Description
Location: Gibbon, NE
Full time
Requisition ID: JR920
About Audubon
The National Audubon Society is a leading nonprofit conservation organization with 120 years of science-based, community-driven impact, dedicated to protecting birds and the places they need, today and tomorrow. Birds are powerful indicators of our planet's health, acting as sentinels that warn us of environmental change and inspire action. Audubon works across the Western Hemisphere, driven by the understanding that what is good for birds is good for the planet. Through a collaborative, bipartisan approach across habitats, borders, and the political spectrum, Audubon drives meaningful and lasting conservation outcomes. With 800 staff and over 1.9 million supporters, Audubon is a dynamic and ever-growing force committed to ensuring a better planet for both birds and people for generations to come. Learn more at www.audubon.org and on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @audubonsociety.
Position Summary:
The seasonal Research Technician will work on a 2-month avian powerline collision study at Audubon's Rowe Sanctuary during the spring Sandhill Crane and Whooping Crane migration in central Nebraska. The employment period will run from February 19 to April 17, 2026; some flexibility may be granted within those dates. The Technician will report to the Conservation Program Manager. This full-time position will last for approximately 8 weeks with an hourly rate of $19.00 per hour and an estimated 40-hour work week. Housing will be provided for the duration of the employment period.
The data collected will help to contribute to our understanding of the benefits of powerline illumination with ultraviolet light for mitigating collisions of birds within the Platte River ecosystem. Primary responsibilities include recording and entering data on crane flock numbers, collisions, and avoidance behaviors from a study blind on the bank of the Platte River at night. Strong visual acuity is important for accuracy of counting cranes as they fly by, sometimes in groups of tens of thousands. The Technician will also be provided with an opportunity for authorship on the publication given completion of the term.
The Research Technician is required to live on-site in housing provided by Audubon as a condition of employment.
Compensation:
$19.00 / hour
Essential Functions:
Assist crew with set-up of blinds and other study materials.
Enter collected data correctly and in a timely manner.
Accurately count large flocks of birds in flight for extended periods of time.
Support a culture of philanthropy, including public funding efforts.
Collaborate with colleagues across the Americas including through joint planning and execution of shared priorities.
Maintains and fosters culture of safety.
Other duties as assigned, including Whooping Crane monitoring and assisting in and around the visitor's center.
Qualifications and Experience:
Candidates should have some demonstrated research experience, especially in field data collection and entry.
Ability to work independently or as a part of a 2-person team at night in sub-zero weather conditions and hike ½ mile on uneven terrain in the dark with or without accommodations.
Ability to be comfortable with sitting for long periods of time, sometimes independently, in sub-freezing weather conditions.
Able to sit for long periods of time while focusing.
Computer experience and familiarity with spreadsheets and database maintenance are desired.
Excellent work ethic, a team-focused attitude, and the ability to work independently.
Knowledge and identification of Nebraska crane, goose, and duck species is a plus.
Attention to detail and thorough note-taking skills.
Valid driver's license required for the operation of Audubon vehicles.
Candidate must have reliable transportation for travel to and from the Iain Nicolson Audubon Center.
Commitment to Audubon's organizational values of care, collaboration, change, integrity, impact, and innovation.
Demonstrated personal and professional commitment to and experience in advancing equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging.
EEO Statement
We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic outlined by federal, state, or local laws. We are committed to providing an inclusive and accessible hiring process for all candidates.
Accessibility Statement
The National Audubon Society endeavors to keep our careers site accessible to any and all users. If you would like to contact us regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process, please contact Accommodations@audubon.org. This contact information is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.
The National Audubon Society is a leading nonprofit conservation organization with 120 years of science-based, community-driven impact, dedicated to protecting birds and the places they need, today and tomorrow. Birds are powerful indicators of our planet's health, acting as sentinels that warn us of environmental change and inspire action. Audubon works across the Western Hemisphere, driven by the understanding that what is good for birds is good for the planet. Through a collaborative, bipartisan approach across habitats, borders, and the political spectrum, Audubon drives meaningful and lasting conservation outcomes. With 800 staff and over 1.9 million supporters, Audubon is a dynamic and ever-growing force committed to ensuring a better planet for both birds and people for generations to come. Learn more at
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