Secretive Marshbird Crew Lead

Agency

Louisiana State University

Location

Southeastern Louisiana

Job Category

Temporary/Seasonal Positions

Salary

$13/hr, housing included, per diem (~$50 per work day)

Start Date

02/13/2023

Description

We are seeking two crew leads for participation in a marshbird research study within the coastal marshes of southeastern Louisiana. This project will involve helping and working with a PhD student and Masters student to  1) perform point count surveys for secretive marshbirds (SMBs) across the Terrebonne, Barataria, Breton Sound, Mississippi River Delta and Pontchartrain basins 2) perform full point count surveys for all bird species at specific locations throughout the study area 3) conduct vegetation surveys and water measurements and 4) help trap, band and tag SMB species for a satellite telemetry study. Each crew lead will be the captain of their own boat and oversee one technician – the crew leads will be responsible for navigating in the marsh, staying on schedule, safety calls, communicating with other crew leads, and problem-solving when things go wrong.  Housing will be provided at hotels and research stations, with permanent weekend housing at a WMA. Per diem will be included while on assignment. Successful applicants will begin at least one week before technicians arrive (tentatively February 13, 2023) for in depth training including boating, trailering, navigating the study area, safety protocols and procedures, and data collection methods.   The crew lead will then assist the graduate students with the one-week training period for the technicians (tentatively set to begin February 20, 2023). These positions will last through mid/end of June, depending on weather. This position will provide ample opportunity to work and network with local landowners, Louisiana State University faculty and staff, and professionals with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. Our team is committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, and welcoming environment. We are fully focused on equality and ensuring an environment that affords respect to all types of peoples.

Qualifications

Required Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in biology, zoology, wildlife management, botany, or other natural resource field. Previous experience driving and working with boats and trailers (90% of job will be boating with a technician  under your supervision). Must have strong communication skills and be able to communicate daily with graduate students, technicians, collaborators, landowners, and the public.  Must be able to work in harsh conditions (extreme heat, mud, biting insects, dangerous reptiles) for long periods and maintain a positive team atmosphere. Must be able to work irregular hours, such as extremely early mornings. Must be proficient at Louisiana wetland bird ID by sight and sound before training commences. All applicants must have a valid driver’s license.

Preferred Qualifications: Previous leadership and/or crew lead experience. Experience conducting point count surveys and working within marsh or wetland systems. Experience in capturing and handling birds via mist nets or other applicable techniques is also desirable. Basic boat/trailer/truck repair.

To apply: Submit the following documents into a single PDF file and send to lsumarshbirds@gmail.com. Name your PDF document as LastName_FirstName_MarshbirdCrewLead. and include 1) Cover letter describing your experience and how it applies to this project, along with the earliest date when you can begin field work  2) Resume/CV  3) Three professional references with contact information. Review of applications will remain open until all positions are filled. Incomplete applications may be rejected.

Contact Persons

Leah Moran & Aylett Lipford

Contact e-mail

lsumarshbirds@gmail.com