Wayne's Warbler-Avian Technician

The Center for Conservation Biology is seeking 2 technicians to conduct Wayne’s black-throated green warbler surveys in southeast Virginia as well as nest searching and monitoring from March 15-June 30, 2024.

Applications will only be accepted through this link:  https://jobs.wm.edu/postings/57513 

Wayne’s warbler is a genetically unique form of black-throated green warbler (S. virens virens) that occurs in a disjunct breeding range along coastal swamps in the mid-Atlantic region. It is thought that Wayne’s warblers were once primarily associated with extensive stands of Atlantic white cedar (Chamaecyparis thyoides) but habitat preference may have broadened following the nearly complete logging of extensive white cedar in the early 1900s. An effort has emerged to petition Wayne’s warbler for protection under the Endangered Species Act, but it is not clear how extensive the current distribution of Wayne’s warbler is within Virginia. This project provides an opportunity to better understand Waynes’s warbler range and abundance in Virginia as well as describing nests and other demographic information that is not well documented. 

The field site for the project will be the Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge (GDSNWR) and adjacent public lands in Virginia. Surveys will occur from the road, but the technician will venture into swampy habitats when nest searching, nest monitoring, and attempting to capture birds. Some roads are also inaccessible to vehicles due to insufficient maintenance so technician will also be required to walk or bike along roads at times. Technicians may also be required to use a canoe or kayak to cross canals and access off-road habitats. Housing will be provided at USFWS bunkhouse at the GDSNWF. Field vehicles will also be provided, though the successful applicant can opt to drive a personal vehicle and be reimbursed for mileage at the government rate (0.62$/mile). Pay is 15.50/hour (~$2,688/month).

The applicant must be able to identify eastern songbirds by sight and sound. They must possess the ability to navigate using GPS and use a standardized survey protocol. Preference will be given to individuals that have mist netting and/or banding experience.  Applicants will need to be physically capable of accomplishing the work and willing to work early mornings. Applicants must have a valid driver’s license and will be required to pass a standard background check. Successful applicants will be highly organized and possess strong communication and interpersonal skills. Technicians will enter and proof all data. CCB manages several breeding season bird projects which, time allowing, the technician may be able to participate in.

William & Mary values diversity and invites applications from underrepresented groups who will enrich the research, teaching and service missions of the university. The university is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and encourages applications from women, minorities, protected veterans, and individuals with disabilities.

Project-specific required qualifications:

Physically capable of accomplishing the work.
Experience identifying eastern birds by sight and sound.

Ability to use GPS device to navigate.
Working independently.

Project-specific preferred qualifications:
Experience in swamps.
Experience conducting auditory point counts.
Experience operating a canoe or kayak.
Experienced with mist nets and bird banding.