Science in the Service Fellow, Evaluation of Current and Alternative Avian Survey Methods for Migratory Bird Management in California- Pacific Southwest Region, Region 8

Science in the Service Fellow, Evaluation of Current and Alternative Avian Survey Methods for Migratory Bird Management in California- Pacific Southwest Region, Region 8

SummaryAmerican Conservation Experience, a nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), is seeking one Science in the Service Fellow to contribute to habitat restoration and endangered wildlife monitoring projects alongside Pacific Southwest Region staff.

For more information about the Science in the Service Fellowship, please visit: https://www.usaconservation.org/epic-fish-and-wildlife-service/

For more information about ACE, please visit: www.usaconservation.org.

Start Date: August 2024Estimated End Date: November 2024*a 640 hour commitment is required. May be completed in as little as 16 weeks if working full time but fellowship can extend 32 weeks or longer to meet hours requirement and fellow's schedule needs

Location Details/Description: Pacific Southwest Regional Office, Sacramento, CA (but some work can be completed virtually/teleservice- preferably located within Region 8)

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Region 8 is headquartered in Sacramento, California, and has federal fish and wildlife management responsibilities in California, Nevada, and the Klamath Basin in southern Oregon. The Region includes one of the most ecologically diverse areas in the United States, ranging from the arid sand dunes in the Mojave Desert to the snow-capped crags in the high Sierras; from rich farmland in the Central Valley to rain-soaked redwood forests along the Pacific coast. This highly diverse geography provides habitats for a vast array of wildlife. More than 42 million people live within the Region, and expanding population centers such as the San Francisco Bay Area, Los Angeles, Reno, San Diego, and Las Vegas are increasing demands on natural resources, presenting unique challenges to the Region's conservation mission.

The Service is responsible for managing the National Wildlife Refuge System, operating fish hatcheries and fishery resource offices, enforcing federal wildlife laws, managing migratory bird populations, conserving and restoring habitats, and overseeing a federal aid program that distributes hundreds of millions of dollars to state, fish and wildlife agencies.

For more information about the Pacific Southwest Region, please visit: https://www.fws.gov/about/region/pacific-southwest

In-Person Reporting Expectations:

Fellows will be expected to report to our office in Sacramento, CA an average of 1x/week. Occasional field opportunities will also be available and travel to and from field sites will be supported. Fellows must be available for a 1-week (M-F) in-person orientation from 8/5/24-8/9/24.

Position Overview:

The US Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS) strives to increase diversity in its workforce and maintain its relevance to a new generation of conservationists. Therefore, the Service's Region 8 has established the Science in the Service fellowship to promote job training and fellowship opportunities for students; expose students to the Service's conservation mission and develop in them an understanding of career opportunities in conservation; as well as to coordinate educational opportunities between affiliated colleges and universities and the Service to facilitate experiential opportunities that enhance student career development.

This individual placement is meant to facilitate professional development and promotes exposure to land management agencies and networking with professionals. This could include gaining experience in different conservation fields and shadowing different work groups.

Migratory bird management in Region 8 relies on various surveys to determine population sizes, trends, and distribution. However, many of these surveys are labor intensive and costly, or involve the added expense and risk of using aircraft. To adapt to reduced budgets and to manage risk, there is a need to explore other methods to

ensure timely and useful information to inform managers and planners. eBird is a program that capitalizes on the expanding popularity of birding and harnesses a citizen science network to increase our knowledge about the biology and movements of birds. There have been several advances in the use of these data including population monitoring and migration chronology. This project will focus on exploring ways to use the eBird data to replace past surveys, complement existing surveys, or to propose new surveys or recruit additional contributors.

The fellow will meet with partners within and outside the USFWS to ascertain how current survey data are used and whether and how application of eBird data could add value. There are already several uses of eBird data that have been identified in other regions/flyways that have been validated, but need to be evaluated for use in California. Other uses of the data are more novel and require the fellow to take a lead role in determining the usefulness.

Areas of focus and proposed tasks (in order of priority):

Task #1. Determine relative abundance, trends, and migration chronology of Central Valley Joint Venture (CVJV) focal species and Birds of Conservation Concern. CVJV staff are working with several JVs and Cornell University to apply recent eBird/ACAD Status and Trends data to species of interest. The ultimate goal of the CVJV and Mig Birds program is to determine the

relative abundance and trends for CVJV focal species and Birds of Conservation Concern. The fellow will learn eBird, be trained in Program R/GIS, and explore the data with help of CVJV staff and partners, ultimately to determine the relative importance of California for each species or guild.

Task #2. Explore ways to use eBird migration chronology for determining changing population levels of waterfowl and shorebirds, to better inform our bioenergetics models. For waterfowl, the CVJV currently uses outdated 25-year-old aerial survey data for determining migration chronology and energetic demand. This is financially and logistically impossible to duplicate. eBird data has been explored in other Joint Ventures (e.g., Gulf Coast JV) and could have application to the CVJV (and other JVs in Region 8). The fellow will meet with partners who developed the bioenergetics models, apply their methods using local eBird data, and make recommendations on the feasibility for its use in the CVJV

Task #3. Explore ways to increase data collection through eBird by developing a plan to create strategic "hotspots" and/or by recruiting additional citizen scientists. eBird popularity continues to increase, but there is potential to improve the sample size of the data being collected. "Hotspots" are known locations where eBirders record

their sightings to contribute to the larger database. The fellow will review current hotspots in Central Valley refuges on eBird and work with CVJV and NWR staff to determine "gaps" in eBird data and create additional hotspots.

Depending on the education and experience of the fellow, they will receive training in use of eBird, the Avian Conservation Assessment Database (ACAD), basic GIS, and Program R. The fellow will also receive personalized guidance on tools that will be used for this project, such as bioenergetics models and Program R.

The focus of the fellowship is evaluating existing survey data collection and analyses, but it is important to understand how the data is collected. The fellow will participate in existing surveys in the fall or winter that could include ground surveys, bird capture and banding, harvest surveys, and other regular surveys conducted by various partners depending on the season. The specific opportunities will depend on timing and availability of the fellow. This will require day trips but also overnight depending on the location.

The fellow will provide support and assistance under the guidance and direction of FWS staff in relation to tasks 1-3 above:

Task #1

• Complete defensive driving
  • Deliverable: Course certificate

• Complete Cornell University eBird introduction course
  • Deliverable: Course certificate and eBird orientation
• Review eBird tutorials created for FWS/JVs by Cornell Univ staff
  • Deliverable: Increased knowledge of tools to use for future analyses
• Intro to GIS course
  • Deliverable: Course Certificate
• Participate in monthly virtual JV eBird study group
  • Deliverable: Present progress to peer group, learn from others' examples
• Develop species priority list for further evaluation
  • Deliverable: List of CVJV focal species and species of conservation concern
• Determine relative abundance, population trends, and migration chronology for selected species
  • Deliverable: Written report summarizing analysis, with recommendations for inclusion in JV planning.
• Present finding at CVJV bird working group meeting
  • Deliverable: Create powerpoint summarizing methods and results

Task #2

• Review literature on past bioenergetics model use for planning in CVJV
  • Deliverable: Obtain knowledge and background required to understand model inputs and function
• Attend meeting/training with Ducks Unlimited biologists
  • Deliverable: Learn functionality of the TRUEMET model used for bioenergetics models
• Update habitat inputs in Suisun, Sacramento, and Yolo-Delta planning regions based on new science
  • Deliverable: Model outputs from TRUEMET updating habitat objectives in three planning regions
• Review literature on adapting eBird data for use in bioenergetics models in GCJV
  • Deliverable: Obtain knowledge and background required to consider applying techniques to CVJV
• Participate in meeting/training with GCJV staff on eBird data use in models
  • Deliverable: Gather information/examples on adapting eBird data for use in TRUEMET
• Apply eBird data to CVJV bioenergetics models
  • Deliverable: Written report with model outputs for all CVJV planning regions
• Present results to CVJV Waterfowl Working group
  • Deliverable: Develop PowerPoint describing application (or not) of eBird data for use in CVJV

Position Specific Development Opportunities:

• Monthly Migratory Bird Program all staff meetings.

• Aleutian Canada goose capture and banding with CDFW and FWS - SJ River NWR or Staten Island (Delta)
• Shadow refuge biologist at Sac NWR complex during monthly bird surveys; learn species ID and flock size estimation. Timing to be arranged with biologist
• Participate in white goose/swan survey-early December
• Participate in "wing bee" to determine species, age, and sex of harvest (either waterfowl in Feb or dove in November)
• Shadow Mig Bird Program Biologist to learn about online bird permit process
• Intro to GIS course (as needed for Task 1)
• Intro to Program R course
• Participate in local bird festival or Central Valley Birding Symposium (TBD)

Schedule: Duties will tentatively be carried out between 8 am and 5 pm Pacific, flexible within Monday-Friday, with schedules built around fellow's availability. Supervisor and member will collaborate together on setting member schedules. Bi-weekly totals should not exceed 80 hours. Time off may be granted and requests should be directed to ACE and the FWS for approval.

Position Benefits

Living Allowance: The ACE Member is expected to contribute between 15-40 hours/week, depending on fellow availability and will receive a living allowance adjusted based on work schedule to offset the costs of food and incidental expenses, dispersed bi-weekly.

For example, a fellow student working 20 hours/week would receive a stipend of $360/week.

Housing: Housing is the responsibility of the member and not provided by ACE or FWS.

Public Land Corps Hiring Authority: Members serving under this agreement may be eligible for a federal hiring authority upon completion of their term of service and 640 hours of service. If the duration of a PLC-eligible term is not long enough for Members to accrue 640 hours of service (~16 weeks), the total hours served at the completion of the term may be eligible to be combined with hours accrued from another PLC-eligible term to meet the 640 hours requirement. PLC projects also include specific eligibility requirements such as age and citizenship. Please contact ACE staff with questions about eligibility, or view general information online: https://www.usaconservation.org/epic/#eligibility-requirements.

Provided Training/Orientation: ACE members will receive position specific training and an orientation outlining ACE policies and procedures, clear guidance on prohibited activities, and networks for support.

Gear Reimbursement: ACE members will have up to $100 to spend on eligible gear purchases. Eligible gear for this position must be approved by ACE staff prior to purchase.

Scholarship Funding Opportunity: The selected candidate(s) for this position will be eligible to apply for ACE's Access and Inclusion Scholarship. This is a $500 grant which is intended to make participation in ACE positions more accessible to individuals who are underrepresented in the conservation field. Scholarship recipients will be able to allocate this funding to financial need(s) of their choosing. A limited number of scholarships are available.

Developmental Opportunities:

• 1 week in-person orientation
• Field opportunities
• Training opportunities
• Networking with federal biologists and administrative professionals
• Resume workshops
• Individual resume reviews
• Career advising
• Bi-weekly facilitated calls (near peer forum, leadership Q&A, career overviews, etc.)
• Informational interviews
• Mentorship program
• Administrative support
• Special Hiring Authority and USAJOBS training
• Regional symposium for final presentations

Qualifications

Required:

• Members must be a U.S. citizen or Permanent Resident, as required by U.S. government contracts
• Candidates must meet all eligibility requirements for Public Land Corps Hiring Authority. Please see the following link for more information on eligibility requirements: https://www.usaconservation.org/epic/#eligibility-requirements.
• Willing and able to represent ACE and the partner organization in a professional, positive, and enthusiastic manner.
• Ability to be both self-directed/work alone, and be a positive, contributing member of a group.
• A current and valid form of ID (will be required to provide copies of ID's upon hiring)
• If eligible to drive, a valid driver's license and an insurable driving record (documentation to be provided upon request).
• Willing to undergo and must pass the required two-part criminal history check
• Ability to perform the essential duties of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.
• ACE Members will need to complete bi-weekly timesheets, beginning of term feedback forms, end of term evaluations and for longer terms, a mid-term evaluation.
• Member may not participate in any prohibited activities as listed in the Member Service Agreement
• To learn more about eligibility requirements, please visit our website: https://www.usaconservation.org/epic/#eligibility-requirements.
• Candidates will not be evaluated based on prior work experience, as none is expected.
• Local to the duty station (able to commute to the work site on a regular basis)
• Interested in the work the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service does
• Able to complete 640 hours of work
• Due to the self-paced nature of this fellowship, it is also critical that fellows are able to demonstrate time management, communication, and organizational skills.
• Current 3rd year or higher undergraduate, graduate student, or recent graduate (graduated in last 2 years)
• GPA of 3.0 or higher
• In an education program which will qualify for the 401 series upon graduation (Degree: environmental science or policy, biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position.)
• Available to work part/full-time (based on availability) beginning in August 2024.

Preferred:

• Projects are developmental opportunities and should be suitable for undergraduate students. Applicants will be solicited primarily from 3rd and 4th year undergraduate students, and we may receive applications from graduate students, including Master's and Ph.D.

Physical Demands, Work Environment and Working Conditions:

Physical Demands: Position is based primarily outdoors. Demands may include stooping, lifting, reaching, talking, hearing, regular and recurring hiking, walking, and bending. Manual dexterity required for use of various tools, computer keyboard/mouse and other office equipment, and may involve fine and precise procedures, delicate adjustments or exact measurements.

• Vision Requirements: Requires close, distance, peripheral, and depth perception vision as well as the ability to focus.
• Weight Lifted or Force Exerted: Frequently moves up to 40 lbs., occasionally moves up to 40 lbs.
• Environmental: When outdoors, work environment conditions can change frequently; working under adverse weather conditions and in various climates. When indoors, office environment conditions; indoor air quality is good and temperature is controlled.
• Noise Environment: Outdoors- moderate to high noise such as hand and power tools. Indoors- moderate noise such as in a business office with equipment and light traffic.
• Travel: This position may require domestic travel.

Environmental Conditions/Hazards: The ACE member(s) may encounter environmental conditions/hazards including extreme heat or cold, rocky terrain, swamp or wetland conditions, biting insects, and potentially dangerous wildlife. The member is expected to conduct duties in a safe and orderly manner so as not to endanger self, fellow staff/members or resources. Temperature and weather extremes can be encountered in the performance of outdoor duties.

Vehicle and Equipment Use/Safety: If a vehicle is required for the accomplishment of the duties, one will be provided by the FWS or ACE Any tools required for the accomplishment of the duties will be provided by the FWS. Use of personal protective equipment (PPE), typically provided by the FWS, will be mandatory for any activity that requires it. Strict adherence to FWS and ACE equipment training, certification and safety protocols is required.

To Apply: Please submit your resume, a cover letter demonstrating your interest and experience, and contact information for three professional/academic references to the online application page for this position here:https://usaconservation.applicantpool.com/jobs/. Early consideration will be given as resumes are received. This position may close at any time. If you have any questions regarding this position, please feel free to contact ACE EPIC FWS Program Manager Nich Jackosky at njackosky@usaconservation.org.

EEO: Employment with ACE is based upon ability, qualifications, attitude, and job-related factors. Every qualified employee or applicant has the same opportunity for recruitment, hire, training, transfer, promotion, compensation, demotion, termination, benefits, employee activities, and general treatment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, gender, national origin, pregnancy, ancestry, citizenship status, genetic information (including of a family member), veteran or military status, age, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, medical condition, marital or parental status, political affiliation, ethnicity, hair texture or style, arrest record, caste, hereditary status, endogamy, or any other classification protected by applicable local, state, or federal law.

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