. From a rewarding mission to career development and flexible schedules, there are many reasons to love life #insideTNC. Want to know more? Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube to hear stories from staff or visit Glassdoor.

One of TNC’s primary goals is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that employees around the globe have a sense of belonging and feel that their unique contributions are valued. We know we’ll only achieve our mission by hiring and engaging a diverse staff that reflects the communities in which we work. Recognizing that people bring talent and skills that have been developed outside the scope of a job, we take a holistic approach to recruitment that considers life experience in addition to the professional requirements listed in our postings. Please apply – we’d love to hear from you. To quote a popular saying at TNC, “you’ll join for the mission, and you’ll stay for the people.”

The Avian Monitoring Technician performs a variety of routine tasks that assists the implementation of bird-friendly agriculture objectives within the California Chapter of The Nature Conservancy. To meet its long-term objective to have 1,000,000 acres of bird-friendly agriculture supported in California, the Migratory Bird Initiative is increasing its efforts to implement new projects that demonstrate compatible agricultural practices. Many of these innovations for compatible agricultural techniques are yet untested, and the Avian Monitoring Technician will assist in quantifying the biological value of these techniques on Staten Island, CA and on other private land throughout the Central Valley.

Are you looking for a career conserving nature? Do you enjoy working outside with wildlife and have an interest in habitat management? Guided by science, TNC creates innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that people and nature can thrive together. We’re looking for someone who is a passionate, motivated problem-solver. Come join TNC and apply today!

• Associate degree (in natural resources, environmental studies or related field) and 6 months of work experience (or equivalent combination of education and experience).
• Experience identifying western waterbirds (including difficult to distinguish shorebirds) to species by sight in the field.
• Experience managing and prioritizing tasks from multiple sources and strong time management skills.
• Clear communication via written, spoken, and graphical means in English.
• Experience working both independently and as part of a team to achieve goals.
• Willingness to adhere to established safety protocols.
• Experience with data management

Desired Qualifications

• Multi-language skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.
• Expertise in identifying western waterbirds (including small difficult to distinguish shorebirds) by sound.
• Experience conducting avian surveys with binoculars and spotting scopes (skill in counting birds in large flocks).
• Experience interacting with rural landowners.
• Experience using software, particularly Microsoft Excel, ArcGIS, and Survey123.
• Experience driving 4x4 vehicles off-road.

Each person who works at TNC contributes to our goal of protecting nature for future generations. Another one of TNC’s primary goals is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that employees around the globe feel that their unique contributions are valued. To quote a popular saying at TNC, “You’ll join for the mission, and you’ll stay for the people.” To learn more, head to YouTube to hear stories from staff or visit Glassdoor.

We’re proud to support the health and wellbeing of the people we employ. We offer a competitive, comprehensive benefits package that includes healthcare coverage, flexible spending accounts, 401(k) plan with an 8% employer match, parental leave, accrued paid time off, life insurance, disability coverage, employee assistance program, and other benefits that support work-life balance.

If you’re interested in working with us, please apply—we’d love to hear from you.

This position requires a valid driver's license and compliance with TNC’s Auto Safety Program.

Employees may not drive Conservancy-owned/leased vehicles, rental cars, or personal vehicles on behalf of the Conservancy if considered "high risk drivers." To learn more about the Auto Safety Program, visit https://www.nature.org/en-us/about-us/careers/recruitment/ under the FAQ section.

Employment in this position will be contingent upon completion of a Vehicle Use Agreement, which may include a review of the prospective employee's motor vehicle record.

The starting rate for this position is $25.46 per hour with a 40 hour work week. This rate only applies to candidates whose country of employment is the USA and county of employment is Sacramento, CA.

Job Family: Science

Internal Job Code: 850001

Salary Grade: 3

To apply for job ID 56688, submit your materials (resume and cover letter) online by using the Apply Now button at https://careers.nature.org/ by 8:59 PM PST on Saturday, June 14, 2025. As each technician will start on a different date between mid-July - October, we encourage candidates interested in the first rotation to apply early as we may start interviews before June 14. Please include which rotation(s) you are available for in your cover letter.

Need help applying? Visit our recruitment page or contact applyhelp@tnc.org.

Do you have military experience? Visit our U.S. Military Skills Translator to match your military experience with our current job openings!

TNC is committed to offering accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application process. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please send a note to applyhelp@tnc.org with Request for Accommodation in the subject line.

The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our commitment to diversity includes the recognition that our conservation mission is best advanced by the leadership and contributions of people with diverse backgrounds, beliefs, and cultures. Recruiting and mentoring staff to create an inclusive organization that reflects our global character is a priority, and we encourage applicants from all cultures, races, colors, religions, sexes, national or regional origins, ages, disability status, sexual orientations, gender identities, military or veteran status or other status protected by law.

The successful applicant must meet the requirements of The Nature Conservancy's background screening process.