WORK LOCATION: Smyrna, Delaware
EMPLOYMENT PERIOD: Full time (40 hours/week; 9 months)
POSITION AVAILABLE: Biological Aide for Wildlife Section
POSITION DESCRIPTION:
Primary responsibilities will be to recruit and manage a large volunteer team for the Delaware Shorebird Project, a project with over 20 years of history monitoring and studying shorebird populations during their migratory stopover in Delaware Bay. The Biological Aide is expected to assist the shorebird biologist with coordinating and leading a team of volunteers and scientists in data collection during an intense migratory period in May. Responsibilities prior to the May field season, include, reviewing volunteer applications, assisting with selecting and communicating with potential volunteers to develop an informed and efficient team for the season, and developing volunteer orientation and training materials.
During the field season the Aide will be expected to spend workdays at a field house rented by the project to serve as the primary point of contact for volunteers, coordinating arrival and departure logistics, and assisting volunteers with paperwork and navigating the communal living environment. The Aide will work with experienced volunteers and the shorebird biologist to organize training sessions for less experienced volunteers. The Aide will also participate in all aspects of the fieldwork including, capturing shorebirds using cannon nets, weighing, measuring and marking shorebirds, and resighting marked shorebirds. During the field season, most of the day will be spent in the field.
After the field season, the Aide will assist with data entry, management, and QA/QC, and prepare outreach materials for volunteers such as a field season report and social media posts.
The Aide may also have the opportunity to work on other Species Conservation and Research projects as assigned.
SALARY/HOURS:
Full time (40 hours/week) for up to 9 months at $10.00– $12.00 per hour.
QUALIFICATIONS
Preference for candidates with a bachelor’s degree in wildlife ecology/natural resource management or closely related field, and prior field work experience, especially capturing, handling, and banding birds, and using a spotting scope to resight color bands and/or alphanumeric coded flags. Familiarity with programs for data entry and management (i.e., GIS, Excel and Access) is desired.
A valid driver’s license and clean driving record.
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS & DEADLINE
Apply by emailing (preferred) or mailing a hard copy of your resume/CV (lastname_cv_shorebird.doc) along with a cover letter (lastname_coverletter_shorebird.doc) describing your qualifications, and contact information for three references to Audrey DeRose-Wilson (Audrey.DeRose-Wilson@state.de.us). Hardcopy applications can be sent to theATTN: of Audrey DeRose-Wilson; Delaware Division of Fish and Wildlife; 4876 Hay Point Landing Road; Smyrna, DE 19977. Application deadline is March 5, 2018.