Surfbird Field Technician – University of Alaska Fairbanks
Pay Rate: $17-18/hr
Duration: approximately May 1 – August 1
Primary location: Fairbanks, Alaska
Description: The Institute of Arctic Biology at UAF is seeking one field technician to assist a master’s student in studying Surfbird breeding ecology. Primary duties will include area surveys and nest searching in alpine tundra, habitat and vegetation surveys, assisting with Surfbird captures and banding, and GPS tag deployment. This position is based out of Fairbanks, with fieldwork taking place in the Steese National Conservation Area.
The technician will be working on a crew with personnel from UAF, Institute of Arctic Biology, US Geological Survey, and Bureau of Land Management, and thus is expected to collaborate professionally with these institutions and agencies. The selected applicant will also be required to pass a federal background check.
Required qualifications:
- Experience with avian nest searching, including an appreciation of both the thrill and frustration involved
- Capable of organized data collection in the field (digital and paper)
- Physical fitness – able to hike 10-15 miles a day over steep, rocky terrain
- Mental toughness – comfortable being exposed to the elements, camping for long stints in potentially cold, wet, and buggy conditions
- Ability to work well in a team and live in tight quarters (field camp setting)
- A good sense of direction – navigation with paper maps and handheld GPS units will be necessary
- Patience
- Enthusiasm for developing knowledge of an understudied species
Preferred qualifications:
- Experience with capturing/handling nesting birds
- Prior banding / GPS tag deployment experience
- Previous work with shorebirds
- Backcountry experience (hiking, camping, potential to encounter bears)
- Driving ATVs over rough terrain
- First Aid / Wilderness First Aid certification
- Knowledge of arctic botany
Compensation: $17-18/hr. Technician can expect to work 40hrs/week, though hours may be irregular. Per diem will be provided during overnight camping/backpacking. Additionally, travel costs to and from Fairbanks will be covered. Project staff will work with the technician to find housing options in Fairbanks.
The University of Alaska Fairbanks is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer, educational institution and provider. UAF does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, age, sex, physical or mental disability, status as a protected veteran, marital status, changes in marital status, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, parenthood, sexual orientation, gender identity, political affiliation or belief, genetic information, or other legally protected status. The University's commitment to nondiscrimination, including against sex discrimination, applies to students, employees, and applicants for admission and employment. Contact information, applicable laws, and complaint procedures are included on UA's statement of nondiscrimination available at www.alaska.edu/nondiscrimination/.
TO APPLY: Please send a cover letter, resume, and three references in a single document to Sam Simon (srsimon@alaska.edu). Last date to apply is March 1st.
