Secretive Marshbird Technician: Florida Panhandle

*Application deadline extended to March 20!*

Temporary/Seasonal Position

Salary: $15 per hour

Dates: mid-April to mid-July

Organization : Tall Timbers Research Station

One field technician is needed to assist in a secretive marshbird research project primarily in the Big Bend Region of the Florida panhandle. Free field housing can be provided at Tall Timbers Research Station in Tallahassee, Florida. Recurring overnight stays will be required at some sites where lodging will be provided in cabins and Airbnbs/hotels. A field vehicle and all equipment needed to conduct fieldwork are provided. This position is mostly field oriented, but will include some office time for data entry, QA/QC and processing vegetation. Work will involve, but is not limited to:

• Conducting broadcast-call surveys of Black Rails and other target marshbird species in coastal saltmarshes and freshwater  impoundments in early morning and late evenings via truck, foot, and canoe
• Conducting habitat and vegetation surveys following standard operating protocols
• Banding marsh-obligate passerines including Seaside Sparrows and Marsh Wrens
• Re-sighting color banded Seaside Sparrows and Marsh Wrens
• Potentially using telemetry to radio track target rail species during disturbances and to estimate home ranges
• Setting up and managing data from acoustic recording units that will be deployed during call-broadcast points and passively across sites
• Analyzing acoustic recordings for Black Rails

This position is expected to work 40 hours per week from roughly mid-April to mid-July with potential for extension. Pay is $15 per hour. Hours will be irregular, including early mornings and late evenings, and will require some flexibility. Weekend work is rare, but occasionally required depending on weather. Field sites are approximately an hour and a half from the field station, so the applicant must be comfortable driving long distances daily. Further field sites will require overnight stays.

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: Bachelor’s degree in biology, ecology, wildlife management, or a related natural resource field or 2-3 years of similar fieldwork. Candidates must be able to work in harsh conditions (extreme heat, mud, biting insects) for long periods and maintain a positive attitude. Must be comfortable working both solo and in pairs as well as working irregular hours, such as early mornings and late evenings. Attention to detail is critical. The applicant should be familiar with Florida wetland bird ID by sight and sound before training commences. All applicants must have a valid driver’s license and a clean driving record and preferably have experience with 4WD vehicles.

Previous experience conducting point counts/transects and re-sighting color banded birds is desired, but not required. Previous experience in marsh settings or working with marshbirds (especially rails) is also desirable.

To apply: Please email a cover letter, CV, and three references to Heather Levy by March 15th at hlevy@talltimbers.org

Please contact Heather with any questions about the position.