Grassland songbirds nest searching, GPS tagging, and bison behavior.

The School of Natural Resources at University of Missouri is looking for two field technicians to assist in a study of breeding success and habitat selection of grassland songbirds and bison behavior at Midewin Tallgrass National Prairie in Illinois (1 hour away from Chicago), from Mid-late April to early August.  The project will investigate the effect of different land management regimes (fire, herbicide, mowing) and bison behavior on breeding communities, success, and habitat selection of focal grassland bird species (e.g. Eastern Meadowlark, Henslow’s Sparrow, Grasshopper Sparrow, Dickcissel, Bobolinks). Technicians will work directly with a Ph.D. student.  Duties will primarily consist of nest searching and monitoring, vegetation surveys, point-counts, mist-netting, GPS tagging, filming bison behavior, and data entry. This is a full-time position for the duration of the study (late April to August). Pay rate is $2,080/month USD (equivalent of ($13/hr.). Housing will be provided.

Qualifications    

Technicians must:

1)     Have banding experience

2)     keen behavioral observation skills

3)     have a valid driver’s license and experience at driving in muddy dirt roads with a 4x4 pick-up truck

4)     be able to effectively communicate with the field leader and coworkers

5)     be able to work independently and as a team

6)     be willing to work in pastures occupied by bison

7)     have good physical and mental endurance to work under hot and humid conditions

😎 be accurate and focused to enter and manage data collected and

9)     have a winning attitude

10)  be passionate about bird ecology

To apply, send on single document including 1) a cover letter showing your passion to bird field ecology, why you are interested in the position and previous experience, 2) resume and 3) 2 references via email to Alejandro Chávez Treviño: acxgd@umsystem.edu.