2010 Neotropical Migratory Bird Program

International Exchange Visitor: Wildlife Biologist

Date: August 26, 2009
Subject:
2010 Neotropical Migratory Bird Program
International Exchange Visitor: Wildlife Biologist
February 20-November 15, 2010
To: Interested Wildlife Biologists with Ornithology Experience

Application Deadline is December 15, 2009

The Willamette National Forest's Neotropical Migratory Bird Program will again host an International Visiting Wildlife Biologist in 2010.  This program is open to all current and future wildlife biologists who reside in countries outside the U.S., and who have experience with ornithology.  The main focus of this program is to improve the conservation and management of neotropical migratory birds which cross our countries' borders during their annual migrations.  Another purpose is to develop and strengthen professional and personal ties between foreign nationals, U.S. citizens, and institutions. These people-to-people programs enable government visitors to better understand U.S. culture and society, and to contribute to U.S. knowledge of foreign cultures.  Feedback from past participants and others involved has helped to strengthen this program over many years. 

• Training in and work on a long-term mistnetting and birdbanding project
• Design and accomplishment of natural resource education activities for children and adults
• Habitat restoration and enhancement projects, for example, snag creation and monitoring, elk, amphibian, and cavity nester habitat enhancement. 
• Management plans for designated special wildlife habitat areas
• Project monitoring reports
• Survey data organization
• Assisted in surveys for Great Gray Owls, Northern Spotted Owls, Harlequin Ducks, Peregrine Falcons, Western Pond Turtles, Red Tree Voles, and Terrestrial Mollusks
• Monitored and radio tracked bats

The nearby HJ Andrews Experimental Forest offers the opportunity to exchange information with forest researchers.  In some years other agency biologists (Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and others) have also been involved in this program to exchange technical information related to management and research.

The following are the projected timeframes for the 2010 program:

February 20-April 30: Orientation to the McKenzie River Ranger District and preparation for natural resource education activities.  Begin to assist wildlife and natural resource programs and possibly spend time with other district departments both in the field and office. 

May 1-August 8:During the past twelve years, the Willamette National Forest's program has been linked with a work experience through the Institute for Bird Populations in Pt. Reyes, California.  From May 1-14, the individual would attend a mistnetting and birdbanding training workshop by the Institute for Bird Populations in southern Oregon.  After that, they will return to McKenzie Bridge, Oregon, where they will work as part of a two-person team operating the six mistnetting and birdbanding stations on the Willamette National Forest.  These stations are part of the long-term Monitoring Avian Productivity and Survivorship program.

August 9-November 15:The biologist would again work on the McKenzie River Ranger District on various wildlife projects, and implementing a natural resource education program for schools and local organizations.  The visiting biologist will spend time working independently on projects, depending on individual interests and organizational needs.  Although time spent on individual projects is limited, we believe that this offers a valuable learning experience, and depending on the project, allows more integration in district programs and the community.  In exchange, we hope to learn more about how natural resource management work is planned and implemented in other countries to generate additional ideas for our work here, as well as to encourage international cooperation and a better understanding of other countries. 

• Western pond turtle habitat enhancement work

• Checking the district’s assumptions for Roosevelt elk habitat

• Created wildlife tree/snag monitoring and contract inspection

• Amphibian monitoring and development of a district monitoring plan

• Development of a photo display of species the district is particularly interested in for wildlife sightings

• Work with other biologists to provide wildlife input to a district project

• Geographic Information Systems (GIS) work using ARCMAP

We are open to suggestions concerning other possible projects. 

In 2010, the visiting biologist will stay through November 15 to organize and implement natural resource education activities for schools and local organizations.  This timeframe could shortenened or extended, and is funding-dependent.

Before we select an individual to participate in this year's program, their goals and interests, as well as possible work projects which the Forest Service can offer will be discussed.  This will help ensure that expectations on both sides can be met.  After arrival in Oregon, additional details and timeframes will be planned. 

To participate in this program, applicants need to already have a good comprehension of English.

The birdbanding training and requirements are fairly rigorous.

Some or all travel and visa-related expenses may be covered by the Willamette National Forest, depending on the situation of each individual.  Expenses covered may include roundtrip airfare from your country, the required medical insurance coverage while in the U.S., as well as basic housing.  A per diem allowance adequate to cover food and incidental expenses will be paid by the Institute for Bird Populations during the birdbanding period between May 1 through August 8, and the Willamette National Forest will cover expenses during the remainder of the time.  You will be required to obtain a J1 Exchange Visitor visa which we can help you obtain.  You will likely need to visit the U.S. Consulate in your country to obtain this visa.  For some countries, you would need to pay $100 U.S. for the J1 visa.  In addition, there is now a $100 SEVIS fee payable to the Department of Homeland Security which you would also need to prepay by credit card. Please be sure to keep your receipts as they are needed for reimbursement.

Please take some time to review the following website that lists information about the different types of visas and in particular the J1 visa which you would have:  http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/types/types_1267.html

Requirements:

At least 2 years college in a natural resources or biology curriculum, or comparable work experience. 

Be able to leave your home country February 20 and stay until November 15. 

A good ability to speak and read English to adequately understand biological and other work-related information. 

Experience with and a strong interest in natural resource education in schools and with community organizations

Public speaking skills

Strong interest in integrated natural resource management. 

Valid driver’s license for your own country, excellent driving record and experienced driver including on gravel and dirt roads.  Ability to obtain an Oregon and U.S. Government Driver’s License.  Please note that meeting this requirement is critical, i.e. applicants without a driver’s license cannot be considered.

A passport valid for travel to the United States and with a validity date at least six months beyond the timeframe of your projected stay in the United States (unless country-specific agreements provide exemptions).

Ability to work outdoors for extended periods in a wide variety of weather conditions, including wet, cold, foggy, and rainy weather. Late spring and early summer weather in the Oregon Cascade Mountains can be quite chilly, especially for visitors not accustomed to high humidity and cold rain.  From February through June you may experience snowy conditions.  Late summer weather in the Cascades is usually hot and dry. 

Preference will be given to applicants who are from either: 

• Mexico, Central, and South America ; OR
• Countries with temperate coniferous forests who will benefit from a work experience in the Oregon Cascades. 

Preferred:   Ability to teach children about birds using art for a community event.