ROSEATE TERN TECHNICIAN. 7 July - 20 September, 2014. Cape Cod National Seashore, MA. **Opportunity to begin work in May or June on a Virginia Tech Red Knot project on the Eastern Shore, VA. Details below.** Assist graduate student in a collaborative research project investigating the behavioral and demographic effects of disturbance on Roseate Tern parent-offspring interactions during the pre-migratory staging period.
Study Background: The Northwest Atlantic population of Roseate Terns was listed as endangered in 1987 and has been intensively managed on the breeding grounds; however, little is known about their activities after they leave the breeding sites. The population of Roseate Terns has declined by 25% since 2000 despite relatively good productivity and constant adult survival. Nearly the entire Northwest Atlantic population of Roseate Terns is thought to stage at Cape Cod, MA before departing for migration to South America. Our study will attempt to determine the effects of disturbance during the staging period on parent-offspring interactions and hatch-year Roseate Tern survival. This is a collaborative project with managers and researchers from Cape Cod National Seashore, Mass Audubon, the State University of New York, Virginia Tech, and the USGS.
Duties include, but are not limited to: conducting systematic re-sight surveys of color- and alpha-numeric marked terns, behavioral observations, and data entry. Expect to work long days (10-12 hours) and walk up to 6-8 miles in sand on some days, sometimes in adverse weather conditions. You will have the opportunity to see thousands of shorebirds and seabirds every day, as well as a wide variety of coastal wildlife, including seals and other marine mammals.
Qualifications: B.S. in Wildlife Science or related field and previous field experience resighting color-banded and/ or plastic field-readable banded birds. Experience surveying colonial waterbirds is preferred but not required. Successful applicant will be adaptable, detail-oriented, enthusiastic, and able to work and live harmoniously with others in remote locations in Park Service housing. A valid driver’s license is required and experience operating 4WD vehicles, ATVs, and kayaks is desired.
**Red Knot project: Because the Roseate Tern work will not begin until July, we are offering the option of working May-June (start date negotiable, work can continue until start of roseate tern project) on the Eastern Shore, VA. Duties would include conducting surveys, trapping and banding Red Knots, and taking and sorting core sand samples. Housing is provided.**
Salary: $400/week
Housing is provided
Closing Date: 15 March 2014 or open until filled
Contact Information:
Send cover letter, unofficial transcripts, and resume with academic background, work experience, and contact information for 3 references to Kayla Davis (kaylad89@vt.edu), or mail one application to Department of Fish and Wildlife Conservation, ATTN: Kayla Davis, Virginia Tech, 124 Cheatham Hall, Blacksburg, VA 24061-0321 (electronic applications preferred). Virginia Tech is an EO/AA employer.