Avian Field Technicians (2): Mississippi & Alabama Gulf Coast

Description: 2 technicians are needed from approximately 1 April, 2022 to 30 June, 2022 for a study of Black Rails and Mottled Ducks on the Gulf Coast of Mississippi and Alabama. This project will involve working in high marsh habitat along the entire coast of Mississippi and Alabama. Duties will include: call broadcast surveys, vegetation surveys, data entry and management, maintaining field equipment, and operating and maintaining outboard motorboats and towing tailers. Field work is strenuous and requires working during both daylight and nocturnal hours in varied cold/hot temperatures and humid conditions, sometimes with biting insects. All positions will require traversing uneven marsh habit frequently consisting of dense vegetation ranging between 0.1-1.5 m in height. Housing will be provided.

Qualifications: B.S. in wildlife, biology, zoology, ecology, or closely related field are preferred. Previous experience surveying for rails or avian point/line transect surveys, familiarity with birds of the northern Gulf Coast, boat operation and maintenance, and towing trailers are desired. Strong bird identification by sight and sound is heavily encouraged, as this project will involve identifying hard to detect birds. To Apply: Send a cover letter, resume, and contact information for three references to Peter Kappes by email (preferred): firebird.msal.project@gmail.com. Applications will be considered as they are received.