We seek a field research technician for 3 months to assist with a long-term demographic and genetic monitoring study on the Prothonotary Warbler (Protonotaria citrea) and its interactions with an obligate brood parasite, the Brown-headed Cowbird (Molothrus ater) in the Cache River Watershed in southern Illinois. This technician will be employed by the University of Illinois and supervised by Dr. Wendy Schelsky. We plan to fill this position as soon as possible.
Primary duties with this position include:
· Monitoring nest boxes and nests
· Assisting with blood-sampling adult and nestling birds
· Examining nest contents for ectoparasites
· Behavioral observations of adults
· Coordination of electronic surveillance equipment like cameras
· Data entry
· Coordination with graduate students and other field crew members
Expected hours and compensation:
The technician will be expected to work an average of 40 hours/week with days being longer early in the season and workdays shortening towards the end of the season. Some weekend hours will be necessary. The technician will be hired as a U of I hourly research technician at a rate of $14-18/hr. Housing will be provided at a communal field house located in Belknap, IL. All necessary field equipment will be provided by the employers while working on the project.
Preferred qualifications:
· Preferred Bachelor's degree, but not required
· Experience handling and banding birds and able to read color bands
· Ability to walk in water, sometimes over the knee, for extended periods
· Ability to carry 30+ lbs
· Ability to work long hours under challenging conditions
· Good spatial awareness in natural landscapes
· Ability to work independently and within a team
· Ability and experience driving 4x4 vehicles on dirt roads
· Attention to detail with respect to following sampling protocols and managing data
· Tolerance for high heat and humidity, biting insects, snakes, and working in swamps
· Good and responsive communication with supervisors and coworkers
Please contact Julia Boldrick (juliakb4@illinois.edu) with a cover letter, CV, and the names and contact information for 2-3 references, or with additional questions.
Project synopsis:
This project is a continuation of long-term research on Prothonotary Warblers (warblers hereafter) and their interactions with an obligate brood parasite, the Brown-headed Cowbird (cowbirds hereafter) in the Cache River watershed in southern Illinois. In this study, first established in 1993, we have erected nest boxes in 10-12 study sites throughout state and federal protected areas, and the warblers readily use these nest boxes. Cowbirds parasitize most warbler nesting attempts in our system, allowing us to study, in depth, the population dynamics and behavioral interactions between these two species. We will continue to build on long-term data of warblers and cowbirds to understand their population dynamics and behavioral interactions.
Cache Job description.pdf
We seek a field research technician for 3 months to assist with a long-term demographic and genetic monitoring study on the Prothonotary Warbler (Protonotaria citrea) and its interactions with an obligate brood parasite, the Brown-headed Cowbird (Molothrus ater) in the Cache River Watershed in southern Illinois. This technician will be employed by the University of Illinois and supervised by Dr. Wendy Schelsky. We plan to fill this position as soon as possible. Primary duties with this position include: · Monitoring nest boxes and nests · Assisting with blood-sampling adult and nestling birds · Examining nest contents for ectoparasites · Behavioral observations of adults · Coordination of electronic surveillance equipment like cameras · Data entry · Coordination with graduate students and other field crew members Expected hours and compensation: The technician will be expected to work an average of 40 hours/week with days being longer early in the season and workdays shortening towards the end of the season. Some weekend hours will be necessary. The technician will be hired as a U of I hourly research technician at a rate of $14-18/hr. Housing will be provided at a communal field house located in Belknap, IL. All necessary field equipment will be provided by the employers while working on the project. Preferred qualifications: · Preferred Bachelor's degree, but not required · Experience handling and banding birds and able to read color bands · Ability to walk in water, sometimes over the knee, for extended periods · Ability to carry 30+ lbs · Ability to work long hours under challenging conditions · Good spatial awareness in natural landscapes · Ability to work independently and within a team · Ability and experience driving 4x4 vehicles on dirt roads · Attention to detail with respect to following sampling protocols and managing data · Tolerance for high heat and humidity, biting insects, snakes, and working in swamps · Good and responsive communication with supervisors and coworkers Please contact Julia Boldrick (juliakb4@illinois.edu) with a cover letter, CV, and the names and contact information for 2-3 references, or with additional questions. Project synopsis: This project is a continuation of long-term research on Prothonotary Warblers (warblers hereafter) and their interactions with an obligate brood parasite, the Brown-headed Cowbird (cowbirds hereafter) in the Cache River watershed in southern Illinois. In this study, first established in 1993, we have erected nest boxes in 10-12 study sites throughout state and federal protected areas, and the warblers readily use these nest boxes. Cowbirds parasitize most warbler nesting attempts in our system, allowing us to study, in depth, the population dynamics and behavioral interactions between these two species. We will continue to build on long-term data of warblers and cowbirds to understand their population dynamics and behavioral interactions. Cache Job description.pdf