Thomas Dayton
About Thomas Dayton
Thomas Dayton is a Biological Technician with extensive experience in avian biology and fieldwork. He has worked for various organizations, including the U.S. Geological Survey and CH2M HILL, and specializes in conducting bird surveys and data collection.
Current Role at U.S. Geological Survey
Thomas Dayton has been employed at the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) as a Biological Technician since 2015. In this role, he conducts protocol level surveys for various bird species, including Least Bell’s Vireos, California Gnatcatchers, and Willow Flycatchers. His responsibilities include performing post-survey vegetation surveys as part of data collection. Dayton engages in mist net surveys at five different MAPS locations throughout the Greater San Diego Area, utilizing Juno Trimble units for field data collection.
Previous Experience in Avian Biology
Before joining USGS, Thomas Dayton worked as an Avian Field Coordinator at CH2M HILL from 2012 to 2014 in Palm Springs, California. He then served as an Avian Biologist at Garcia & Associates for 11 months in 2014 to 2015 in the Greater Los Angeles Area. His roles in these positions involved fieldwork and research focused on avian species.
Background in Wildland Firefighting
Thomas Dayton has experience as a Wildland Firefighter with the U.S. Forest Service. He worked in this capacity for two months in 2003 in Challis, Idaho, and again from 2004 to 2008 for four years in Juneau, Alaska. His firefighting experience contributes to his understanding of environmental management and ecological preservation.
Education in Environmental Studies
Thomas Dayton studied at Prescott College in Prescott, Arizona, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Environmental Studies. His studies spanned from 2009 to 2011, providing him with a solid foundation in environmental science and ecology, which informs his current work in biological research.
Field Instruction and Early Career
Earlier in his career, Thomas Dayton served as a Field Instructor at Aspen Achievement Academy from 2001 to 2002 in Loa, Utah. He also worked with the National Park Service as part of a trail crew in Kings Canyon National Park from 1998 to 2000. These roles contributed to his practical experience in outdoor education and environmental stewardship.