Avian Field Technician: Massachusetts

Agency: The University of Massachusetts, Amherst

Location: Amherst, MA

Job Category: Full time seasonal

Salary: $11.00/hr, 40 hrs/week

Note: Housing not provided

Start date: early May

End date: early August

Last date to apply: April 7, 2017

Description: Technician will work under the supervision of a PhD student

running the research project. Duties include but are not limited to:

nest searching for Wood Thrush and Gray Catbird nests in suburban forest

patches and a large forest with minimum public access, nest monitoring

and observation, placing and maintaining nest cameras, mistnetting to

capture and band adults, measuring nestling and adult body conditions,

taking detailed notes for data entry, using equipment responsibly, and

assisting other field crew members when necessary. Applicants should be

able to start work early (~ 5am), move through forest patches carrying

equipment (including 25 lb. golf cart batteries), and handle summer

field conditions (heat and insects). Applicants MUST have a car which

can be used as an additional field vehicle (with gas reimbursement).

Ideal applicants also have experience bleeding birds, plant ID skills

for northeastern temperate forests, and can identify northeastern birds

by sight and sound.

Qualifications: Minimum of Bachelor’s degree in wildlife related field.

Must be willing to work early hours (starting approx. 5 am), drive

personal vehicle, and work in field conditions in forested areas.

General computer knowledge and skills required. Previous experience nest

searching and mistnetting birds is necessary.

Note: Start and end dates are flexible. Housing not provided.

Interested and qualified applicants should submit a resume, cover

letter, and contact information for three references to: Kit Straley

kstraley@cns.umass.edu .

Once again we will be welcoming volunteers, especially undergraduate students, to help with our long-term research project on diamondback terrapins in New York City’s Jamaica Bay in June and July 2017.  The field site can be easily reached by train, bus, or car from NYC, Long Island, and nearby NJ.  The field work involves mark-recapture of nesting terrapins, monitoring nests and raccoons, and interacting with park visitors.  This is an excellent opportunity for students to enhance their experience with urban wildlife and scientific research.  Please pass this information on to your undergraduate students and other potentially interested people.  More on Jamaica Bay Terrapin Research is available at http://jbtr.org/.  For more information, contact Dr. Russell Burke at biorlb@hofstra.edu. =20

We invite applications for TWO paid undergraduate interns to work on a project investigating the effects of forest fragmentation on species interactions in a plant-caterpillar-bird network in deciduous forests in Connecticut. The successful candidates will be trained in a variety of ecological field techniques, plant and insect identification and community ecology.

Application due date: We will begin reviewing applications on April 3rd 2017 and continue until the positions are filled.

Position details: The students will participate in field surveys and experiments involving caterpillars, plants, birds and deer in forests of Eastern Connecticut, data entry, management and analysis and project planning. They will attend lab and project meetings. Applicants should be prepared to work long days in the field, including through hot and wet weather.

Minimum Qualifications: GPA of 3.0 or greater; Completion of BIOL 1107 or 1108 by start of position.

Preferred Qualifications: Evidence of active interest in biology and the natural environment through stated career goals, formal coursework or extra-curricular activities. Availability of own vehicle to access field sites (mileage will be reimbursed at standard rates set by the state of Connecticut).

Appointment Terms: This is a 9-week appointment (May 8^th –  July 7^th, 2017, 40 hours per week) with a salary of $10.55 – 12.50 per hour, depending on experience. Exact dates are somewhat negotiable.

How to Apply: Interested students should email Dr. Robert Bagchi (robert.bagchi@uconn.edu) with a cover letter that includes an explanation of interest in the project and statement of career goals, an up-to-date CV and the contact information for two references (names, telephone numbers and email addresses).

We invite applications for an NSF funded Research Experience for Undergraduates position to work on a project investigating the effects of forest fragmentation on species interactions in a plant-caterpillar-bird network in deciduous forests in Connecticut. The successful candidate will be trained in a variety of ecological field techniques, plant and insect identification and community ecology. The student will also develop and complete an individual project under the direction of the senior investigators.

Application due date: We will begin reviewing applications on April 3rd 2017 and continue until the positions are filled.

Position details: The student will participate in field surveys and experiments involving caterpillars, plants, birds and deer in forests of Eastern Connecticut, data entry, management and analysis and project planning. The student will attend lab and project meetings and will be expected to present their results to the group. Applicants should be prepared to work long days in the field, including through hot and wet weather.

A written project proposal (~2 pages) is due at the start of the position, which will be expanded to an interim report (3-4 pages, due in week 6 of the position) and a final report (10 – 12 pages, due at the end of the position). The student will be encouraged and funded to present their individual project at a local conference.

Minimum Qualifications: GPA of 3.5 or greater; Completion of BIOL 1107 or 1108 by start of position.

Preferred Qualifications: Evidence of active interest in biology and the natural environment through stated career goals, formal coursework or extra-curricular activities.

Appointment Terms: This is a 10-week appointment (May 8^th –  July 14^th, 2017) with a stipend of $500 per week.

How to Apply: Interested students should email Dr. Robert Bagchi (robert.bagchi@uconn.edu) with a cover letter that includes an explanation of interest in the project and statement of career goals, a ½ page outline of potential topics for the individual project, an up-to-date CV and the contact information for two references (names, telephone numbers and email addresses).

Example topics for individual projects: Quantification of deer abundance and its impact on lepidopteran community structure; nocturnal moth trapping to compare adult moth community composition to that of the caterpillar community; predation experiments using clay caterpillars; use of camera traps to quantify bird predation on caterpillars; measurement of parasitoid attack rates on caterpillars; sampling caterpillar and parasitoid communities on invasive plants; harnessing molecular methods (CO1 barcoding) to make caterpillar identifications.

BLACK RAIL FIELD TECHNICIAN needed 15 April through 15 July, 2017 for

research involving surveys of marshes in New Jersey to assess population

status of Black Rail. Duties will include conducting nocturnal playback

surveys for Black Rail at marshes accessible by boat; recording detailed

observations and data and following specific protocols; and data entry

and management. The position requires riding in a small boat or walking

in marshy areas during night hours, carrying equipment, and tolerating

exposure to variable and sometimes adverse weather and environmental

conditions.  Previous experience conducting point count surveys and

familiarity with rails and other secretive marsh birds required.

Proficiency with MS Excel and Word software a must.  Familiarity with

GIS and use of hand-held GPS preferred. Applicants must be able to work

independently or as part of a team, and work irregular hours, including

occasional weekends. Salary $1800 – $2200/month, depending on

experience.  Must have a valid and clean driver’s license.  Send cover

letter of interest, resume outlining relevant experience and three

references (including emails and phone numbers) as one pdf document, no

later than March 25 to New Jersey Audubon by email to

hr.research@njaudubon.org <mailto:hr.research@njaudubon.org>. NJ Audubon

is an equal opportunity employer.

René Buccinna

Administrative Assistant

NJ Audubon/Cape May Bird Observatory

600 Route 47 N

Cape May Court House, NJ 08210

Phone: 609-400-3852 (NOTE DIRECT PHONE NUMBER)

Fax: 609-861-1651

Email: rene.buccinna@njaudubon.org <mailto:rene.buccinna@njaudubon.org>

Connecting People with Nature since 1897

I am looking for three field technicians with a strong work ethic to join my team for the Franklin’s ground squirrel project in Central Illinois.  The field technicians need to be effective and skillful in data collection, including trapping, tagging, and tracking of Franklin’s ground squirrels.  Field technicians know how to operate and adjust, when necessary, various instruments for data acquisition and are required to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.

Duties and responsibilities include:

Trapping – Conduct daily trapping of Franklin’s ground squirrels at multiple sites over the field season.

Tagging – Implant a passive integrated transponder (PIT) to each newly captured squirrel for identification and fit radio-collars to targeted juveniles.

Tracking – Conduct daily radio-tracking of juvenile Franklin’s ground squirrels on foot or in vehicle depending on the movement patterns and dispersal distances of individual squirrels.  Record locations of the squirrels with the GPS units through triangulation or homing.  Follow the squirrels until they immerge.

Daily Reports – Submit daily reports on the trapping, tagging, and tracking of Franklin’s ground squirrels.

Maintenance – Assist with the maintenance, clean-up, and inventory of the field gear and equipment for trapping, tagging, and tracking of Franklin’s ground squirrels.

Requirements:

Successful candidates must have a B.S. degree in environmental science, wildlife, biology, or related field.  Experiences in radio-telemetry and working with small mammals in the field are highly preferred.  Proficiency with Microsoft Office, ArcGIS, and GPS is highly desirable.  Successful candidates must be a team-player, demonstrate strong communication skills, follow instructions well, and pay attention to detail.  Candidates must have a commitment to field personnel and equipment safety.  Individuals must have a personal vehicle, maintain a valid driver’s license, and be able to work outdoors in extreme weather conditions for long hours.

Application: Review of applications will start immediately until the positions are filled.

Starting date: May 15, 2017.

Anticipated ending dates: August 18, 2017 (for two positions) and October 31, 2017 (for one position).

Salary: $440-$500 per WEEK (depending on the skills and experiences), plus mileage reimbursement for radio-tracking.

To apply, please send the following (via email) to Dr. Tih-Fen Ting at tting1@uis.edu<mailto:tting1@uis.edu>.

1.  Cover letter addressing background and extent of qualifications;

2.  Resume, including contact information for three references; and

3.  Transcripts (unofficial or scanned copy acceptable).

Tih-Fen Ting

Department of Environmental Studies

University of Illinois at Springfield

Springfield, IL 62703

(217) 206-7876

tting1@uis.edu<mailto:tting1@uis.edu>

I am looking for four field technicians with strong work ethics to assist with the osprey hacking program in Illinois as part of the osprey recovery effort for this state-endangered species.

The positions, based at different sites, have the following responsibilities:

* Daily Observations – conducts daily behavioral observations of osprey chicks at the hacking site to ensure their well-being.  Makes notes of presence of potential predators or competitors in the vicinity of the hacking site.

* Daily Tracking – conducts daily tracking of ospreys once they fledge and notes their locations before migration.

* Food Preparation and Feeding – conducts daily preparation of fish and feeding to the hacked ospreys.

* Planning and Coordination – conducts regular fish pick-ups from the project partners.  Coordinates with the field personnel at the other hacking site for project purposes when required.

* Daily Reports – contributes to daily reports regarding the behaviors, locations, and fish consumption by ospreys.  Makes notes of any other notable events related to the birds.

* Maintenance – assists with the maintenance and clean-up of the hacking tower after the season, as well as the maintenance and inventory of the field gear and equipment.

Qualifications for the positions:

Successful candidates must have a B.S. degree in environmental science, wildlife, biology, or related field.  Experiences working with birds of prey, as well as paddling skills, are highly preferred.  Proficiency with Microsoft Office, ArcGIS, and GPS is highly desirable.  Successful candidates must be a team-player, demonstrate strong communication skills, follow instructions well, and pay attention to detail.  Candidates must have a commitment to field personnel and equipment safety.  Individuals must have and maintain a valid driver’s license as well as be able to work outdoors in extreme weather conditions and for long hours.

Application: Review of applications will start immediately until the positions are filled.

Starting date: June 30, 2017.

Anticipated ending date: October 6, 2017.

Salary: $440-$500 per WEEK (depending on the skills and experiences).  Housing or camping gear (except sleeping gear) are provided.

To apply, please send the following (via email) to Dr. Tih-Fen Ting at tting1@uis.edu<mailto:tting1@uis.edu>:

1)  Cover letter addressing background and extent of qualifications;

2)  Resume, including contact information for three references; and

3)  Transcripts (unofficial or scanned copy acceptable).

Tih-Fen Ting

Department of Environmental Studies

University of Illinois at Springfield

Springfield, IL 62703

(217) 206-7876

tting1@uis.edu<mailto:tting1@uis.edu>

Bowline Ent Surv Staff Announcement

Follow link to pdf of position description

Graduate position (M.S.) in phenotypic plasticity and evolution of
animal behavior.

The Beckers’ lab at Murray State University accepts M.S. student
interested in phenotypic plasticity and evolution of animal behavior
starting in the fall of 2017.  Our lab works on male calling and female
preference behavior in two of the very few Orthopteran species that
display environmentally-induced call plasticity. We use crickets and
katydids as model organisms to address our questions. Our research is
focused primarily on behavior, but will soon extend in a collaborative
effort its focus to the underlying molecular underpinnings responsible
for behavioral diversity. We seek an enthusiastic and driven student to
join our lab, who has a B.S. in biology, ecology, evolution, or related
discipline. Teaching assistantships are available.

To apply or for inquires please send email to: obeckers@murraystate.edu

For applications, please attach a letter of application indicating your
research interests and career goals and a curriculum vitae including
undergraduate GPA and, if available, GRE scores. Review of applications
starts immediately and continues until the position is filled. Thank
you for your interest.

Find more information on Dr. Beckers’ research here (faculty
directory):

https://www.murraystate.edu/academics/CollegesDepartments/CollegeOfScie
nceEngineeringandTechnology/CollegeOfSciencePrograms/biologyDept/facult
y/

Oliver Beckers <obeckers@murraystate.edu>

The Invasive Species Research Group at the Brackenridge Field Laboratory, University of Texas at Austin is looking to hire a research technician.   The position will involve a mix of field and laboratory based investigations into the ecology and natural enemies of tawny crazy ants and imported fir e ants.  Please find the text of the posting below and apply at:

https://utdirect.utexas.edu/apps/hr/jobs/nlogon/search/0/.   Posting number:

17-03-02-01-4480.

We are looking for someone to start as soon as possible. The posting will close by March 24th.

LRA III –

Salary: Proposed Salary Minimum: $22,884 =96 Proposed non-published maxim um

limit: $26,000

General Position Notes: Job is a mixture of field and laboratory based investigation. Job requires frequent overnight travel to field sites in remote regions of Texas. Camping out will be required at some sites. Work will be outside during Texas summer. Experimental protocols will require  a non-standard work schedule. Work will often involve long days and short weeks, working evenings, mornings and/or weekends.

Purpose: Technician will follow the direction of the lead investigator to carry out studies examining the biology and ecology of tawny crazy and natural enemies of this ant, including microsporidian pathogens and phori d fly parasitoids. Driving a UT vehicle is an essential function of the position.

Essential Functions

=95=09Function 1: Perform field assays of tawny crazy ant, and native ant abundances and experiments on species interactions and ecology. =95=09Function 1 Percent Time: 30.00 %

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=95=09Function 2: Conduct laboratory experiments investigating the biolog y of a microsporidian pathogen and a phorid fly parasitoid of this ant.

=95=09Function 2 Percent Time: 25.00 %

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=95=09Function 3:  Conducting experiments into the chemical ecology of an t species interactions.

=95=09Function 3 Percent Time: 25.00 %

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=95=09Function 4: Staining and counting microsporidian spore loads in inf ected ants using compound microscope.  Sort, identify and record ants and other arthropods from pitfall traps. Identify ants and phorid flies to species level and other arthropods to order level. Function 4 Percent Time: 10.00 %

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=95=09Function 5: Record all data in field datasheets, and enter data int o spreadsheets. Use GPS to set out transects and record features. Store and label specimens in alcohol vials or in pinned collections. Curate materia ls and maintain records. =95=09Function 5 Percent Time: 10.00 % Essential Functions Percent Time Total: 100.00 % Marginal/Incidental Functions Maintain vehicles in clean, roadworthy condition. Maintain the workspace  in a orderly state. Organize work flow, and maintain activity schedule on multiple projects simultaneously. Collect fire ant colonies. Other relate d functions as assigned. Required Qualifications High school graduation or GED. A combination of two years of experience i n a natural science field, or a technical laboratory. A strong work ethic and attention to detail. Ability to work outside throughout the summer and ca rry loads over rough ground. Tolerance of heat and insect stings / bites. Fin e motor skills. Commitment to safety. Equivalent combination of relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate: Yes Preferred Qualifications Bachelors or masters degree in biological science. Strong background and interest in entomology and ecology. Experience in field ecological studie s and experiments. Experience with insect identification. Experience with micro-dissection and microscopy. Laboratory experience in chemistry.

Experience with molecular lab procedures. Computer skills including familiarity with spreadsheet manipulation, analysis and graphing in Microsoft Excel. Experience using GPS. Excellent organizational, interpersonal and communication skills needed. Ability to perform as a member of a dynamic research team.