Avian Field Technician

Virginia Commonwealth University seeks an Avian Field Technician for research on Golden-winged Warbler habitat quality in Highland County, Virginia. The role involves conducting bird observations, vegetation, and insect sampling. Applicants should have experience with songbirds and data collection. The position runs from May 4 to July 1, offers $2000/month plus housing, and requires outdoor work in steep terrain. Flexible schedule and driving a 4WD vehicle are necessary.
• December 14, 2023
Employer: Virginia Commonwealth University

Location: Highland County, Virginia

Country: United States

Last Date to Apply: No value

Open Until Filled: Yes

Job duration: May 4 through July 1

Job description:

The Bulluck lab at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, VA seeks to hire one field technician to assist a graduate student with research on Golden-winged Warbler habitat quality in early successional habitats across Highland County, Virginia. The Golden-winged Warbler population has declined sharply, especially in the Appalachian region, and is being reviewed for protection under the Endangered Species Act. Our goal is to conduct foraging observations on Golden-winged Warblers and Chestnut-sided Warblers to assess the relative use of native versus non-native vegetation.

Primary duties will include conducting focal animal observations of Golden-winged Warblers and Chestnut-sided Warblers recording bird movements and foraging behaviors. Technicians will also conduct vegetation and insect/prey sampling. There may be opportunities to help conduct point count surveys early in the season, as well as mist netting and color banding songbirds. Fieldwork will be conducted on private lands in steep terrain and remote conditions. Applicants must be adaptable and expect periodic schedule changes within the season. Attention to detail is important and applicants with prior avian technician experience will have preference. Housing and transportation to and from field sites is provided.

Required qualifications:

· Comfortable working outdoors for up to 8 hours at a time

· Experience observing songbird behavior and recording color band combinations

· Experience identifying eastern birds by sight and sound

· Eastern plant ID skills

· Meticulous data collection skills

· Ability to work independently and as a team

· Easy-going, flexible, reliable, and hardworking personality

· Comfortable driving 4WD vehicle

· Valid driver’s license with a clean driving record

Preferred qualifications:

· Experience conducting foraging observations

· Experience with mist nets and banding songbirds

· Experience conducting vegetation measurements

To Apply:

Submit a letter of interest, resume, and contact information for 3 references in a single PDF document with the subject title “GWWA Field Assistant Position” to Sam Fishman at fishmans@vcu.edu. Application review will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

Compensation: $2000/month plus housing