Red-cockaded Woodpecker Field Technician

The technician will assist biologists from Virginia Tech University with monitoring the population of endangered Red-cockaded Woodpeckers (RCWs) at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, from April 3 to July 17, 2023.  Duties will include monitoring nests, climbing trees to access cavities, color banding nestlings, and re-sighting color banded adults and fledglings.

The study site is located on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, an extremely active military base located on the coast of North Carolina, in beautiful longleaf pine forests, with a variety of pristine pocosins and pitcher plant bogs.  Housing and a field vehicle will be provided.  A salary/stipend of $12 - 16/hr (dependent on experience) will be provided.  Work will be performed both independently and in close association with coworkers.  Days will be long and begin before dawn, and temperatures may range from one extreme to the other.  The technician will often be required to work >40 hrs per week.

Qualifications: All applicants should have field experience working with birds.  Ideal candidates will have, 1) a Bachelors or Masters degree in biology, wildlife or another similar topic, 2) experience working with RCWs, including banding both adult and nestlings, 3) the ability to re-sight unique color-bands quickly and accurately using a spotting scope, 4) experience navigating through undeveloped forest habitat using GPS, compass, and maps, 5) be well organized and responsible while recording field data and observations and 6) have good time-management practices.  The technician must be able to walk up to 6 miles per day, carry up to ~50 pounds and have the ability/ be willing to climb 50+ feet using Swedish ladders.  Experience using a 4 X 4 vehicle, GPS, and navigating with a map and compass are recommended.

Applicants must have a clean and valid driver’s license, and be able to pass a background check.

To Apply: Please send a cover letter detailing your relevant experience, resume, and contact information for 2 references by email to Leah Novak (Ldnov AT vt.edu).