Seasonal Avian Field Technicians - Coastal Mississippi

Description:
Mississippi State University’s Coastal Avian Ecology Lab is looking for 2 technicians from approximately March 15, 2024, to June 15, 2024, for a study of tidal marsh birds along the Gulf Coast of Mississippi. The purpose of the project is to study the response of marsh birds to marsh restoration, primarily using Seaside Sparrow nesting ecology. We will perform point counts, nest searching, nest monitoring, as well as banding and resighting, at study sites in Harrison and Hancock Counties, Mississippi. Navigating across open water by boat will be required to reach sites. Point counts will be conducted 3 times at each site throughout the season, following standardized protocols, to detect focal and non-focal marsh birds. Nest searching and monitoring will be conducted daily throughout the season and requires attentively observing bird behavior to discern location of nests. Seaside Sparrows will be banded during monthly banding sessions. Technicians will aid in constructing the net array, retrieving birds from the nets, and banding birds. Other duties include the following: sampling vegetation, daily data entry and management, and maintaining field equipment. Occasional weekend work may be required. Teams will be in daily communication with crew leads and the project manager. Some activities will be strenuous with conditions in salt marshes being hot, humid, and involving biting insects. All positions will require walking in the marsh through potentially thick mud and dense vegetation. Housing will be provided.

Qualifications:
Previous experience with point counts, nest searching and monitoring, bird banding, boat operation, and towing trailers are desired but not required. A strong interest in birds is preferred. To Apply, please fill out the application on Mississippi State University’s website at https://explore.msujobs.msstate.edu/en-us/job/507132/intermittent-worker. Applications will be considered as they are received. For questions about the position, please contact Matt Sukiennik (mjs270@msstate.edu) or Tim Guida (tag480@msstate.edu).