Seasonal Shorebird Research Field Technician

Description: The Senner Lab (Department of Environmental Conservation at the University of Massachusetts Amherst) is seeking to hire two seasonal shorebird research field technicians to assist with a research project that is focused on determining how climate change is affecting the migration and reproduction of a long-distance migratory shorebird, the Hudsonian godwit (Limosa haemastica). The fieldwork will take place in Beluga, Alaska, during the summer breeding season. The position duration is from 05/01/2023 to 07/10/2023. The field technician will assist with all aspects of field work and will learn hands-on field and research techniques. Airfare, shared field housing, food, all field equipment, and a stipend of $15/hour will be provided.

Fieldwork will include – navigating study plots using GPS units, nest searching, monitoring nests, assisting with handling, banding and resighting of adult birds and chicks, mist-netting birds, insect sampling, Motus wildlife tracking system installation, identifying birds by sight and sound, recording data, and assisting with the deployment of various tracking devices.

Working Conditions: This position requires working in intertidal mudflats and boreal bog. Work hours may vary throughout the season, with efforts requiring both working early in the morning and late into the evening.

Required qualifications:

· Interest in ecology, field biology, migration, animal movement tracking, and/or related fields.

· Comfortable living and sleeping in close quarters with other research assistants for the duration of the fieldwork.

· Comfortable using ATVs for transportation between field sites.

· Demonstrate a strong work ethic and an eagerness to learn field and research techniques.

· Applicant must be adaptable, communicative, cooperative, and detail oriented.

· Ability to work individually and as part of a team in challenging physical conditions such as – walking long distances for extended periods of time in bright sun and encountering biting insects/large fauna/other avian species.

Desirable qualifications:

· Previous experience with outdoor fieldwork and following research protocol.

If interested please send a brief letter of interest, resume or CV, and contact information for at least 2 references to Lauren Puleo (Lpuleo@umass.edu), MSc Student in the Senner Lab at UMass Amherst by 02/21/2023. Unfortunately, we can not consider international applicants.