Songbird Field Technicians (2)

Description
The University of Montana Bird Ecology Lab is hiring two experienced songbird technicians to assist with a long-term study of avian response to habitat restoration in wooded draws of western Montana.  Located on a large conservation property in the Bitterroot Valley 45 minutes south of Missoula, this position is an exciting opportunity to participate in a unique multi-disciplinary research and outreach program designed to guide restoration and management of private lands for wildlife.  Primary duties will include: locating and monitoring songbird nests of five focal species, setting up and maintaining nest cameras, mapping focal bird locations and behaviors using a touch-screen device, and measuring vegetation. Work will entail extensive daily hiking in rugged terrain, and requires keen observational skills to detect bird behavior. Interested technicians will have opportunities to participate in other research and outreach, and we especially encourage those interested in photography and writing to apply.  To learn more about our work and programs visit: http://hs.umt.edu/birdecologylab/

Work will begin in early May and continue through July 2019, with some flexibility for start/end date. Salary is $1,900-$2,253/month depending on experience.  We will provide shared housing or a lodging reimbursement up to $500/mo.

Qualifications
All applicants should have at least one season of nest searching experience.  Previous experience with western songbirds, setting up nest cameras, and spot-map surveying is preferred.   Applicants must be physically capable of hiking several miles a day,  passionate about songbird behavior and ecology, and willing to work alone in challenging field conditions.  Valid driver’s license required.

To Apply:
Please email a cover letter addressing qualifications specific to this position, resume, and contact information for 3 references as a single document to Tricia Rodriguez, Biologist, at: tricia.rodriguez@mso.umt.edu. Positions open until filled.