Sagebrush Songbird Technicians (1 lead tech and 5 field techs)

Description:

Five field technicians and one lead technician are needed to assist with a project in Montana’s Medicine Lodge Valley, south of Dillon from late May through mid-August 2020. This project will investigate the impacts of conifer removal from sagebrush habitat on passerine nest success. Field assistants will have the opportunity to gain experience in many of the field techniques used in avian research. Primary duties include intensive nest searching and monitoring, as well as territory mapping, re-sighting color banded individuals, vegetation surveys, and data entry. Lead technician will help with nest searching and monitoring as well as assisting the project lead with target-netting, banding, training technicians and other organizational tasks. Housing and field vehicles will be provided along with a biweekly stipend of ~$825 for field technicians and ~$925 for the lead technician.

Qualifications:

Previous experience with nest searching is highly desirable for field technicians and required for lead technician. Applicants should be comfortable with early mornings, hiking over rugged terrain, long days with cold mornings and hot afternoons, and living in a remote area. Lead technician should also demonstrate leadership and organizational skills. Applicants should be willing to learn new techniques, have a solid work ethic, and can function well independently, yet are comfortable working/living in groups. Self-motivation, enthusiasm for science, and ability to tackle the rigors of field work are a must. All technicians must provide their own field gear including hiking boots, binoculars, a backpack, etc.

To apply, please submit a cover letter, a resume and contact information for 3 references in a single document to elise.zarri@umontana.edu. Please apply for only one position and indicate in the subject line of the email which position you would like to be considered for (i.e. “Sagebrush Songbird Field Technician” or “Sagebrush Songbird Lead Technician”).