Waterfowl Project Technician - North Alabama

Description: 
    This position will assist with field and office work related to my MS project in the College of Forestry, Wildlife and Environment at Auburn University. The project is a collaboration between Auburn University and the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and will assess effectiveness of survey methods used to quantify wintering waterfowl populations in Alabama. Four technicians are needed to assist a graduate student with data collection and analysis. Primary duties will include conducting Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) surveys across several management units in north Alabama and assisting with drone imagery/videography analysis. Technicians will be required to obtain a drone pilot’s license (paid for by project funds). Other duties may include data entry, equipment maintenance, and occasional night work. This position is scheduled to begin 27 October 2022 and will end in February 2023 (specific dates are to be determined and are flexible). Technicians can expect to work approximately 40 hours/week at $12.00 per hour. Housing will be provided at no cost to technicians for the duration of the position. 
Qualifications:
    A bachelor’s degree or sufficient relevant work experience in wildlife biology or related fields is required. Applicants with previous experience with drone technology and excellent waterfowl identification skills will be given preference. Field experience in the collection and management of large datasets will add to candidate competitiveness. Other preferred qualifications include experience driving 4x4 vehicles and entering data into Excel spreadsheets. Technicians must have a valid driver’s license and be able to work variable hours and days, including night work. You may also be required to work holidays. Candidates should be prepared to work in winter conditions, including cold and wet conditions, and driving on icy/snowy/muddy roads. Excellent organizational (including record-keeping and note-taking), time-management, and problem-solving skills are all desired characteristics. Technicians should be able to communicate professionally with others including land managers and the general public. To apply for this position, please email a cover letter, CV/resume, and contact information for three references in a single PDF to Stephanie Braswell at szb0208@auburn.edu.