Avian/Ecological Research Technician: Oklahoma

A seasonal research technician is needed from late March to mid-September to assist two graduate students on projects relating to avian and invertebrate ecology in association with Oklahoma State University. This position will be a unique opportunity to work with multiple supervisors on multidisciplinary ecological projects across the biodiverse state of Oklahoma.

Duties:

The first 6-7 weeks of the position (late March to early May) will be at the Tallgrass Prairie Preserve in northeast Oklahoma near Pawhuska. Primary duties at the Tallgrass Preserve will be earthworm sampling by digging and hand-sifting soil, along with shorebird monitoring and some data entry. This is part of a project investigating links between the earthworm community and shorebird habitat use, as well as the ecology of invasive earthworms. More information on the project is available here: (https://scottrloss.wixsite.com/losslab/invasive-earthworms). Housing at the Tallgrass Prairie Preserve will be bunkhouse-style with a few other research technicians from other projects.

In the subsequent time period (Mid-May to September), the technician will be tasked with completing avian point counts across central and western Oklahoma on a project linking woody plant encroachment, ticks, and birds. More information about this project can be found here: (https://scottrloss.wixsite.com/losslab/disease-ecology). The technician should be well-versed identifying the birds of Oklahoma by sight and sound or be capable of quickly learning their identification. While banding experience is preferred, the technician will have ample opportunity to extract and identify birds while mist-netting. The technician will travel with the project lead while mist-netting and should also be comfortable traveling independently to rural areas to conduct point counts solo. Housing/lodging during field-related travel will also be provided for this latter portion of the project, and an additional stipend will also be available to help defray any needed lodging costs between field outings.

Required Qualifications:

· Previous experience with ecological field work

· Experience identifying birds by sight and sound

· Ability to work independently outdoors in hot and variable conditions in remote areas

· Valid driver’s license and a good driving record

Preferred Qualifications:

· Mist netting and bird handling experience

· Bachelor’s degree in ecology, wildlife science, entomology, or a related field

Compensation:

$1600/month with housing provided. The technician will be expected to work 35-40 hours/week with ~2 days off per week (weather dependent).

Apply:

To apply, please send a cover letter, CV, and contact information for 2-3 references in one email to both Lucas Bobay (lucas.bobay@okstate.edu) and Tucker Taylor (tucker.taylor@okstate.edu). We will begin reviewing applications in early February. Potential applicants should feel free to contact us with any questions.