Temporary Research Technician – Davis College of Agriculture and Natural Resources

West Virginia University is hiring a Temporary Research Technician for the Davis College of Agriculture and Natural Resources. The role involves collecting bird population data and estimating forest structure through point count sampling. Responsibilities include hiking to designated points, data entry, and using forestry skills. Candidates should have an Associate's degree in a relevant field and a valid driver's license. The position lasts approximately 5 months and requires full-time commitment.
West Virginia University’s Davis College of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Design is seeking applications for a Temporary Research Technician. The person will be collecting data as part of a continuing project that focuses on evaluating and identifying forestry practices that affect forest songbirds. The researcher will be collecting bird population data via point count sampling. They will also be using forestry skills, to estimate forest structure.

What you’ll do:
• The students will be spending a lot of their time hiking in the mountains, to pre-determined points, to estimate bird abundances and associate abundances with forest structure conditions.
• They will also be responsible for entering these data into databases.
• Deploying and collecting autonomous units.

Pay Grade: 10

Length of Assignment: Approximately 5 months

Work Hours: 37.5

Qualifications
• Associates Degree in Wildlife Ecology, Conservation Biology, Environmental biology or a related field.
• 0-6 months or related experience
• Any equivalent combination of related education and/or experience will be considered.
• All qualifications must be met by the time of employment.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
• Bird identification
• Tree identification
• GIS, Data Entry.

Requirements
• Valid driver’s license

About WVU

West Virginia University is a place of purpose and community. We take pride in our profound impact on the state of West Virginia and are committed to the personal and professional growth of our employees.

From the groundbreaking R1 research at our flagship campus in Morgantown to the career-oriented programs at WVU Potomac State in Keyser, and the technology-intensive programs at WVU Tech in Beckley, the contributions of WVU employees resonate across the state, touching lives and shaping futures.

At WVU, you will discover a supportive community that champions work-life balance and fosters a collaborative atmosphere. Our core values — service, curiosity, respect, accountability and appreciation — unite us as Mountaineers.

Join us at West Virginia University, where your work will make a lasting impact. To learn more about WVU, visit wvu.edu.

West Virginia University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We invite all qualified applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or Veteran status.

Job Posting: Mar 25, 2025

Posting Classification: Temporary

Exemption Status: Non-Exempt

Benefits Eligible: No

Schedule: Full-time