Summary: The Adirondack Center for Loon Conservation (ACLC) is a scientific and educational nonprofit organization with the mission of inspiring passion for and promoting the conservation of Adirondack loons, an environmental sentinel. The ACLC integrates scientific research with outreach programming to address conservation concerns affecting New York’s Common Loon population and its aquatic habitats. The effects of contaminants, climate change, and human interactions on loon populations are primary research concerns. The ACLC’s seasonal field biologist will obtain, record, enter, manage, and report data on the Adirondack loon population and reproductive efforts. This position will have the opportunity to assist in loon capture, banding, and sampling efforts, as well as opportunistic loon rescues. The split between fieldwork and data management is 75% fieldwork and 25% data management, with the first two thirds of the summer predominantly spent in the field. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: 

• Obtain and record data on loon presence/ absence, abundance, leg band status, reproductive efforts, and reproductive success on remote lakes within a specified region of the Adirondack Park; 
• Collect, label, store, and transport abandoned eggs, eggshells and loon carcasses; 
• Deploy nest cameras to evaluate loon nesting behavior and threats to loon nesting success; 
• Tag nest camera images and enter/ manage nest camera data;  
• Enter and manage community science data collected during the NY Annual Loon Census; 
• Compile data and submit reports to the ACLC’s Science Staff; 
• Assist in dedicated loon capture, sampling and banding efforts, as well as opportunistic loon rescue efforts whenever possible; 
• Post and remove loon conservation signs from assigned locations at beginning and end of the field season; 
• Respond to public inquiries about the ACLC and related work by providing appropriate informational materials (e.g., brochures and newsletters) and directing inquiries as needed for additional information; 
• Perform other duties as assigned. 

Hours/Schedule: This is a seasonal, non-exempt position running from late May through mid-August. Work schedules are dependent on weather and other operational factors and may include nights and weekends. Employees are expected to work independently and adapt effectively as conditions require. 

Qualifications:  

• Courses and/or work experience in wildlife biology, preferably with avian or aquatic species; 
• A working knowledge of kayak, canoe, and/ or powerboat use, NYS boater’s license preferred; 
• Proficient in Microsoft Office programs, including Word and Excel, ability to use e-mail, and access to a computer on a weekly basis (at a minimum); 
• Strong swimming, paddling, and hiking ability; 
• Bachelor’s degree preferred; 
• Valid driver’s license and a personal vehicle are necessary for all field positions, must be able to drive to remote locations; 
• Willingness to work alone and in adverse weather conditions; 
• Willingness to live in rustic conditions, including camping if necessary; 
• Enthusiasm for learning about wildlife conservation and their habitats; 
• Ability to lift a small kayak or canoe (40+ pounds); 
• Comfortable paddling a kayak or canoe for several hours in a row alone in remote areas with no cell service. 

Compensation and Housing: Minimum wage ($16.00/ hour); federal mileage reimbursement of $0.725/ mile after a 35-mile one-way or 70-mile round-trip commute. Housing is provided in shared bunk housing in Newcomb, NY. 

*Note: In the event of changes to a project scope or schedule beyond our control, seasonal staff may be re-assigned and are required to be flexible and willing to change assignments as circumstances may dictate. This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of all activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee and are subject to change. 

The Adirondack Center for Loon Conservation is an equal opportunity employer and actively encourages candidates with diverse backgrounds to apply. It does not discriminate against any candidate or employee based on race, national origin, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, age, disability, religion or veteran status. This applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.