Saltmarsh Sparrow Field Technician

Description: Field technician needed for saltmarsh sparrow breeding ecology and habitat management research on the Eastern Shore of Virginia.  This position will be part of a field team comprised of two field technicians and the project manager.  Position begins early May and runs through early August 2023.  Salary is $15/hour plus housing (located at the Virginia Institute of Marine Science Eastern Shore Lab).  Primary duties (~75%) include assisting the project manager with all aspects of field research including: systematic nest searching and monitoring, bird banding, marsh accretion monitoring, and nest vegetation surveys.  Technicians will also help the project manager oversee daily equipment prep, maintenance, and data management.  Non-field duties (~25%) include data entry/proofing, equipment maintenance, and canoe repairs (if the need arises).  

Qualifications:  Successful candidates will have past field experience, with preference shown to those having experience using and setting up mist nets, handling birds, and nest searching.  Preference will be given to those with an undergraduate degree.  The ability to use binoculars to detect and identify birds is required as well as a valid driver's license.  In the field, technicians must be able to maintain a positive attitude, have the ability to work independently at times, be comfortable with difficult working conditions (heat, sun, humidity, biting insects, thick vegetation, deep mud, etc.), be able to walk up to 10 miles across muddy and uneven ground, be able to carry up to 50 pounds for long distances, work and live harmoniously in shared space with coworkers, and show patience with short-notice schedule changes.  Some sites require a canoe to access, therefore the ability to swim is required and experience with boating is preferred.  A portion of the field season will focus on nest surveys, which can be challenging to find and require patience and dedication in the field.  Applicants must be detail-oriented and willing to contribute to data entry and management, both in the field and the lab.  Applicants must be available to work starting immediately until July 31st 2023. To apply, please submit a 1 page cover letter, resume, and contact information of 3 references in a single PDF file to: Bridget Re, bre11@vt.edu.  Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.  Any questions about the position can be sent to the same email address.