Seabird Crew Lead

Job description: One research crew leader is needed from May 1–August 15, 2023 to monitor abundance, survival and movements of Royal Terns, Sandwich Terns, Common Terns, Gull-billed Terns, Black Skimmers, and Laughing Gulls nesting near Hampton, VA. Housing will be provided in Hampton or Norfolk, VA and a work vehicle will be provided for the duration of the project. This project is one of multiple seabird and shorebird projects based at Virginia Tech. Please see our program website (https://www.vtshorebirds.org) for more information! Additional details on the Hampton Roads seabird conservation project can be found at our partner’s website here https://dwr.virginia.gov/wildlife/birds/seabird-conservation-in-hampton-roads/

Responsibilities: In general, the work schedule for this project will be variable, with no more than 5 days of fieldwork per week. Most weeks will require 2–3 days of fieldwork per week, with the rest of the week dedicated to data entry and office work. The crew leader will lead a crew of one field technician in performing counts, resighting uniquely marked seabirds, capturing and banding seabird adults and chicks, general maintenance of seabird decoys, call-back sound systems, and remote cameras, daily boat operation, data entry, organization and management.

The crew leader will work closely with the research technician, Research Program Manager, and the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources. Depending on the time of year, there may be an opportunity to assist with American Oystercatcher research on the Eastern Shore of Virginia and/or Piping Plover research at Cape Hatteras National Seashore. 

Required qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in Wildlife Science, Biology, Environmental Science, Conservation, or a related field. Experience as a field technician or a research assistant. Experience with avian capture methods and handling techniques, bird banding, and seabird identification.

Preferred qualifications: Prior leadership experience, including scheduling and training others. Experience with boat operation and trailering.

Resighting color bands is an essential job function and therefore candidates should be able to distinguish colors at a distance. Daily boat travel is also an essential job function and candidates must be comfortable with regular use of boats in coastal waters (training provided). Candidates must be flexible, able to work as part of a team, and keep a positive attitude through long days in a unique field environment.

A driver’s license and clean driving record is required. Upon position offer, the candidate will have to pass a background check.

Salary: $680/week

Please send a cover letter, CV, and contact information for three references (in ONE PDF document, formatted as Last Name_First Name_seabird_lead) to Chelsea Weithman at nc.pipingplover@gmail.com. Last day to apply is February 22, 2023.