Avian research technicians

Description:

The Applied Wildlife Ecology and Spatial Movement Lab (AWESM lab; https://wildlifeecologylab.unl.edu/) at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln is seeking 2 highly motivated field technicians to aid in graduate research on grassland birds across Nebraska. Anticipated start date is March 30, 2023 and is expected to end August 15, 2023. This position is part of two graduate research projects studying grassland bird conservation in agricultural landscapes. For the first 6-8 weeks the technician will work conducting aural counts of ring-necked pheasants in north-central Nebraska, and the remainder of the field season conducting point counts of grassland bird assemblages in southwestern Nebraska. Other responsibilities include habitat mapping, vegetation sampling, setting acoustic monitors and camera traps, public outreach, and data management. Point counts will begin daily approximately one hour before sunrise, weather permitting, but other day-to-day activities will vary.

Technicians will use a university provided vehicle for field work and short-term housing will be provided for the duration of the position. Salary is $15/hour.

Qualifications:

Qualified applicants need to know pheasants by sight and sound with the ability to learn and identify other bird calls. Training on other common grassland bird identification will be provided, although previous knowledge of bird calls is preferred. Applicants must be able to use GPS and maps to navigate remote areas, and be comfortable driving off-road and in unfavorable conditions. The selected candidates should be able to work independently, work in cold weather for several hours at a time, walk long distances outdoors, and deal with adverse conditions including biting insects. Applicants with previous point count experience preferred and a valid driver’s license is required. To be considered for this position, please send a cover letter outlining your experiences as they pertain to this position; a resume or curriculum vitae; and contact information for 3 professional references (name, email, phone, address) combined in a single PDF file with the file name formatted as lastname_firstname.pdf (e.g., doe_john.pdf) to Allison Barg (abarg3@huskers.unl.edu).

As an EO/AA employer, qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, and/or political affiliation. See http://www.unl.edu/equity/notice-nondiscrimination.