Avian Technician

Title:  Avian Technician

Hourly Pay Rate: $17.12

Summary/Objective

Avian technician needed to assist in multiple areas: Missouri Motus Wildlife Tracking System station maintenance and coordination, avian monitoring field assistance, among other duties. A positive attitude and flexibility in the field and duties is preferred and appreciated. This position is a term, hourly position but may be renewed. It is stationed in Columbia, Missouri but avian field work is based near Peck Ranch Conservation Area. October start date preferred but negotiable. Range up to a year with possibility of renewal. Housing not provided.

Essential Job Duties

Motus duties include:

• Learning the Motus Wildlife Tracking System.
• Coordinating new Motus station details and logistics.
• Maintenance and data downloads from existing Motus stations across Missouri.
• Possible data visualization and analysis depending on experience.
• Updating Motus reports.

Avian monitoring duties include:

• Quarterly surveys for Brown-headed Nuthatch.
• Nest searching and monitoring.
• Possible mist netting and banding, depending on experience.
• Some vegetation sampling possible.
• Data entry and proofing.

Ancillary Job Duties

• Bird education/outreach via social media or in-person events
• Physical avian data file management and archiving
• Other duties as assigned

Education and Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• At least three (3) years of experience as a Forestry/Wildlife Worker.
• Experience or familiarity with the Motus Wildlife Tracking System a plus.
• Experience with avian monitoring techniques like color band resighting and surveys.
• Must maintain a current, valid driver’s license.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Ability to use office equipment, such as computer, calculator, camera, scanner and printer.
• Basic plant identification and wildlife habitat knowledge.
• Ability to identify common birds of Missouri by sight and sound.
• Ability to see and identify color bands using binoculars.
• Ability to navigate using a GPS.
• Knowledge of ArcGIS Pro

Work Environment

• Frequently work in outdoor weather.
• Office work will occur frequently, but more so during winter.
• Frequently driving long distances, often two (2) or more hours.

Physical Abilities

• Operate a computer and other office productivity machinery.
• Frequently communicate and exchange accurate information.
• Clarity of vision at 20 inches or less and 20 feet or more, and three-dimensional vision
• Regularly lift up to 5 pounds, correctly lift up to 50 pounds.
• Concentrated attention is required at all times.
• Regular attendance is a necessary and essential function.
• Must be in good physical condition for hiking in medium terrain, sometimes in inclement weather (e.g. hot, cold, rain) .
• Must be tolerant of brambles, ticks, and humidity.

Visit  https://jobs.mdc.mo.gov/job/Columbia-Avian-Technician-MO-65201/1069513200/ to apply. 

Email Kristen Heath-Acre for questions regarding this position at kristen.heathacre@mdc.mo.gov