Avian Grassland Technicians

The University of Montana Bird Ecology Lab (UMBEL) is in search of field technicians to assist on a study for an intermountain grassland songbird project occurring this spring and summer in western Montana. Located on a large conservation property in the Bitterroot Valley 45 minutes south of Missoula, this position is an exciting opportunity to participate in a unique multi-disciplinary research and outreach program designed to guide restoration and management of private lands for wildlife.
We are looking for enthusiastic, self-motivated songbird nest searchers. Primary duties will include locating and monitoring grassland songbird nests as well as vegetation surveys with data collection on tablets, and post-processing using ArcGIS Online. Work will entail extensive daily hiking in rugged terrain in direct sun, and requires keen observational skills to detect bird behavior. Additional opportunities to assist in bird banding and tagging birds will be available.

Work will begin in early May and continue through late- July 2023, with some flexibility for the start/end date. Pay will be $2,426-$2,600/month depending on experience. We will provide shared housing, and a work vehicle to get to/from the field site.

Qualifications
Experience nest searching and identifying birds in grassland systems is highly desired. Must be physically capable of hiking several miles a day. Enthusiastic and positive attitude to work early hours in challenging field conditions is a must. Individuals applying for this position must have excellent communication skills with supervisor and work well both independently and as a team. Valid driver’s license required.

To apply, please submit:
1. Cover Letter (Please include why you are interested in this project as well as your relevant experience)
2. Resume/CV
3. Three Professional References (Please include name, email address, and telephone numbers)
Please send application materials in a single document to Maggie Blake at umbirdecologylab@gmail.com with “Grassland Songbird Tech” in the subject line. If you are applying for more than one job with UMBEL, please submit separate applications for each position. Feel free to contact me with any questions.