Overview Summary
The Rushing Lab at the University of Georgia (UGA) is hiring 1 field technician to assist with research on Painted Bunting life history ecology. Technicians will be working full-time alongside a PhD student during field operations. Major responsibilities will include tracking birds to their nests via handheld telemetry and nest monitoring. Secondary responsibilities may include assisting with mist-netting, banding, and attaching MOTUS tags to birds. Field work may include long days hiking and carrying gear. Successful applicants will have prior experience using handheld telemetry, particularly to track small birds, and an interest in passerine ecology. Nest-searching experience is not required though it is highly preferred. Experience with mist-netting, banding and/or deploying MOTUS tags is also not required but somewhat valuable. We are excited to incorporate a field technician into our research efforts, and hope to provide opportunities for the selected applicant to gain experience with new field methods and scientific research, and to advance their own career goals.
The technician will reside on Sapelo Island, GA at the UGA Marine Institute field station (housing provided), which supports a variety of research operations on the island and is well-equipped with bathroom, kitchen, and lab facilities. It is a 20-30 minute ferry ride to Sapelo from the mainland and non-research vehicles are not allowed on the island, however there is long-term parking for island residents on the mainland. Sapelo Island is one of the beautiful barrier islands of coastal Georgia, with ample access to beaches, hiking/biking trails, and all forms of nature watching.
Responsibilities
• Using handheld telemetry to follow tagged birds to their nesting location
• Locate and monitor Painted Bunting nest outcomes
• Assist with mist-netting, extracting, and banding small passerines
• Assist with attaching MOTUS transponders to small passerines
• Hike 2-5 miles daily over maritime scrub-shrub and adjacent dunes in all weather conditions
• Operate and maintain equipment such as telemetry gear, binoculars, and handheld GPS
Preferred Qualifications
• Previous experience tracking animals (particularly passerines) with handheld telemetry
• Previous experience locating and monitoring nests of passerines
• Previous experience mist-netting and banding passerines and/or attaching MOTUS tags
• Ability to hike 2-5 miles a day over potentially strenuous terrain
• Ability to lift at least 20 lbs
• Ability to work independently in the field with minimal supervision
Email a cover letter, CV, and 3 references with contact info to Courtney Check at cc34105@uga.edu with Painted Bunting Field Technician in the subject line. The application deadline is February 24th, 2024, however applications will be reviewed as they are received and if a suitable applicant is found we may hire them prior to the submission deadline. All applicants will be informed of their status once the position is filled.
Recommended Comments
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.