Position Overview 
We are seeking a technician for a 5-month term to assist with the care of masked bobwhite at the Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge, located near Arivaca, Arizona. The Refuge spans approximately 118,000 acres and serves as a recovery site for the federally endangered masked bobwhite. With a captive population exceeding 300 birds—and no known populations in the wild—the care of these birds is vital to ongoing recovery efforts. This position will be based at the Buenos Aires NWR, supervised by Refuge staff, but the appointment will be through the Altar Valley Conservation Alliance in cooperation with the US Fish and Wildlife Service. 

Job Duties and Responsibilities
Under the direction of the facility manager and/or a wildlife veterinarian, the technician will be responsible for changing food and water, cleaning pens, observing birds for signs of injury, and learning to provide medical care for injuries or illnesses. The role requires full-time commitment during the breeding season, which is the busiest period of the year. Technicians will gain hands-on experience in pairing specific individuals, collecting eggs for incubation and hatching, and caring for chicks prior to reintegration into the assurance population. Attention to detail, the ability to follow instructions, and a willingness to ask questions are essential for maintaining a healthy bird population. 

Work Schedule and Requirements
Weekend and holiday work is required to ensure the facility is staffed every day. Applicants must have a valid driver’s license. The successful candidate should be able to work both independently and as part of a team after proper training and be adaptable to changing conditions. The position lasts for five months, and candidates should be prepared to commit to the entire duration. 

Physical requirements:
This position is almost exclusively indoors, requiring a significant time spent standing, walking, bending, reaching and stooping. The occasional use ladders, lifting items around 25lbs and exposure to dust and bird dander. There is climate control inside facility, but some tasks require outside work including exposure to heat from the summer temperatures.  

As part of the USFWS’s commitment to workforce health and safety, all crew members are required to wear an N95 mask while performing tasks such as cleaning pens, sweeping floors, and changing HVAC filters as a precaution against dust and dander that can accumulate from keeping birds indoors. In certain situations, additional personal protective equipment (PPE), such as a respirator, may be required to further protect staff. Prior to employment, each crew member must successfully complete the OSHA Respirator Medical Evaluation Questionnaire. This evaluation is typically completed electronically and results in an E-certificate. However, under specific circumstances, a follow-up appointment with a physician may be necessary for further medical clearance. Upon arrival at the facility, crew members are required to undergo a fit test to confirm that the mask fits properly and provides adequate protection. All costs related to the medical evaluation questionnaire and fit test will be covered by USFWS and any necessary physician follow-ups will be covered by AVCA. This ensures that employees are equipped with the necessary protective equipment and clearances to meet safety standards. 

Compensation and Benefits
The pay rate for this position is $20.00 per hour. Temporary housing, including utilities, and a vehicle for work use will be provided by the Refuge at no cost to the technician. Please note that pets are not allowed in temporary quarters. Housing may be shared with other technicians depending on seasonal staffing needs at the Refuge.