Field Technician

Description

FIELD TECHNICIAN (1) - needed for 9 months to assist in an ongoing study of the endangered Mariana Crow on the island of Rota, Northern Mariana Islands. Start date is June 1st 2023. Responsibilities will include nest searching and monitoring, conducting radio-telemetry and behavioral observations in remote parts of the island, resighting color banded birds, and assisting with trapping/capture of fledgling and adult crows. Work involves strenuous hiking over steep, uneven terrain and long field days in tropical heat and humidity. A thorny understory, mosquitoes, spiders, and stinging wasps are regular annoyances. Amazing views and island-endemic birds are a regular benefit. After a period of training, daily work is done alone, out of cell phone or radio contact. While most work occurs in the morning and early afternoon, the schedule can be irregular with frequent pre-dawn excursions, and semi-regular evening/night work. Applicants must be culturally sensitive and have a high level of physical fitness. Residents of the Mariana Islands and candidates with experience nest-searching, reading avian color bands, radio-tracking birds, making behavioral observations, and navigating off-trail in dense forests will be given priority, though Mariana Islands residency nor prior field experience are required. Benefits include round-trip airfare to Rota (reimbursed), housing, shared vehicles, and $1400/mo. At the end of the 9-month period, there may be an opportunity to extend the period of employment and gain additional responsibilities within the project.

To apply, e-mail a cover letter, résumé, and contact information for 3 references to Henry Fandel (fandeh@uw.edu) using the subject line “2023 Mariana Crow Field Tech”. Please combine all application materials in one PDF and include your full name in the PDF’s file name. Your cover letter must clearly indicate your qualifications and interest in the position. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Last date to apply will be 4/20/2023.

Qualifications

High level of physical fitness and cultural sensitivity, comfort navigating off-trail, experience driving manual transmission vehicles, a background in wildlife biology or a related field, and previous field experience with one or more of the following: reading avian color bands, radio-tracking, nest-searching. Applicants must be US Citizens or green card holders. Applicants from the Mariana Islands are strongly encouraged. The requirement for a background in wildlife biology and previous field experience may be waived for local applicants who meet the other requirements.

Salary

$1,400.00 monthly. Other benefits include reimbursed travel to/from Rota, housing, and access to shared vehicles.

Contact

Henry Fandel

fandeh@uw.edu

https://www.facebook.com/MarianaCrowRecoveryProject/