Avian Field Biologist

Position:

Avian Field Biologist

Application Period:

open until 15 Jan 2024 (review of applicants will occur as they are received)

Dates for positions (somewhat flexible):

-Avian Field Biologist, 29 Apr – 28 June

Salary:

-Avian Field Biologist $2800-3000/month + housing (DOE)

Job Description:

The Paint Rock Forest Research Center is a non-profit organization located in the Southern Cumberland Mountains of northeastern Alabama. We manage a biological field station at the 4,000-acre Sharp-Bingham Mountain Preserve (a property owned by The Nature Conservancy). Our largest, ongoing ecological research project is the Paint Rock Forest Dynamics Plot, an international and collaborative effort with the Smithsonian that monitors forest growth, species dynamics, and climate change effects to forests in a 50-year-long study. Did you know that Alabama is ranked in the top 5 states for biodiversity in the United States?!? Because of this rich biodiversity (especially here at the southern extent of the Appalachians), we also lead and/or participate collaboratively in a number of other conservation and ecological projects throughout the State of Alabama, including shortleaf pine savanna restoration, aquatic vertebrate and invertebrate surveys and preservation, cave mapping and ecological monitoring, internships for students, educational opportunities for K-12 and college students and teachers, and outreach and mentorship in the community.

We will be kickstarting new research during the spring of 2024 to assess migratory and breeding bird use of the Sharp-Bingham Mountain Preserve, and beginning the first year of a long-term demographic study of the Wood Thrush, a species of greatest conservation need. From May and early June, the field biologist will conduct point counts throughout the preserve in the morning, and afternoons will be spent searching for Wood Thrush territories and nests. In June, field days will be spent nest searching, nest monitoring, and capturing Wood Thrushes. Wood Thrushes will be captured using targeted mist-netting effort (using playback), marked with a federal band and color bands, and 20 individuals will also be fit with a Motus tag using a leg-loop harness. The field biologist will likely also help to establish and manage a small array of ARUs (autonomous recording units), and may help with Cerulean Warbler monitoring to a small extent. Field work will begin at, or before, sunrise and we will work long days in the field during the week, with weekends off. The field biologist will be required to drive a UTV to survey the far-reaches of the preserve, and extensive hiking (average 3-5 miles per day, but could be more on some days) will be required daily over rough and challenging terrain. The preserve is remote and encompasses a mountainous and steep terrain that is often wet and requires care when hiking. Venomous snakes, chiggers, and ticks will likely be encountered daily, and snake gaiters will be required when working alone (we will provide them).

Housing:

Housing is provided. Housing will include a shared room in a large house on the preserve that has all major appliances, heat and air, running water, and electricity. *Note that although the preserve is remote, it is accessible by car and folks may bring a car with them to commute to, and from, the preserve if they like.

Required qualifications:

·         Bachelor’s degree in biology or related field

·         Ability to identify all southeastern U.S. breeding birds by sight and sound

·         Experience with conducting avian point counts

·         Ability to navigate in remote areas with a gps unit, map, and compass

·         Have a daypack, binoculars, and rain gear

·         Ability to hike off trail in steep rugged terrain (i.e., physically fit and an experienced hiker)

·         Comfortable working alone in a remote wilderness area

Desired qualifications:

·         Extensive experience with mist-netting birds without direct supervision, marking birds with color bands and/or leg-loop harnesses

·         Extensive experience with point counts in the eastern US

·         Field-team leadership experience

·         Experience managing data (including spatial data)

·         Experience with operating a UTV

·         Experience working with Wood Thrushes and/or Cerulean Warblers

·         Passionate about field work

·         Flexible attitude with field work schedule and duties

Application Instructions:

To apply, please send a cover letter and cv (including a list of phone numbers and email addresses for at least three work references) as a single document to Ruby Hammond at ruby@paintrock.org. The application period is open and applications will be reviewed as they are received. We will close the application period on 15 Jan, and will offer positions by 31 Jan (or earlier if suitable candidates are found). If you have any questions about the positions, please do not hesitate to reach out to Ruby.