Field Crew Leader and Bird Bander (2 positions)
Contribute to the long-term ecological study of black-throated blue warblers that we have run continuously for 40 years at the Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest in the stunning White Mountain National Forest in New Hampshire. In collaboration with the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center, Vermont Center for Ecostudies, and Dartmouth College, current research focuses on the effects of environmental change on breeding behavior as well as other topics on the ecology of these birds. The field crew is largely composed of undergraduates participating in the Hubbard Brook Field Ornithology Program, with many opportunities for mentorship and collaboration on student projects to enrich your experience.
Crew leaders should have experience nest searching and managing field technicians. Banders should have prior experience color banding and obtaining blood samples from songbirds from the brachial vein, and experience deploying radio transmitters will be especially valuable. Applicants must have a valid driver’s license and U.S. bank account. Crew members will be collecting data for multiple research projects on Black-throated Blue Warblers and will be expected to be active participants in all aspects of this bird research. The position involves color band resighting, nest searching, territory mapping, behavioral observations, song recording, video recording and transcription of parental care, insect and small mammal surveys, and measuring vegetation. Other opportunities may include the set-up and maintenance of radio towers, hand-tracking adults and fledglings, and collecting molt measurements. We are seeking applicants with good color vision, the ability to hike and work alone in remote, rugged, and steep terrain, with an interest in avian ecology.
Field work starts May 1st and continues through early August, with the possibility of extension through late August. Lakeside housing on the beautiful Likens Conservation Campus at Mirror Lake will be provided and a stipend of $2600/month (bander) and $3000/month (crew leader), wifi, and utilities. Many opportunities for exceptional hiking, swimming, fishing, kayaking, canoeing, and birding can be found in the immediate area.
If interested or have questions, please contact Dr. Sara Kaiser (sak275@cornell.edu). To apply, send a brief cover letter describing your interest and experience, CV, and the contact information for 2 references that can comment on your field experience to Dr. Todd Jones at (jonestm@si.edu). Applications will be reviewed as they are received.