University of Georgia · Georgia · posted today
Title: Avian Field Technicians – Field Assistants Location: Nantahala National Forest, Otto, NC Job Category: Temporary/Seasonal Positions Number of hires: 2 Salary: $14.50/hour (plus overtime at 1.5x hourly rate); housing and work vehicles are provided. Start Date: April 16, 2027 End Date: July 15, 2027 The Chandler and Rushing Labs at UGA are hiring 2 field assistants to help with a long-term study investigating the impacts of climate change on trailing-edge songbird populations in the forests of the southern Appalachian Mountains. This study focuses on the effects of climate change on avian community dispersal and demography, with particular focus on Black-throated Blue Warblers and Slate-colored Juncos. Technicians will be hired to fill certain positions, but they will have opportunities to assist with all aspects of the project. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Description: The field assistants will primarily work with a lead bander to operate 10, 12 m passive mist nets at different banding sites in the temperate rainforests of Nantahala National Forest (4 days/wk). Nantahala National Forest is a hotspot of avian trailing edge diversity, and field assistants can expect to handle 150+ birds from 30+ species. They will also conduct independent point counts 1-2 days/week, help with data entry, and occasionally assist with other project duties, as needed, such as collecting nest monitoring cameras, radiotelemetry, and maintenance of Motus towers and nodes. Technicians will also conduct surveys of the local flora at the end of the season. The ability to identify most eastern birds by sight and sound is required. Experience banding and extracting small passerines from mist nets is preferred. Position requires good color vision, the ability to hike (on and off trail) and work alone in rugged terrain and variable weather conditions, and an interest in avian ecology. Dormitory housing is provided. Technicians will share rooms with crewmates and will likely live with a rotating group of researchers from other projects. Primary Duties: · Assist bird banding leads with constant effort mist netting · Point counts · Vegetation surveys ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Education and Experience: · Some classes in Ecology, Biology, Wildlife, or related field. · Position requires good color vision, an interest in avian ecology, and the ability to hike and work alone in rugged and mountainous terrain and variable weather conditions. · Positions also necessitate attention to detail, self-motivation, and a positive attitude for long days (8-12 hours) in the field with biting insects. · Must be able to live and work well with fellow researchers. Preferred Education and Experience: · Associate degree or higher in wildlife management or related field. · Experience with mist-netting. · Valid driver’s license and experience driving on mountain roads. Physical Demand: Technicians will be navigating dense mountainous terrain, carrying up to 25lbs of field equipment, sometimes before daybreak, and in areas inhabited by bears, feral hogs and venomous snakes. Safety equipment such as bear spray or snake gaiters will be provided. All positions may be required to work regular overtime, which is time over 80 hours in a biweekly pay period, and will be paid at 1.5x your base pay rate. There will be some weeks with fewer than 40 hours per week worked. Technicians will work 6 days a week (Sunday – Friday). Application Instructions: To apply, send a cover letter, CV, and contact information for at least 3 references to Jennifer Brown (Jennifer.Brown1@uga.edu) and Cody Cox (codycox75@uga.edu). Please provide application materials in one PDF document titled “LastName_Coweeta_Application” and include “Seasonal Avian Ecologist – Field Assistant” in the subject line. Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and positions are open until filled.
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