Lake Crossing Avian Field Technician

Description: We are seeking a seasonal field technician for a project using Motus to study the prevalence of lake crossing behavior of migratory songbirds. Field work will consist of passive and targeted mist-netting, banding, and tagging of spring migrants including White-throated Sparrows, Swainson’s Thrush, Magnolia Warbler, Tennessee Warbler, Yellow-rumped Warbler, and Lincoln’s Sparrow. Technician may also be asked to help with clearing net lanes, data entry, and assistance with Motus tower maintenance. Field work will take place across Ohio but will be mainly focused in eastern Ohio. Position requires a large amount of travel to various field sites and time spent in field housing or camping near banding locations.

SUMMARY OF DUTIES:

• 80%- Field work focusing on mist netting, banding, and tagging targeted songbird species
• 10%- Motus Site maintenance, construction, or repair (Time spent will be variable and on an “as needed" basis)
• 10%- Additional tasks including data entry, mist net repair, and clearing net lanes

Qualifications:

• Extensive bird banding experience including net placement and set-up, extraction, bird handling, and collecting morphological measurements
• Flexibility for adapting to changing conditions and schedules
• Willingness to work early mornings, long days, and weekends
• Comfortable working outdoors in varying weather including cold or wet conditions
• Ability to carry and lift heavy objects (~25lbs)
• Ability to identify North American songbirds by sight and sound
• Ability to drive a state vehicle

Desired Skills and Experience:

• Experience with attachment of nanotags on small songbirds using leg-loop harnesses
• Experience using a handheld receiver to track tagged wildlife
• Experience with installation or maintenance of Motus stations

Work Week: Variable hours and days including long days, overnights, and weekends

Dates: ~ April 10th, 2023 – May 31st, 2023. Start date can be flexible for competitive applicants.

Pay and Housing:

Project is based out of Columbus, OH. Technician will be required to provide their own housing. Periodic short-term field housing and travel expenses will be funded through the project.

Approximate Pay: $2,300 per month

Application Deadline: February 28th, 2023

Application Instructions:

Please email cover letter with availability (start and end dates), CV, and contact information for three references (name, phone number, and email address) to Zoe Korpi at Korpi.11@osu.edu by the application deadline. Please send all materials as one pdf with the subject line “Lake Crossing Field Technician 2023”.