Three field technicians and 1 crew leader are needed for a project taking place in southern Indiana to investigate the relationship between distribution of migratory forest birds and movement capabilities in fragmented landscapes. Previous research in the region has identified a suite of species with varied distributions relative to forest patch size and isolation, and this study will evaluate whether movement limitations can be linked to those distribution patterns. This study is being conducted in collaboration between researchers at Oregon State University and the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center. All positions will begin on approximately 1 May 2016, and end on 31 July 2016. Personnel will assist in target-netting territorial birds from a diverse group of species (e.g., Wood Thrush, Ovenbirds, Scarlet Tanagers, Kentucky Warblers, and Red-eyed Vireos), translocating them to unique areas (1-2 km away), and tracking their movement paths back to their home range using hand-held telemetry antennae and automated recording units (ARUs). Other duties may include, but are not limited to, data entry and equipment maintenance. The crew leader will additionally be responsible for coordinating daily activities, maintaining a GIS database, and communicating with project principal investigators.
Compensation: Housing will be provided and federal field vehicles will be used for day-to-day work. Salary will be $2,000 per month for technicians and $2,250 per month for the crew leader.
Duration: 3 months
Qualifications: Successful candidates for the positions will have experience with some combination of mist-netting, bird banding, applying transmitter units to passerines, avian telemetry tracking, and re-sighting of color-banded birds. Previous leadership and banding experience is strongly preferred for the crew leader position. Field sites are located in both pristine and fragmented forest tracks within state parks, national wildlife refuges, and military installations. All candidates should expect early morning field work, extensive hiking, long, hot days outdoors, and typical field challenges, including biting insects, rough terrain, poison ivy, and thorny understory vegetation. Applicants must have a valid driver’s license and their own means of travelling to the study region.
To Apply: To apply please send electronic copies (PDF or MS Documents) of the following: 1) a letter of interest, 2) a C.V, and 3) the names and contact information for three work references to Jonathon Valente (Jonathon.Valente@oregonstate.edu). Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the positions are filled.