Field Technician - bird banding

Avian Field Technician

Job Description: Powdermill Avian Research Center (PARC), field station of the Carnegie Museum of Natural History, is seeking seasonal field technicians to assist with avian research in southwestern Pennsylvania from mid-August – October 31, 2021. The primary duty of this position is extracting birds from mist nets and assisting with banding as part of the banding team. The field tech will work daily with North American Banding Council (NABC) certified Trainers and will have the opportunity to receive extra training in all aspects of banding (including ageing and sexing techniques) to NABC standards.

To learn more about the banding program at Powdermill, please visit our website at www.powdermillarc.org.

Qualifications: strong candidates will have experience extracting, handling, and banding songbirds during high-volume banding days, must be able to identify eastern North American birds by sight, and be able to hike up to 6-10 miles per day in uneven or muddy terrain sometimes in inclement weather (e.g., hot, cold, rain). The successful candidate will be able to work well both independently and as part of a team. Applicants must have at least a high school degree and at least 3 months of field experience banding birds.

Principal Accountabilities: The principle responsibility of this position is assisting the Banding Manager with Powdermill’s avian research efforts. This includes extracting birds from mist nets, banding and collecting data from birds (may also include collecting blood or other tissue samples from birds), repairing nets, trimming vegetation around net lanes, recording data, and proofing data.

Compensation: Pay is $12/hour for 40 hours per week. Housing is provided at no cost to the field technician.

To apply: Visit www.carnegiemuseums.org/opportunities; click on Search Jobs and click on Apply in the section titled Temporary Field Assistant I, Avian Research (Requisition #524). Please include your resume or CV, three references, and a cover letter detailing your experience surveying birds by sight and sound and extracting, handling, and banding birds. All documents should be saved in one file to allow for upload through our Applicant Tracking System.

Last date to apply: May 7, 2021

The following PA Act 153 clearances, or proof of application of clearances, are required beginning employment and as a condition of continued employment:

Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance

Pennsylvania State Police Criminal Record Check

FBI Fingerprint Criminal Background Check

Obtaining the required clearances is completed as part of the new hire process.

Carnegie Museums is an Equal Opportunity-Affirmative Action Employer – Minorities / Females / Veterans / Individuals with Disabilities / Sexual Orientation / Gender Identity