Tidal Marsh Bird Field Technician: Connecticut

Description: In search of a field technician to assist with tidal marsh breeding bird research in coastal Connecticut. Field tasks will involve mist netting and banding of saltmarsh and seaside sparrows, assisting with tracking of saltmarsh sparrow microhabitat use via automated radio telemetry, nest searching and monitoring of sparrow, clapper rail, and willet nests, conducting systematic vegetation surveys at nests and non-nest locations, and infrequent collection of additional data for various side-projects, including but not limited to soil samples, point counts, and marsh elevation data. Non-field tasks will involve data organization, entry, and quality control, equipment prep and maintenance, and daily travel to field sites. This position will run from early May through mid-August 2023. Shared field housing will be provided.

Qualifications: Prior mist netting and banding experience is required, and individuals with experience bleeding birds and affixing leg-loop radio transmitters to passerines are strongly preferred. Ideal candidates will also have experience nest searching and conducting vegetation surveys. A valid driver’s license and personal vehicle is required, as are general bird identification skills. Preference will be given to individuals with an undergraduate degree in ecology, conservation biology, wildlife science, or a related field, but current students pursuing a degree in one of these, or related, fields will also be considered. Other desired qualifications include an ability to deal with the difficult working conditions that marsh work entails (limited shade, biting insects, wet and muddy conditions), carrying heavy equipment long distances into and out of marshes, working early mornings and long days, and living in a shared space with coworkers. Applicants must be detail-oriented and willing to follow established protocols accurately to ensure data reliability. Applicants must be available to work from May 8th through August 18th, 2023, though start and end dates are subject to minor adjustments. To apply, please email, with subject heading "Tidal Marsh Bird Field Technician Application", a 1-page cover letter, resume/CV, and contact information for 3 references in a single PDF file to frank.gigliotti@uconn.edu. Applicants who send materials prior to 5pm EDT on Friday, March 17th, 2023, will be considered. Please send any questions about this position to the same email address.