Seasonal Avian Forest Research Assistant

Alabama A&M University is hiring two Seasonal Avian Forest Research Assistants for field research in William B. Bankhead National Forest, AL, from April 22 to July 31, 2025. The role involves conducting avian surveys, assisting with nightjar captures, and data entry. Applicants should have a valid driver's license and relevant coursework in wildlife biology. Field housing is provided, and the position requires working in challenging outdoor conditions.
Starting Date: 4/22/2025

Ending Date: 7/31/2025

Hours per week: 20 – 40

Salary: $1,500 – $1,700 per month

Summary:

We are seeking two highly motivated field research assistants to assist with various avian community research projects in William B. Bankhead National Forest, Alabama. Specifically, we are examining the relationship between avian communities and various forest restoration practices, with some side projects evaluating the breeding ecology of nightjars (i.e. Eastern whip-poor-will and Chuck-will’s-widow), and Cerulean Warblers.

Assistants will mainly assist with line-transect surveys, vegetation surveys, data entry, and other related tasks but will also assist in nightjar captures and nesting surveys. May include weekend work. Chosen applicants should be prepared for early mornings on survey days and late nights on capture days in challenging environments typical of the southeastern US (i.e. biting insects, hot and humid weather, venomous snakes, poison ivy, etc.). Field housing is provided via camper on-site at Bankhead National Forest. A university vehicle will be provided for field work (if approved). Start and end dates are April 22 – July 31; start and end dates are flexible but preference will be given to those who can start as close to our beginning date as possible and stay the entirety of the season.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
• Responsible for performing line-transect surveys for birds in a remote setting with a handheld GPS and assisting with associated vegetation surveys.
• Assist with mist-net setup for nightjar capture along with associated data entry for banding.
• Assist with nightjar remote tracking and nest surveys, if needed.
• Additional duties may include field vehicle and equipment maintenance and assisting graduate student with data entry.
• Must be willing to travel to the research stands independently or along with the researchers.

Minimum Position Requirements (including certifications, licenses, etc.):
• Valid driver’s license and clean driving record
• Completed or working on a college degree in a related field

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
• Avian survey experience or coursework in wildlife biology or a related field is strongly preferred
• Ability to ID birds of the southeastern US by sight and sound
• Attention to detail when it comes to data collection
• Good sense of humor in challenging conditions
• Good eyesight and hearing
• Flexibility to work independently and with others
• Valid driver’s license and clean driving record

To apply:

Send a single PDF document including (1) a resume/CV, (2) a cover letter describing your interest and relevant experience, and (3) an unofficial transcript (if applicable) to kernfreesland@gmail.com and andrew.w.cantrell@gmail.com with the subject “Seasonal Avian Forest Research Assistant.” Also, complete an application at: https://www.schooljobs.com/careers/aamu/jobs/4892673/temporary-full-time-seasonal-forest-research-assistant?keywords=forest research assistant&pagetype=jobOpportunitiesJobs