EDR is looking to hire qualified Field Survey Technicians to conduct avian surveys at project sites in New York State. These positions are temporary (i.e., on a per-project or per-season basis) but may be extended depending on additional project opportunities and job performance. Avian surveys will primarily involve afternoon and evening surveys from fixed locations, with a focus on detection and observation of grassland raptors (e.g., northern harriers [Circus hudsonius]) in rural settings under winter conditions. For this role, Field Survey Technicians will be expected to drive to and from project sites, hike and/or snowshoe to and from designated survey locations, conduct surveys to identify birds by sight and sound, record data and map species observations electronically using mobile applications, provide daily progress updates, and review survey data to ensure completeness and accuracy.
Schedule and Compensation:
- Anticipated Start and End Dates: on-boarding and training the week of November 10, 2025; field surveys beginning on or before November 17, 2025, and ending by late March or early April 2026, depending on project needs. Shorter-term positions (e.g., from the week of November 10, 2025 through January 2026) may also be available.
- Weekly Schedule: typically Monday through Friday and 4-5 hours per day (20-25 hours weekly); occasional weekend work when surveys must be rescheduled due to severe weather or when additional support is needed; five evening surveys (conducted solo) and one set of daytime surveys (conducted as part of a team of two) per week is typical. Work hours will extend into the evening, with surveys ending after sunset and return travel occurring after dark.
- Compensation: $20 to $24 per hour (based on experience and work history with EDR).
- Lodging: expenses reimbursed dependent on individual project locations and requirements, but monthly stipends may be available for out-of-state staff and/or for more remote project sites.
- Transportation: personal vehicle mileage reimbursed at the federal rate for work travel (currently $0.70 per mile in 2025) and calculated based on EDR office locations. As an alternative, rental vehicles and fuel reimbursement for work travel may be available depending on individual project requirements.
- Meal Per Diem: dependent on individual project requirements, but typically available at the federal standard rate for the dinner meal (currently $28 in 2025) on workdays with evening surveys.
- Equipment: mobile device (e.g., iPad mini), stylus, spotting scope, tripod, snowshoes, headlamp, traffic safety cones, first aid kit, and safety vest are all provided by EDR for work use.
- Safety: all employees will adhere to EDR health and safety procedures and employment policies, including project-specific job hazard analysis.
Qualifications:
- At least one (1) field season or one (1) year of experience conducting breeding bird, wintering raptor, migratory raptor, or other similar bird surveys (in a professional or scientific research capacity). Additional field seasons or years of experience preferred.
- A strong proficiency in bird identification, including New York State rare species and raptors. Familiarity with New York State endangered, threatened, and special concern species preferred.
- The ability to readily identify avian species that occur in New York State by sight and sound (or ability to quickly learn to identify such species).
- The willingness to travel, including possible overnights, to project sites located throughout New York State.
- A current, valid driver’s license.
- The ability to work atypical hours (e.g., evening, after sunset).
- The ability to work outdoors in a variety of harsh weather conditions (e.g., cold, wind, rain, snow).
- Physical endurance to conduct avian field surveys in areas without road access (e.g., walking on uneven and/or muddy terrain, snowshoeing through deep snow).
- A positive attitude, enthusiasm for teamwork, and appreciation for both the challenges and benefits of working in an outdoor field environment.
- Independence and ability to conduct field surveys alone (following successful completion of training).
- Excellent written and oral communication skills that allow for accurate, complete data recording and punctual delivery of survey data and progress updates.
- The ability to carry equipment (i.e., binoculars, spotting scope, tripod, mobile device, personal items) while conducting fieldwork.
- Proficiency in reading, understanding, and navigating using aerial (satellite) imagery maps.
- The ability to fill out paper and electronic data sheets.
- The ability to accurately record detailed spatial, identification, and behavioral information for birds observed during surveys with a high level of proficiency.
- Attention to detail and ability to conduct quality control (QC) reviews of survey data to ensure accuracy and completeness.
- A bachelor’s degree or coursework in biology, conservation biology, ecology, environmental science, environmental studies, natural resources, wildlife science, or a related field.
EDR is a woman-owned multi-disciplinary environmental consulting and design firm that has been in business for over 45 years, and this position represents a career opportunity with one of the leading environmental permitting consultants for renewable energy projects in the Eastern United States. Significant milestones in our portfolio include the largest proposed utility-scale solar project in Maryland (Great Bay Solar), the first wind energy project built in New York (Madison), the first wind energy project approved in Ohio (Buckeye), the first approved offshore wind project (Cape Wind), the first built offshore wind project (Block Island), the first proposed offshore wind project in the Great Lakes (Project Icebreaker), the largest wind energy project in the Northeast (Maple Ridge), and the first wind energy project proposed on National Forest Service Lands (Deerfield Wind). Our experience on these projects, along with many other ongoing/active projects, incorporates all aspects of environmental impact analysis and permitting, which includes preparation of environmental impact statements and siting board applications in addition to various support studies and permit applications.
EDR’s staff is a diverse group of environmental professionals that includes ecologists, botanists, wetland specialists, wildlife biologists, GIS specialists, archaeologists, historians, visualization specialists, planners, landscape architects, and engineers. Come join our team, work on interesting and challenging projects, and collaborate with our talented group of environmental professionals!
Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. No sponsorship is available for this position.
EDR is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate against any applicant or employee because of race, color, age, national origin, citizenship status, ethnicity, religion, creed, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, sex/gender, and any other legally protected characteristic.
To apply for this position, please upload and submit your resume and cover letter below.