Robert Spaul

Experience

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  University of Vermont

  May 2002 - Jul 2002

  Research Assistant

  - Mist-net, process, band, bleed, band resight, nest search, and nest monitor, three grassland bird species to determine response to agricultural mowing practices; conduct vegetative sampling around nests- Independent study surveying nestling diet, using ligature techniques on nestlings to extract insect larvae

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  Wildlife Conservation Society

  Jun 2004 - Aug 2004

  Biological Science Technician

  - Conduct fixed-radius avian point counts; assess and compare foraging behavior of bark gleaning species- Search for nests and monitor reproduction in differing prescriptions of fire management strategies

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  HawkWatch International

  Sept 2004 - Oct 2004

  Biological Science Technician

  Raptor Migration Counter- Identify, age, sex and count migrating raptors.- Engage with public and ornithology groups.- Operate count site in remote mountain range.

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  HawkWatch International

  Aug 2005 - Oct 2005

  Biological Science Technician

  - Conduct migration count, train multiple volunteers. - Learn to trap migrating raptors, using avian lure birds.- Assist in banding/ measuring raptors; assist in deployment of satellite transmitters.

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  Simon Fraser University

  May 2006 - Jul 2006

  Crew Lead/ Biological Science Technician

  Songbird/ Predator Point Count Crew Leader, Marbled Murrelet Project- Conduct fixed-radius avian and meso-predator point counts in old-growth clear cuts and interior.- Create and conduct Vaccinium/Berry survey protocol. - Train and supervise Assistant Point Counter.

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  HawkWatch International

  Sept 2006 - Oct 2006

  Raptor Bander

  Trapping and banding migratory raptors daily.

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  HawkWatch International

  Apr 2007 - Oct 2007

  - Run trapping blind daily; trap, process, band 11 raptor species; assist Site Coordinator to manage crew. - Train new banders and observation counters.- Conduct migration count at end of season. - Find and monitor GOEA, Prairie Falcon, Red-tailed Hawk and Ferruginous Hawk nests. - Map natural gas field installation and construction in relation to nests.- Conduct nest microhabitat surveys.- Conduct Accipiter broadcast surveys, conduct nest search for Accipiter species in Pinyon-Juniper habitat. - Conduct distribution line raptor surveys, assess use and avoidance of perch deterrents

  • Lead Bander

    Aug 2007 - Oct 2007

  • Biological Science Technician

    Apr 2007 - Aug 2007
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  Oregon State University

  May 2008 - Aug 2008

  Biological Science Technician

  - Search for and monitor nests of threatened subspecies of Horned Lark. - Place/ check remote cameras at nest sites, enter data from palm pilot onto database. - Maintain communication with private and public stakeholders on research sites.

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  HawkWatch International

  Aug 2008 - Oct 2008

  Lead Bander/ Site Coordinator

  Wenatchee/ Okanogon National Forest, Washington- Organize logistical support with US Forest Service. - Manage operations of 6-person crew and local volunteer network. - Manage data, maintain accuracy of collected data, manage project budget- Supervise trapping blind and train new trappers; host visiting researchers and public- Trap, process, and band Sharp-shinned Hawks, Cooper’s Hawks, Northern Goshawks, Merlins, American Kestrels, Peregrine Falcons, Prairie Falcons, Northern Harriers, Golden Eagles, Red-tailed Hawks and Rough-legged Hawks.- Take carbon-isotope feather samples, and test for avian flu (H5N1).- Interact with visitors and volunteers, explain non-profit’s mission and the goals of raptor conservation. - Manage an aviary of captive lure birds (Pigeons, Starlings and House sparrows). Show less

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  Oregon State University

  May 2009 - Aug 2009

  Crew Leader/ Biological Science Technician

  - Train and manage operations of 3 crew members to monitor streaked horned lark nests, band nestlings and place remote camera setups at nests. - Construct and setup nest exclosures to test efficacy of protecting nests from predators - Use ATV on grasslands to move camera setups; conduct vegetation microhabitat surveys of nest sites

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  Hawkwatch International

  Aug 2009 - Oct 2009

  Lead Bander/ Site Coordinator

  Wenatchee/ Okanogon National Forest, Washington- Organize logistical support with US Forest Service. - Manage operations of 6-person crew and local volunteer network. - Manage data, maintain accuracy of collected data, manage project budget.- Supervise trapping blind and train new trappers; host visiting researchers and public.- Trap, process, and band Sharp-shinned Hawks, Cooper’s Hawks, Northern Goshawks, Merlins, American Kestrels, Peregrine Falcons, Prairie Falcons, Northern Harriers, Golden Eagles, Red-tailed Hawks and Rough-legged Hawks.- Take carbon-isotope feather samples, and test for avian flu (H5N1).- Interact with visitors and volunteers, explain non-profit’s mission and the goals of raptor conservation. - Manage an aviary of captive lure birds (Pigeons, Starlings and House sparrows). Show less

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  Colorado Parks and Wildlife

  Dec 2009 - Jun 2010

  Research Biologist

  Sage Grouse Research Biologist/ Crew Leader- Manage 4-person crew to locate VHF collared hens for winter habitat modeling. - Create daily schedule of surveying, manage ecological monitoring rotation.- Manage database of grouse locations, mortalities, and line-intercept vegetation plots.- Manage accounting/budget for logistics and equipment.- Trap grouse and outfit with GPS telemetry units. Conduct vegetation surveys of used locations and random available habitat.- Relocate mortalities on VHF and GPS outfitted birds, with metal detector.- Conduct lek surveys and search for new leks.- Map and define energy development installations.- Use/ maintain snowmobiles and ATVs in winter backcountry environment. Show less

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  Oregon State University

  May 2010 - Sept 2010

  Research Biologist

  Streaked Horned Lark research- Search for and monitor nests, conduct vegetation microhabitat surveys, enter and prepare data.- Band adults and chicks, then resight color banded birds for survival data; conduct territory mapping.- Consult with USFWS to facilitate improved land management for streaked horned lark breeding.

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  Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife

  Oct 2010 - Mar 2011

  Experimental Biology Aide

  - Manage a Goose Hunter Check station, to monitor hunter compliance with the NW Oregon Permit Zone Goose Hunt.- Measure and record morphological data, assessed subspecies of Canada Goose taken, as well as Greater-White Fronted and Snow Geese. - Conduct goose surveys across county, often counting 10,000+ in a day.- Check hunter documents to confirm compliance with the NW Oregon Goose Permit Zone Regulations.- Explain conservation initiatives to hunters and general public. File weekly reports of data and infractions. Show less

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  Oregon State University

  Mar 2011 - Sept 2011

  Faculty Research Assistant

  Spotted Owl field surveys- Conduct daytime call/visual surveys for known and unk. Northern Spotted Owls, in 100+ territory matrix of federal and private land. - Resight/mouse banded birds for nest monitoring; capture and band unmarked birds.- Conduct nocturnal call surveys.- Enter data into database of GIS maps and spreadsheets.

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  Bloom Biological Inc.

  Sept 2011 - Oct 2011

  Sub-Contractor: Golden Eagle Trapper/ Bander

  - Trapped and banded adult Golden Eagles on territory, assisted/ learned to affix backpack GPS locators.- Select bait stations, place cameras, and setup trapping locations for territorial GOEAs.

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  Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife

  Oct 2011 - Apr 2012

  Lead Environmental Biology Aide, NW Goose Permit Zone Program

  Lead Goose Technician, Hunter Check Station Attendant- Supervise and provide logistical support for 8 check station attendants and evaluate performance.- Maintain communication between supervisor and check station attendants.- Measure and record morphological data, assess subspecies of Canada Goose taken, as well as Greater-White Fronted and Snow Geese. - Conduct goose surveys across county, often counting 10,000+ in a day.- Check hunter documents to confirm compliance with the NW Oregon Goose Permit Zone regulations.- Explain conservation initiatives to hunters and general public. File weekly reports of data and infractions. Show less

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  Oregon State University

  May 2012 - Jul 2012

  Avian Biologist

  - Search for and monitor threatened (strigata) horned lark nests.- Conduct vegetation microhabitat surveys, enter and prepare data.- Band adults and nestlings, resight color banded birds for survival data.- Radio mark fledglings and track them post fledging, to determine habitat use and survival.- Consult with USFWS to facilitate improved land management for streaked horned lark breeding.

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  Boise State University

  Jul 2012 - Feb 2018

  Research Associate at Boise State University, in coordination with US Fish and Wildlife Service, Western Golden Eagle Team- Wrote Conservation Strategy Plan for Golden Eagles (GOEA).- Assessed large dataset of GOEA environmental and ecological variables.- Assessed and interpreted ecological models of breeding and non-breeding season habitat.- Researched issues of management concern for conservation prioritization. - Contributed to review of GOEA susceptibility to anthropogenic disturbance.- Prepared manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed journals.- Organized and conducted ~40 hours of GOEA helicopter nest surveys, in the Owyhee Canyonlands. Show less Thesis Research: “Recreation Disturbance to a Shrub-steppe Raptor: Biological Consequences, Behavioral Mechanisms, and Management Implications.”- Monitored territory occupancy, egg-laying, and nest survival of Golden Eagle territories, in response to recreation levels, trail density and a suite of recreation covariates. - Monitored behavioral activity budget, flushing responses and distances at 23 GOEA territories, in response to motorized and non-motorized recreation.- Developed protocol to record recreation levels over 6 month breeding season, using trail cameras.- Created extensive GIS database; establish and maintain large database.- Conducted statistical analysis, ran models in “.JMP” and “R”, perform generalized linear mixed models (GLMM), linear mixed models (LMM), nest survival models, and standard statistical summaries.- Gave oral and poster presentations at scientific conferences, academic seminars, and agency meetings.- Created, parameterized, analyzed, and published an Individual Based Model (IBM), assessing recreation impacts to GOEAs and potential habituation to disturbance over 100 years, - Designed and implemented qualitative poll of human attitudes and perceptions of public land, wildlife, and recreation trail management. - Assisted in trapping Northern Harriers, and affixing and deploying GPS units. Show less

  • Research Associate

    Sept 2015 - Feb 2018

  • Biological Science Technician

    May 2015 - Aug 2015

  • MS Student in Raptor Biology

    Aug 2012 - Aug 2015

  • Graduate Teaching Assistant

    Jul 2012 - Aug 2015
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  HawkWatch International

  Sept 2017 - Oct 2017

  Biological Science Technician

  - Assess initial track logs of GPS marked GOEAs, for potential GOEA migration observation sites- Conduct full-day observations of migrating raptors, to assess potential for long term monitoring

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  Credit Valley Conservation

  May 2018 - Dec 2018

  Natural Heritage Inventory Assistant

  - Conducted Ecological Land Classification (ELC), Natural Heritage Inventory, Acoustic Bat and Anuran Surveys. - Created Acoustic Classifier for avian species in Kaleidoscope, assessed and analyzed associated data. - Conducted Significant Wildlife Habitat surveys for forest songbirds and Black-crowned Night Herons. - Entered and reviewed data; conducted literature reviews; attended Crayfish ID workshop.

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  Hurricanes Roadhouse Restaurant

  Mar 2019 - Sept 2019

  Line Cook

  - Solo and team Line Cook in fast-paced sport’s pub and kitchen.- Prep work, customer service, cleaning, closing duties.- Coordinate with team members, refine menu

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  HawkWatch International

  Sept 2019 - Nov 2019

  Biological Science Technician

  - Conduct full-day exploratory observations of migrating raptors.- Assess potential for establishing a long term monitoring site.- Operate safely in remote landscape, with regular bear encounters, and limited access to resources and emergency services.- Engage in community outreach with visitors to the migration site, and inform on mission of non-profit.

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  Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA)

  May 2021 - Jul 2021

  Biologist I, Terrestrial Inventories and Monitoring

  - Conduct Avian point count surveys in Meadow and Forest habitats, and Marshbird playback and monitoring surveys. - Conduct complete terrestrial fauna inventories, mapping avian, herpetological and mammalian occurrences for species of conservation concern.

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  Hawk Migration Association of North America(HMANA)

  Jul 2021 - Jan 2022

  Project Manager

  - GREAT Great Lakes Hawkwatch: An inclusive community science project across Ontario and the Great Lakes- Conceived project, pitched idea to, and successfully garnered support from 7 non-profits as partner organizations. - Used Little Green Light to create a registration questionnaire for project participants, and managed subsequent database.- Created social media content, and coordinated social media release with partner organizations; created and managed project Twitter account.- Directly recruited organizers and participants from diverse backgrounds. - Organized monthly meeting of project partners, and independent supporters.- Gave presentations and ran informational sessions over Zoom for project participants. - Revised methodology to simplify data collection and entry for community scientists.- Recorded informational videos for participants, edited content, and posted to YouTube.- Worked with webmaster and database manager to coordinate volunteer data entry, and troubleshoot technical issues. Show less

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  HWA Wildlife Consulting, LLC

  Jan 2022 - now

  Wildlife Biologist and Project Manager

  - Manage ~450,000 acre oil and gas project area, monitoring >1,300 historic raptor nest locations of 10 species, in a matrix of private and public lands, - Train staff in raptor nest monitoring techniques and other wildlife surveys- Conduct annual aerial raptor and grouse surveys, safely conducting 300+ survey hours in planes and helicopters- Manage geospatial database, create/checkin ArcPads for field data collection of staff- Coordinate with clients and landowners for private land access - Prepare data and reports; write documents; prepare maps and geodatabases for sharing data; conduct geospatial analyses to assist client in planning of oil and gas well locations and maintain regulatory compliance- Supervise staff and conduct annual ground raptor nest monitoring/searching, and surveys for Swift Fox, Amphibians, Burrowing Owls, Prairie Dogs, and rare plants- Coordinate with clients and staff on safety procedures and protocols - Conduct and train staff to conduct wind turbine curtailment at 7 distinct wind farms to reduce risk of eagle mortality- Conduct windfarm mortality searches, accurate species identification and proper documentation - Prepare Dakota Skipper survey reports and other miscellaneous documents for client and state/federal agencies - Present to client’s staff on avian management plan guidelines and procedures - Target trap Ferruginous Hawks and outfit with GPS backpack transmitters, as part of long-term study- Perform songbird nest surveys at proposed project sites- Prepare geospatial data for species sightings report to State of Wyoming Show less