Temporary Wildlife Research Technician - Wildlife and Fisheries Resources Department

West Virginia University is hiring Temporary Wildlife Research Technicians for a remote position in the Wildlife and Fisheries Resources Department. The role involves assisting with data collection on ruffed grouse and songbirds, requiring fieldwork in mountainous terrain across West Virginia. Responsibilities include driving, hiking, identifying bird species, and conducting surveys. Applicants need an Associate's Degree in a related field and must be able to perform physically demanding tasks.
About the position

The Wildlife and Fisheries Resources Department at West Virginia University is currently accepting applications for a (Remote) Temporary Wildlife Research Technician. The Lituma Lab at West Virginia University is seeking 3 technicians to assist graduate student gathering data on ruffed grouse and songbirds for a six-month period throughout West Virginia. Specifically, we are looking to answer where they can be found, what habitats are preferred, what the habitat composition is and if mosquitoes are accounting for ruffed grouse decline.\nWhat You'll Do\nDriving several hours each day, hiking long distances off trail in mountainous terrain while carrying field equipment to sites, and identifying avian species by sight and sound. \nInteracting with private landowners and public may be required. \nTechnician duties will include setting up and deploying ARUs for sites, performing early morning point count surveys, performing vegetation surveys, capturing mosquitos through passive traps. \nField sites are remote and rugged with limited cell reception, although comfortable modern field housing will be provided.\nThe project will be completed in three phases throughout the year. \nLate March-April: Monitor ruffed grouse population through roadside point count surveys and deploying autonomous recording units (ARUs)\nMay-June: Songbird roadside point counts\nJuly-August: Mosquito trapping/Vegetation surveys\nWork is full time, 5-6 days/week. Daily working schedule is dependent on month. March-June is expected early mornings and early afternoons July-August is expected early afternoons through early nights.

Responsibilities

Driving several hours each dayHiking long distances off trail in mountainous terrain while carrying field equipment to sitesIdentifying avian species by sight and soundInteracting with private landowners and public may be requiredSetting up and deploying ARUs for sitesPerforming early morning point count surveysPerforming vegetation surveysCapturing mosquitos through passive trapsRequirements

Associates Degree in Wildlife Ecology, Conservation Biology, Environmental biology or a related field.Applicants should have a valid driver’s license, clean driving record, and must be able to perform field work full time.Applicants must be able to hike, with up to 20 lbs. of gear, for several miles off trails to sites if needed and be able to work efficiently in typical Appalachian summer conditions.Experience identifying eastern songbirds by sight and sound.A strong work ethic, positive attitude, and attention to detail are essential.Any equivalent combination of related education and/or experience will be considered.All qualifications must be met by the time of employment.Nice-to-haves

Preference will be given to applicants with previous point count experience or grouse experience.Experience with collecting invertebrates and vegetation surveys preferred (e.g., DBH, canopy cover, tree identification) but training will be provided.