King Rail Field Technicians

FIELD TECHNICIANS (2 positions) dedicated to avian conservation sought for research on the ecology and behavior of breeding king rails at beautiful Waccamaw NWR and surrounding wetlands in coastal South Carolina https://www.fws.gov/refuge/waccamaw. Candidates will report to a graduate student team leader. Duties include conducting callback surveys to locate breeding rails, nest finding and monitoring, as well as catching, sampling and banding adults and chicks. Candidates will be required to collect data and observations and enter these into a database. Training will be provided. These positions require physically demanding work at varying times of day, including pre-dawn start times. Regular evening work will also be necessary. We will follow a non-traditional work week based on tide and weather conditions. Applicants should expect to spend long hours paddling through and wading in water, mud and thick marsh vegetation under hot, humid conditions. Two 10-week positions are available with staggered start dates. May through June availability is required. Dates are negotiable prior to starting.

Qualifications:

Required: Candidates should have or be working towards a B.S. in biology, ecology, wildlife science, or a related field. Hard working with a positive attitude, sense of humor, and an interest in wetland bird ecology a must! Ability to follow direction and to work both independently and with a team. Possess good organizational and record-keeping skills. Ability to lift 40 pounds above one’s head. Valid driver’s license and clean driving record. Must be comfortable working around water and in the presence of snakes, alligators and biting insects.

Preferred: Prior experience working in wetlands. Experience with marsh birds, mistnetting, bird handling, and nest-finding. Experience with callback protocols and identifying avian vocalizations. Experience working in difficult terrain and under uncomfortable field conditions. Experience operating a 4-wheel drive truck. Experience paddling a kayak or canoe. Own vehicle for getting to and from the refuge preferred but not required (please indicate this upon application). MOCC motorboat training preferred but not required for one position.

Compensation:

$400 per week plus comfortable accommodation in shared refuge housing with all amenities and utilities provided free of charge.

To Apply:

Candidates should send a cover letter with 1. dates of availability, 2. description of qualifications, 3. reason for interest in the position, 4. future career goals, and state whether you have 5. a clean driver’s license, 6. your own vehicle (not required for work) and 7. any experience with motorboats. Provide a resume including the contact information for three references. Please combine in a single file and send electronically to SUSAN McRAE at East Carolina University, EM: mcraes AT ecu DOT edu. Please use the following subject line: KING RAIL TECHNICIANS. Phone: (252) 328-6515. East Carolina University actively fosters a diverse and inclusive working and learning environment and is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. Qualified men and women from all racial, ethnic or other minority groups, protected veterans, and individuals with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply. Review of candidates will begin January 31st.