Shorebird & Wetland Ecology Technician

Start/End Date: Approximately April 13th - May 15th, 2023; Potential to return for fall migration (July-Aug.)

We are hiring 1 field technician in support of a graduate project focused on measuring wetland characteristics, shorebird behavior, and invertebrate abundance in North and South Dakota. Our goal is to assess the impacts of insecticides and agricultural practices on shorebirds and invertebrates in a cropland-dominated landscape.

Description: Technicians will drive a project vehicle to sites around North and South Dakota to sample from wetlands, mostly on private land. Fieldwork duties will include 1) identifying and counting shorebirds along road transects, 2) sampling water and invertebrates for insecticides, 3) quantifying shorebird behavior, 4) collecting benthic invertebrate samples, and 5) measuring a variety of wetland characteristics (e.g., area, depth, vegetation structure, etc.). Additional duties include plant identification, game camera deployment, communicating with landowners, and data entry. Technicians will need to work early morning hours and may need to work weekends. Field lodging is provided and includes shared bunkhouses, motels, and camping.

This position offers opportunities to gain experience in wetland research, shorebird ecology, and invertebrate ecology. Technicians will gain experience communicating with landowners and working in small teams. Additional work would be available to interested applicants from July – end of August for fall migration.

Salary: $12-$15/hr, depending on experience; Full-time (40 hrs/week)

Qualifications: Candidates must be self-motivated, enjoy working outdoors, have a positive attitude, and have an interest in ecology. Candidates must be able to work in small teams of two and get along well with others. They must also be willing to work, wade, and sit in muddy wetlands for extended periods watching shorebirds through binoculars and spotting scopes. Candidates must also be comfortable driving for extended periods while conducting road transect surveys and scoping for sites. Preferred candidates include those with at least one year of fieldwork experience and have (or are working towards) an undergraduate degree in wildlife or another related field. Ideal candidates include those with birding, wetland, and invertebrate sampling experience. All candidates must have a valid driver’s license and be able to pass the University's required criminal background check.

Contact: Applicants should submit a cover letter demonstrating your interest and experience, CV, and contact information for three professional/academic references to Shelby McCahon at smccahon@uidaho.edu

**Hiring will be done on a rolling basis

Fieldwork Flyer_Spring.pdf