Tidal Marsh Bird Technician - Clinton, CT

Position Description: One (1) Tidal Marsh Bird Crew Technician is needed to assist with salt marsh bird data collection for a collaborative salt marsh restoration project in Clinton, CT. The Tidal Marsh Bird Technician will be hired through Northwoods Stewardship Center) and function as an independent contractor with Ducks Unlimited and the USFWS. Technician’s primary responsibilities will focus on monitoring at-risk tidal marsh sparrow species including Saltmarsh Sparrow and Seaside Sparrow. Duties will involve conducting point counts, salt marsh vegetation data collection, nest searching, behavioral surveys, and songbird mist-net extraction and banding, in the Hammock River salt marsh (Clinton, Connecticut). Additional duties include careful recording, entry, and proofing of data; assisting with salt marsh restoration data collection; and assisting with data collection for other related projects as necessary. 

Applicants should have a strong background in wildlife or conservation biology, excellent attention to detail, and be a good problem solver who can adapt plans based on conditions in the field to accomplish work independently, safely and efficiently. Applicants should be comfortable working in a variety of scenarios- as part of a team supervised by a Wildlife Biologist, independently as crew leader responsible for overseeing others, and alone. Applicants must be capable of hiking long distances in wet/soggy/muddy conditions and jumping over ditches carrying heavy equipment in a variety of conditions including exposure to high temperatures and humidity, limited shade, and biting insects. Must be a team player, have a positive attitude, and be willing to work on other projects within the biological program as needed. Applicants also must be comfortable regularly interacting with private landowners, partner organizations, and the public in a professional manner. Technical writing ability, ArcGIS skills, and data management experience preferred. Work schedule will be 5 days per week with early morning work (arrival on site ~5 am most days). This position may require the use of a canoe/kayak to access the site.

Requirements: Applicants are required to have experience in a natural resource related field. Previous experience collecting detailed data in a field setting and previous experience identifying birds by sight and sound is required. Previous experience capturing, handling, and extracting birds, performing point counts, nest searching, and/or vegetation surveys is strongly preferred but not required.

Position Dates: One position available for 18 weeks (approximately May 20 – September 6, 2024), with flexibility in the exact start and end dates. 

Salary: $25 per hour

How to Apply: Send letter of interest, resume, and contact information for 3 references as a single PDF document with “Tidal Marsh Bird Technician” in the subject line to bbenvenuti@ducks.org by April 5, 2024. Applications will be reviewed as they are received and position may be filled prior to closing, so you are encouraged to apply early.