American Woodcock, Eastern Whip-poor-will, and Eastern Songbird Field Technician

Description:

The University of Rhode Island is seeking a highly motivated research technician to assist on a Master’s project investigating spatial movements and habitat use of American Woodcock, Eastern Whip-poor-wills, Prairie Warblers, Eastern Towhees, Field Sparrows, and Gray Catbirds in Rhode Island conservation areas. Duties will include setting up equipment for and maintaining automated telemetry systems at several sites, scouting for singing males of all species as well as searching for female American Woodcock and Eastern Whip-poor-wills using a thermal imaging camera at night, banding adults, attaching radio-telemetry packages, tracking, and mist netting. Data entry will be required as well. 

The technician will work 40 hours/week, but the schedule will be very irregular at times (both day and night work). The position will run from 1 March-1 September 2023, start and end dates are flexible. Housing is not provided. 

Salary: $2200/month

Qualifications:

Must possess or be working toward a Bachelor’s degree in wildlife sciences, ecology, natural resources or closely related discipline. Prior field experience involving upland game birds and passerines preferred. Must be team-oriented (work among a small group of 4) but also capable of working alone in the field day or night. Must possess a good work ethic and be capable of working long days. 

Preferred Qualifications:

·     Ability to work a flexible schedule

·     Bird handling, banding, and VHF transmitter attachment experience

·     Some experience with eastern songbird identification by sight and sound

·     Experience with nest searching or territory mapping preferred but a motivated individual ready to
      learn these techniques should apply

·     Experienced with radio-telemetry  

·     Ability to navigate using GPS and compass

·     Close-attention to detail and legible note-taking

·     Good physical health and ability to hike in challenging terrain (very thick brush, biting insects,
      hot/humid weather)

·     Positive attitude and sense of humor when conditions aren’t ideal

·     Valid driver’s license and clean driving record
 

To apply, send an email containing a resume, brief cover letter, and contact information for 3 references in a single PDF to Liam Corcoran (liam_corcoran@uri.edu). Please write: “AMWO Field Technician 2023” in the subject line of your email.