Bird Jobs -- December 10, 2013

[Allen Rutherford]

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CONSERVATION PROGRAM MANAGER - California Least Tern and Snowy Plover Field Research Program. Organization: San Diego Zoo Institute for Conservation Research Location: San Diego County Application Deadline:
12/12/2013 Job Type: Full-time Job Description: The Conservation Program Manager will be responsible for all aspects of the management of the California Least Tern and Western Snowy Plover Field Research Program.
Responsibilities include: management of the Research Coordinators and field teams, including training and supervision of field staff; design and implementation of research and monitoring protocols; data management and analysis; preparation of reports, memos, policy statements, presentations, and manuscripts; participation in working groups and other conservation partnership activities; and all related administrative tasks, including grant and budget management. Duties also include the daily administration for the program, both internally within San Diego Zoo Global, and externally with government agencies and other partners. The Conservation Program Manager will supervise Research Coordinators at both Naval Base Coronado
(NBC) and Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton (MCBCP) and their affiliated teams of Research Associates, while reporting to the Associate Director of Applied Animal Ecology. This position will primarily be based at the Institute for Conservation Research's Beckman Center, but will require frequent travel to both field sites at NBC and MCBCP. See San Diego Zoo website for full job description (URL: http://goo.gl/GAv7tC ).
Qualifications include:
Advanced degree (Master's or PhD) in biological sciences or related field, or equivalent specialized training; Extensive experience in shorebird biology and ecology; Extensive experience in field research or applied conservation, preferably as part of ornithological studies or shorebird monitoring programs, including study design, survey methodology, data collection and analysis, and publications; Experience in managing and supervising conservation projects; Reasonable knowledge of environmental legislation; Good communication skills and ability to work effectively with others; Ability to prepare and administer grant applications and contracts; Ability to use word processing, spreadsheet, database, graphic, and statistical programs; and Ability to prepare and give presentations to a variety of audiences. Possession of state and federal permits, along with USGS BBL banding permit, to work with California Least Terns and Western Snowy Plovers are also highly desirable. To Apply: Applications are being accepted through the San Diego Zoo website:
https://www.hrapply.com/sandiegozoo/Setup.app The deadline to apply is Thursday Dec 12 at 9 pm PST.

RESEARCH COORDINATOR - California Least Tern and Snowy Plover Field Research Program. Organization: San Diego Zoo Institute for Conservation Research
Location: San Diego County. Application Deadline: 12/12/2013.
Job Type: Full-time. Job Description: The Research Coordinator is responsible for supervising the team of research technicians and assistants who monitor the resident and breeding populations of Western Snowy Plover and California Least Tern at coastal sites in San Diego County. Study sites include Naval Base Coronado and Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton. The Research Coordinator will be required to communicate directly with the Program Manager on a daily basis in order to assist with all day-to-day project operations. Responsibilities include: the management of the field teams' daily activities and associated resources; training and supervision of field staff; design and implementation of research and monitoring protocols; record-keeping, data management and analysis; preparation of reports, memos and policy statements; participation in working groups and other conservation partnership activities; and all related administrative tasks, as needed.
The Research Coordinator will be responsible for tern and plover nest and productivity monitoring, behavioral observations, disturbance and predation assessment and documentation, survey and crew scheduling, and reporting any issues or needs immediately to the Program Manager. Duties include, but may not be limited to, data collection, photo documentation of project work, maintaining fencing and signage on site following contractual requirements, use of and maintenance of hand-held GPS units and 4x4 vehicles, data entry and word processing, and daily verbal communication with predator control personnel. The Research Coordinator will also be responsible for managing and training survey crews in the field as well as ensuring that all project protocols are followed throughout the season. He/she will ensure that all required data sheets and equipment are prepared and that all data is complete on a daily basis. The Research Coordinator will also assist in the implementation of all research and guidelines set by the Program Manager.
See San Diego Zoo website for full job description Qualifications include Bachelor's degree in biological sciences or related field, or equivalent specialized training; experience with shorebird research and monitoring; registered banding permittee or sub-permittee; proven leadership abilities; excellent coordination and communication skills; record-keeping skills; ability to use and maintain research equipment; ability to use word processing, database, spreadsheet, and graphics systems; ability to collect biological samples; and ability to prepare and make presentations.
Applicants must have a strong background in field research working with shorebirds, particularly least terns and snowy plovers, have banding experience for both or similar species, and be proficient at identifying local avian species and predators by sight or sign. Successful applicants will be self-motivated, organized, in good physical condition, enjoy walking many miles per day in soft sand, and will possess strong leadership, communication, time management, and problem-solving skills. To Apply:
Applications are being accepted through the San Diego Zoo website:
https://www.hrapply.com/sandiegozoo/Setup.app The deadline to apply is Thursday Dec 12 at 9 pm PST.

WADING BIRD TECHNICIAN - Location: Coastal South Carolina. Job type:
Full time Seasonal. Duration of position: early March through the end of July, 2014. Application deadline: January 5, 2014 Applications will be reviewed as they are received. Salary: $10 per hour, up to 40 hours per week (housing provided). DESCRIPTION: The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources plans to hire one seasonal technician to assist with the Wading Bird Program next spring. We are looking for a highly motivated person who is willing to work a flexible schedule that often varies from day to day.
Responsibilities will include:
counting/estimating birds (wood storks, egrets, herons, etc.) and nests during aerial surveys from a small plane, canoeing through swamps (with snakes and alligators) while counting wading bird nests, dragging canoes through forests to reach colonies, monitoring individual wading bird nests throughout the season, hours and hours of dotting (counting with computer
software) bird nests in aerial photos taken during 2011 - 2014, and entering and proofing data. Aerial surveys are a major component of the program, so the technician must be able to fly in a small plane comfortably and must be able to estimate the number of birds and nests during flights. The flights are great if you are not prone to motion sickness and if you enjoy flying, but they can be miserable for some people. We fly tight, low circles, and it can be very hot and stuffy in the plane. The ground counts will involve canoeing through swamps and can be very physically demanding. We plan to band nestlings this year, and the technician will need to climb cypress trees from a canoe to capture chicks. Field housing at a remote wildlife management area will be provided (at no cost to technician). The DNR office where the technician will be based is located in Green Pond, SC (Donnelley Wildlife Management Area). Walterboro is the closest town, and Charleston is about an hour away. A personal vehicle will be required since the location is remote and there is no public transportation, but we plan to provide a DNR vehicle for most work duties. QUALIFICATIONS:
Applicants should have a strong interest in avian research, an excellent work ethic, a positive attitude about working in hot, buggy conditions, and be in good physical condition. Required skills and qualifications
include: Bachelors degree in biology or a related field, valid US driver's license and good driving record, the ability to enjoy being in a small, hot, circling plane for hours, and professionalism when interacting with people from different backgrounds. Prior experience surveying wildlife from a small plane, field work experience and familiarity with Microsoft Excel, Access, and ArcGIS are desired.
Rock/tree climbing experience would also be helpful. Applicants should be self-motivated and should be able to work independently and as part of a team. The technician may lead teams of volunteers during the ground surveys and will represent DNR while working with private landowners, so excellent communication skills are essential. TO APPLY: Please send a cover letter describing previous experience with field research and specific dates of availability, a resume/CV, and contact information for three references to CHRISTY HAND (EM: handc AT dnr.sc.gov). Applications will be reviewed as they are received.

SEASONAL AVIAN FIELD BIOLOGISTS (Bell's (Sage) Sparrow - San Clemente Island, California). Job Description: The Institute for Wildlife Studies
(IWS) is seeking seasonal avian field biologists to work on the San Clemente Bell's (Sage) Sparrow Program on San Clemente Island, California. The San Clemente Bell's Sparrow is a federally threatened, endemic subspecies. San Clemente Island (SCI) is the southernmost of the California Channel Islands and is located 68 miles off the coast of San Diego. Start dates will range from early February with the positions lasting approximately 5 months. Field Biologist duties include, but are not limited to: 1) Nest searching and monitoring; 2) Mist-netting and color-banding juvenile and adult bell's sparrows; 3) Territory spot-mapping, conducting area surveys, and re-sighting of color-banded birds; 4) Data entry and management in ArcView GIS, Access and Excel.
Qualifications: We are seeking highly-motivated and skilled field biologists with strong research backgrounds and a commitment to conservation and applied ecology. The successful candidates will have earned a B.S. in wildlife biology, zoology, ecology or a related field and have knowledge of, and experience with, avian biology. Required
experience/qualifications: passerine banding (>100 birds) and mist-netting.
Preferred experience/qualifications: nest searching and monitoring, behavioral observations, color band identification, threatened & endangered species monitoring, extensive hiking experience, and experience operating full-sized 4-wheel drive trucks over rocky and muddy terrain. Because this work is conducted on a military installation, the applicant must be a citizen of the United States or be covered under a TN NAFTA work visa.
Individuals must have (or be willing to acquire before start date) a valid, U.S. driver's license. Applicants should be in excellent physical condition and be comfortable hiking alone for 3-5 miles with a 30-40 pound pack in steep, rocky, cactus-covered terrain and in temperatures ranging from 40-100°F.
Applicants should enjoy living as part of a small research community in a busy field station, interacting with biologists working on other projects, and working with military personnel and members of other organizations who may have varying missions, opinions, and personalities. Additionally, applicants must be willing to participate in the day-to-day upkeep of this field station, including cleaning of work vehicles and shared kitchen/office space. Employees work 10 days on island, and then take 4 off (off island).
All employment offers are contingent on the insurability of the applicant by IWS and the results of a pre-employment background check conducted by IWS.
Additional information regarding IWS research on SCI is available on the IWS website (URL: http://www.iws.org). Compensation: Approximately $2,200/month (based on an hourly rate with scheduled overtime). We also provide both housing and a food stipend while on island and transportation to and from SCI via twin-engine propeller planes flying out of Naval Base Coronado in San Diego. Off-island accommodations and food are not provided. Application
Procedure: To apply send a cover letter, resume and names and contact information (including telephone number, email and work address) of at least
3 professional references as ONE document to SUSAN MEIMAN (EM: sparrowjobs AT iws.org). Applicants must state the number of passerines (adults and
nestlings) they have banded. Applications will be reviewed in the order they are received and we therefore encourage interested parties to apply promptly. The announcement will be open until the positions have been filled.

AVIAN FIELD TECHNICIANS and CREW LEADERS (8-12) needed to conduct landbird surveys on the lower Colorado River for Great Basin Bird Observatory. The field season will begin mid-March and run through mid-June, 2014. Are you interested in adventure, amazing birds, and exploring the desert? Are you excited about hot temperatures, dense riparian vegetation, wet feet, and amazing desert wildlife? If you are answering yes, this may be your ticket to a long and early summer in the Southwest. Duties will include area searches of all birds (up to 200 species of resident and migrant birds), avian territory mapping, and data entry in Microsoft Access and ArcGIS.
Applicants must have at least
1 field season of experience surveying passerines by sight and sound (preferably southwestern birds), the ability to hike in hot and strenuous conditions, good communication skills, and a willingness to live and work with a large field crew. Applicants must be available from
10 March (required start date March 23 at the latest) through 15 June, 2014.
Couples with experience are encouraged to apply. Surveyors will be hired as seasonal temporary GBBO employees and paid $1800-$2200/month depending on experience. Field vehicles and housing (combination of field house/apartment and some camping) will be provided. Please send a brief cover letter (highlighting bird survey experience and the date you could begin work) and resume (including the names, phone numbers, and e-mail addresses of 3
references) to AMY LEIST (EM: leist AT gbbo.org) by Dec. 31, 2013.

SNOWY PLOVER AND LEAST TERN MONITOR (Senior Park Aide Position) at Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area. Website:
http://ohv.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=1207 Location: Oceano, CA. Duration: 7 months. Job Type: Seasonal. Number of Openings: 5. Application Deadline:
21 Jan 2014. Job Description: Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area is currently recruiting for several Senior Park Aide positions for the 2014 Western snowy plover and California least tern nesting season (March to September). General Duties include: **Conduct monitoring for two federally listed bird species, the threatened snowy plover and the endangered least tern, including monitoring adults, nests, chicks and broods; **Fence, sign, and nest exclosure installation and maintenance; **Collect scientific field notes, data entry, and technical report writing; **Work with the public as a State Park representative; **Work with an interdisciplinary team. The position pays $11.52/hour with one week paid sick and vacation time after six months. The position is a seasonal full time position (up to 1500 hours/ per year). Housing is not provided. Weekend, holiday, early morning (before dawn), and evening shifts will be required. You will receive full training and work with some of the best experts in the field! Qualifications:
Applicants should have the following qualities: **Work well as an individual and in a team setting; **Be flexible and open minded; **Be able to take direction; **Work well with the public as a State Park representative; **Ability to work under adverse conditions such as in heavy wind and moving sand; **Be able to cope with sitting for extended periods monitoring by spotting scope; **Be able to lift up to 50 pounds; **Read and record color band data; **Have experience writing scientific field notes and reports; **Have a clean Class C Driver license and be able to operate a 4-wheel drive vehicle; **Have a background in Biological Sciences; **Birding experience preferred; **Some experience with GIS/GPS technology is preferred To Apply:
If you are interested, please submit a Standard State Application (URL:
http://jobs.ca.gov/pdf/std678.pdf) by
21 January 2014 to the address below. For more information contact:
RONNIE GLICK, Senior Environmental Scientist, Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area, 340 James Way, Suite 270, Pismo Beach, CA
93449 (PH: 805-773-7180, EM: ronnie.glick AT parks.ca.gov).

AVIAN FIELD TECHNICIANS (3-5 positions) - The Terrestrial Wildlife Ecology Lab and Cornell Lab of Ornithology seek field technicians from April 1 to August 2, 2014 to assist with a long-term study of riparian bird populations over an urban-rural landscape in Columbus, Ohio. This is an excellent opportunity to learn about urban ecology and gain a diverse array of ornithological field skills. Technicians will be required to conduct spot-map surveys for birds, re-sight color banded birds, conduct territory and nest behavioral observations, and search for and monitor nests of Northern Cardinals, American Robins, and Acadian Flycatchers. Opportunities may exist to assist with target banding. Technicians will also be responsible for vegetation sampling and some data entry. One bander position is available and applicants with previous banding experience are strongly encouraged to apply.
Duties require moderate lifting and long hours of standing and walking in variable conditions. Qualifications: A BS in a related field (or work towards), prior field experience, accurate color vision, the ability to work well as a team and independently, and possess the physical capacity to work alone in the outdoors for long hours under variable (weather, terrain and
insect) conditions. Applicants should have a valid driver's license, own a vehicle, and be willing to use their vehicle for project work if needed.
They should also be able to handle public interactions maturely, including citizen science participation with suburban landowners and people with dogs.
Hiring is contingent on a successful background check. Ability to lift 20-30 pounds will be required for two positions. Applicants with avian identification and field experience, strong work ethic, and/or an enthusiasm for avian ecology are especially encouraged to apply. Stipend of $7.95-$8.76/hr (approximately $1325/month at 40 hr/wk DOE, plus possible overtime opportunities) provided. Housing is not included, but many affordable short-term leases are available in the campus area. To apply, please send a cover letter, resume and contact information (including email
addresses) for at least three professional references to JENNIFER MALPASS,
(EM: cbusriparian AT gmail.com), The Ohio State University, School of Environment and Natural Resources, 2021 Coffey Road, 210 Kottman Hall, Columbus, OH 43210-1085.
Please submit application documents as a single attachment with your last name and "CURP Application" included in the title, and "CURP Application" as the subject of the email. Hiring is contingent on a successful background check. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until all positions are filled.

FIELD RESEARCH ASSISTANTS are needed for Dr. Tom Martin's long-term research project which examines the evolution of life-history traits as well as the influence of predation rates, habitat structure, and microclimate on breeding behaviors in birds. We are hiring for several
positions: nest searchers (5), target mist netters (3), banding supervisor (oversees all banding efforts) (1). Field research assistants will have the opportunity to gain exposure to many of the techniques used in avian field research such as nest-searching, mist-netting, target-netting, territory mapping, re-sighting, vegetation sampling, nestling and egg measurements, and video-taping nests. The study site is located in North Central Arizona in the Coconino National Forest at
8,000 ft. elevation in montane forest. The field camp is remote and requires tent living (you must provide your own tent). Pay is $1248 to $1400/month DOE for field assistants, and $1500 for the supervisory positions. The project runs from 1 May 2014 and will end no later than
25 Jul 2014. Applicants should have a strong work ethic as well as enthusiasm and appreciation for scientific research. One season of banding experience is preferred for all banding positions. Those applying for the banding supervisor position should be experienced in mist netting, target netting, color banding, taking blood samples, and have supervisory experience. This season's netters will focus solely on capturing birds for a doubly-labeled water experiment requiring dedication and being comfortable injecting birds with doubly-labeled water along with taking blood samples (specific experiment training will be provided). For position details concerning the project as a whole, please see our website (URL:
http://www.umt.edu/mcwru/personnel/martin/AZResearchProject.aspx).
Review of applications is occurring now, and will continue until positions are filled (no later than 15 Feb 2014). Please submit 1) a cover letter stating your interest in the project as well as your desired position and relevant experience 2) a resume 3) the names, email addresses, and telephone numbers of three references to: (EM:
arizona.bird.crew AT gmail.com). We prefer email submissions, but if you must surface mail application materials you may send them to: Arizona Hiring C/O JULIA BRANDAUER, Montana Cooperative Wildlife Research Unit,
205 Natural Science, Missoula, MT 59812 (PH: 406-243-6007).

FIELD ASSISTANT FOR METAPOPULATION STUDY OF BLACK RAILS, VIRGINIA RAILS, AND POINT COUNTS OF BIRDS IN SIERRA FOOTHILLS Organization: University of California-Berkeley. Location: Browns Valley, CA. Duration: May 19 - August 15, 2014. Job Type: Seasonal. Job Description: Assistant will help with (1) surveying wetlands for rails and habitat characteristics, and (2) conducting point counts for other birds in the region. The assistant will perform fieldwork independently to conduct call-playback surveys for rails to sample a network of known marshes for Black and Virginia Rails' presence, and conduct 6 minute point counts for all local bird species in wetlands and surrounding uplands. The assistant must be able to identify California oak woodland birds by sight and call/song, communicate with private landowners to obtain permission to survey, navigate county roads with maps to find sites, maintain accurate records of each visit using a database, and record habitat characteristics. The work is based out of the Sierra Foothills Research and Extension Center in Browns Valley, CA where housing is available for http://groups.ucanr.org/sierrafoothill/. Salary is $2167 /month.
Additional information on the study can be found at http://nature.berkeley.edu/~beis/rail/. Qualifications: Applicants MUST have a driver's license and a vehicle adequate for well-kept gravel roads (4x4 not necessary). The ideal candidates would be: [1] experienced in surveying (particularly with playback methodology); [2] well organized with a record of being able to conduct fieldwork independently; [3] experienced in conducting point counts for birds, and able to identify Sierra Nevada Foothill birds by sight and sound OR experienced in bird identification and willing to put in additional time to learn the local bird species (a list of the birds detected in past summers can be found here:
https://www.cnr.berkeley.edu/beislab/Wetlands/birdlist.html); [5] interested in population ecology and metapopulation theory; [6] be able to walk up to several miles and be strong enough to carry moderate loads; and [7] have the ability to interface with the public under occasionally challenging conditions. Experience with GPS and GIS desirable but not required. To
Apply: Please submit resume and email/phone numbers of three referees by email to NATHAN VAN SCHMIDT, PhD student (EM: vanschmidt AT berkeley.edu) in the Department of Environmental Science, Policy & Management, University of California-Berkeley. Applications will be reviewed as they are received until the position is filled.

POST-DOCTORAL RESEARCH at the Percy FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology, University of Cape Town - Analysis of expanding urban raptor populations using long-term data sets. We invite applications for the above one-year, full-time research opportunity at the FitzPatrick Institute, a world-renowned, national Centre of Excellence (CoE) in ornithological research with a strong emphasis on postgraduate studies.
The successful applicant will have access to two long-term raptor studies which have been carried out on the Cape Peninsula, South Africa.
Firstly, a 25-year study of the Peregrine Falcons (1989-ongoing) carried out by Dr Andrew Jenkins and secondly, a 13-year monitoring study of the Black Sparrowhawks (2001-ongoing) principally collected by Ann Koeslag.
During both studies, populations have increased dramatically (from <10 pairs to 50 pairs over the period of study). Annual monitoring data includes recording of territorial occupancy, population size, site fidelity, turn-over, breeding success and productivity. Both studies have colour ringed a large proportion of the adults and juveniles, thus providing information on life time reproductive success and other data only obtainable with individually marked populations. Additionally we have dietary information for both populations and blood samples have been collected for a number of years. We have robust survival estimates for both populations and we have some information on home range use of the Black Sparrowhawk. There is considerable flexibility in the scope of the research, dependent on the applicant's interests or skills, although the successful applicant will be expected to make use of the existing long-term data sets and to submit a number of papers for publication in top international journals within the year. Funding is secured for a
R140 000 CoE bursary (tax exempt) for one year and adequate project running costs (w.e.f. January 2014). Support and supervision will be provided by Dr Arjun Amar and Dr Res Altwegg, and by Dr Andrew Jenkins for the Peregrine data and Anne Koeslag for the Black Sparrowhawk data.
Applicants must have completed their PhD in a relevant subject within the past five years, have strong analytical skills and a good publication record for the current stage of career. To apply, please send a CV (including your academic record, publication list & the names and contact details of three
referees) plus a short motivation letter and an outline of how you would use these data to answer questions of interest to the your areas of expertise to HILARY BUCHANAN (EM:
hilary.buchanan AT uct.ac.za). Informal enquires can be directed to Dr ARJUN AMAR (EM: arjun.amar AT uct.ac.za.). For more information on the FitzPatrick Institute visit (URL: http://www.fitzpatrick.uct.ac.za).
Closing date: 20th Dec 2013. UCT is committed to the pursuit of excellence, diversity and redress. Students granted an award to study at UCT are required to comply with the UCT official and approved policies on postgraduate funding.

VOLUNTEER BIRD BANDER, Miami, FL Duration: 1 Mar - 20 May 2014 (shorter stays possible). Number of Openings: 2. Application Deadline: 1 Feb 2014.
Job Type: Volunteer. Job Description: For a PhD project on migration in urban areas at Florida International University I need experienced bird banders to run/help running one of several banding sites in the urban area of Miami. Mist netting will be done in parks in forest habitat. We will help with housing and we can cover travel costs to Miami. A stipend can be paid depending on your experience. The project is expected to run during fall and spring migration for several years. Qualifications: Banding and mist netting experience is necessary, good knowledge of Florida species would be helpful.
To Apply: Informal e-mail indicating your availability and banding experience as well as any other important information to (EM: mhill053 AT fiu.edu). Questions should be directed to the same address.

GRADUATE RESEARCH ASSISTANT - NPS Forest Birds at University of Delaware.
Website: http://ag.udel.edu/enwc/faculty/shriver.html
Location: Newark, Delaware. Duration: Open. Job Type: Student.
Application Deadline: 7 Feb 2014. Job Description: The University of Delaware Department of Entomology and Wildlife Ecology is currently accepting applications for an M.S. candidate starting in March 2014 to study forest breeding birds in the National Parks of the National Capital Region Inventory and Monitoring Network (http://science.nature.nps.gov/im/units/ncrn/). Those interested in forest breeding bird biology, forest ecology, and long-term ecological monitoring are encouraged to apply. The student will be advised by Dr.
Greg Shriver and a scientist from the National Park Service Inventory and Monitoring Program and will be integral in providing important information in assessing the condition of 11 National Parks.
Qualifications: In addition to academic performance, the successful candidate will possess skills in identification of eastern forest breeding birds by sight and sound, avian survey experience, strong organizational abilities, experience managing a field crew, and a valid U.S. driver's license with a clean driving record. To Apply: Interested candidates should send a cover letter, a resume (including undergrad and graduate GPAs and GRE scores), and contact information for three references to (EM: gshriver AT
udel.edu) and include "NCRN - Forest Birds" in the subject line.

GRADUATE RESEARCH ASSISTANT - King Rail Surveys at University of Delaware.
Website: http://www.tidalmarshbirds.org Location: Newark, Delaware.
Duration: Open. Job Type: Student. Application Deadline: 7 Feb 2014. Job
Description: The University of Delaware Department of Entomology and Wildlife Ecology is currently accepting applications for an M.S. candidate starting in March 2014 to study King and Clapper rails in coastal Delaware and Maryland. Those interested in wetland biology, secretive marsh birds, survey designs, and the conservation of marsh birds are encouraged to apply.
The student will be advised by Dr. Greg Shriver and will become an active member of the Saltmarsh Habitat & Avian Research Program (SHARP), a multi-institutional collaborative that is working for the conservation of tidal-marsh birds in an era of sea-level rise and upland development (see http://www.tidalmarshbirds.org for more information). Qualifications: In addition to academic performance, the successful candidate will possess avian survey experience, strong organizational abilities, experience managing a field crew, operating boats and trailers, and a valid U.S.
driver's license with a clean driving record. To Apply: Interested candidates should send a cover letter, a resume (including undergrad and graduate GPAs and GRE scores), and contact information for three references to (EM: gshriver AT udel.edu) and include "SHARP - King Rails" in the subject line.

GRADUATE RESEARCH ASSISTANT - Sparrow Breeding Ecology at University of Delaware. Website: http://www.tidalmarshbirds.org Location: Newark, Delaware. Duration: Open. Job Type: Student. Application Deadline: 7 Feb 2014. Job Description: The University of Delaware Department of Entomology and Wildlife Ecology is currently accepting applications for an M.S.
candidate starting in March/April 2014 to study tidal marsh bird breeding ecology in coastal New Jersey (Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge).
Those interested in wetland biology, avian breeding ecology, and the conservation of tidal-marsh birds are encouraged to apply. The student will be advised by Dr. Greg Shriver and will become an active member of the Saltmarsh Habitat & Avian Research Program (SHARP), a multi-institutional collaborative that is working for the conservation of tidal-marsh birds in an era of sea-level rise and upland development (see http://www.tidalmarshbirds.org for more information).
Qualifications: In addition to academic performance, the successful candidate will possess avian mist-netting and nest-finding experience (especially for grassland or other ground-nesting songbirds), strong organizational abilities, experience managing a field crew, a valid U.S.
driver's license and a clean driving record. To Apply: Interested candidates should send a cover letter, a resume (including undergrad and graduate GPAs and GRE scores), and contact information for three references to (EM:
gshriver AT udel.edu) and include "SHARP - Demographic MS" in the subject line.

SONGBIRD RESEARCH FIELD CREW LEADERS (3) AND FIELD TECHNICIANS (3) at West Virginia University / WV Cooperative Fish & Wildlife Research Unit.
Website: http://www.coopunits.org/West_Virginia/ Location: West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Ohio. Duration: 2 months. Job Type: Seasonal.
Number of Openings: 6. Application Deadline: 1 Feb 2014. Job
Description: Currently seeking 3 field crew leaders and 3 field technicians for a PhD study evaluating impacts of unconventional gas development
("fracking") on forest songbirds across the Marcellus shale region. The study is part of a research effort between the Division of Forestry and Natural Resources at West Virginia University, the U.S.
Geological Survey, the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, and the Appalachian Mountains Joint Venture. The project involves working across the multi-state Marcellus region. Duties will include point counts, vegetation sampling (trees), and data entry. Crew leaders will be paired with field techs in teams of 2, to be based in 3 general regions that are "hotspots" of fracking
activity: (1) north-central and northeastern PA; (2) southwestern PA and WV panhandle; and (3) northwestern WV and southeastern OH. Because of the broad-scale nature of this study, extensive travel will be required. Field vehicles, housing, first aid and safety training will be provided. Some camping may be necessary for one to two nights at a time. Position starts approximately May 5, 2014 and will end in early July (8-9 week field season). Salary will be commensurate with experience and position type ($1600-2000/month).
Qualifications: Successful applicants will have excellent bird identification skills of Eastern U.S. songbirds by sight and sound, a strong work ethic, good sense of humor, enthusiasm for early morning, repetitive work, and an ability to tolerate demanding field conditions.
Crew leaders should have excellent people skills and an ability to work diplomatically in a politically charged environment. You must have experience conducting point counts. A degree in or progress towards a degree in wildlife biology, ecology, or a related field is also strongly preferred, as well as coursework in bird and tree identification.
Qualified applicants must have a valid driver's license and a clean driving record. To Apply: Send cover letter, resume, and list of 3 references to LAURA FARWELL (EM: lsfarwell AT mix.wvu.edu). Please use either "Field Crew Leader" or "Field Technician" in the subject line.
Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the positions are filled.

SEASONAL AVIAN ECOLOGISTS at Smithsonian Migratory Bird center.
Location: Indiana. Duration: May 1st to August 15th, 2014. Job Type:
Seasonal. Application Deadline: 31 Jan 2014. Job Description:
Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center is seeking skilled field technicians for a detailed demographic study of Wood thrush populations in southern Indiana from May 1st to August 15th, 2014. This is an opportunity to be part of one of the largest and most comprehensive demographic studies ever conducted on a Neotropical migrant passerine. We will be hiring for three kinds of
positions: crew leaders, banders and technicians.
Qualifications: General qualifications for the project include experience with a variety of avian sampling techniques including mist-netting, color-band re-sighting, nest searching and monitoring, territory mapping, and radio-telemetry. Crew leaders should have experience supervising large field crews, good communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively with other crew leaders and project supervisors. Preferred crew leader qualifications also include data management experience, ArcGIS, and a master's degree. Banders will be expected to have extensive experience with mist-netting (including target netting), banding (aging, sexing, and morphological measurements), taking blood samples, and putting on radio-tags using the Rappole harness technique. All competitive applicants should have good color vision, meticulous data collection skills, good inter-personal skills, and the ability to work independently. Candidates will be expected to work long hours with early starts six days a week in difficult field conditions. Daily data entry and data proofing will also be a part of the day-to-day work expectations. Field sites are located in both pristine and fragmented forest tracks within state parks, national wildlife refuges, and military installations. As such, candidates must be able to handle extensive and strenuous hiking in hot-humid conditions with a variety of biting insects (mosquitoes and ticks). Applicants must have a valid drivers license and their own reliable vehicle to travel to the site. Housing will be provided and Smithsonian field vehicles will be used for day-to-day work.
Salary will be commensurate with experience and position type ($1600-2000/month). To apply please send electronic copies (PDF or MS
Documents) of the
following: 1) a letter of interest, 2) a resume and, 3) the names and contact information for three work references to BRANDT RYDER (EM:
Hylocichlamustelina AT gmail.com). Please put SMBC WOTH Crew Leader, Bander or Technician as the subject line of your email application to indicate which position you would like to apply. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the positions are filled.

BIOLOGICAL FIELD ASSISTANT at Tetra Tech. Website:
http://www.tetratech.com Location: Multiple states, U.S. Duration: 1 year.
Job Type: Temporary. Application Deadline: 10 Jan 2014. Job
Description: Tetra Tech, Inc. is seeking applicants for avian and bat surveys in various locations across the continental U.S. as part of early environmental studies for potential wind energy development. The field assistants will be responsible for conducting avian surveys, adhering to standardized protocols as trained by Tetra Tech staff, and completing accurate data collection forms. In addition to conducting avian surveys, the field assistants will be responsible for monitoring installed bat acoustic monitoring equipment, collecting and downloading data cards at some locations, and sending weekly data updates to our office in Portland Oregon as trained by Tetra Tech staff. Tetra Tech is looking for up to ten (10) field biologists to begin work on or about the week of January 13, 2014 and to continue work as late as March 31, 2015. Applicants must be willing to commit to at least four (4) field days a week, not including travel to the field location. Preference will be given to applicants with a strong avian survey background, including sight and sound identification, and those willing to commit to a full year of field work. Applicants will be responsible for their own housing during the study period and will be provided a fleet vehicle. Salary will be commensurate with experience and competitive to environmental studies within the wind energy industry.
Qualifications: . B.S. Science (Biology, Environmental Science, Wildlife Management, etc. ) preferred; . Previous field work in wildlife ecology with preference given to experience with field identification of avian species; . Be willing to adhere to all personal safety requirements associated with working in rural, isolated areas; . Comfortable in harsh weather conditions and rugged terrain (e.g., extreme heat, high winds, all forms of precipitation); . Ability to utilize a compass and/or GPS unit; . Able to accurately identify local avian species by sight and sound; . Must be able to work independently while maintaining clear communication with Tetra Tech, Inc. staff; and . Able to have flexibility in scheduling due to changing field conditions. Number of Openings: 10. To Apply: Please send a resume including references to Dr. JULIA C. GARVIN (EM:julia.garvin AT tetratech.com).

PH.D. FELLOWSHIP, Life History Evolution in Nazca Boobies at Wake Forest University. Website:
http://college.wfu.edu/biology/people/faculty/anderson-david/ Location:
Winston-Salem, NC and Galápagos Islands, Ecuador. Duration: 5 yrs. Job
Type: Student. Job Description: We are continuing a 30 year study of life history evolution of Nazca boobies, focusing for the next five years on proximate and ultimate aspects of aging in this long-lived bird, using both field and lab approaches. Our population of 4,500 banded birds presents a complete age structure, strong evidence of both actuarial and reproductive senescence, and several years of advance work on foraging biology and age.
The work will be supported by a five year grant already in hand, with the student working in Galápagos for parts of the academic years 2015-16 to 2018-19. The student will be supported on a Research Assistantship in the Spring semesters of these years.
Qualifications: Competitive applicants will have strong quantitative skills, significant field experience, and GRE scores above the 75th percentile.
Proficiency in Spanish will be a significant advantage. To
Apply: Applicants should send a cover letter, CV, and contact information for three references (EM: booby.aging AT gmail.com). The most promising applicants will be encouraged to apply to the Wake Forest University graduate program in Biology. Application review will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.
Consideration of applicants to the WFU graduate program will begin in mid-January.

AVIAN CONSERVATION FIELD ASSISTANT at Kauai Forest Bird Recovery Project.
Website: http://www.kauaiforestbirds.org Location: Alakai Wilderness and Hanapepe, Kauai, Hawaii. Duration: 4 months. Job Type:
Seasonal. Application Deadline: 31 Dec 2013. Job Description: SEASONAL AVIAN CONSERVATION FIELD ASSISTANTS (1) needed for work with the Kauai Forest Bird Recovery Project. Our project focuses on a variety of work with three endemic Hawaiian songbirds, the Akikiki, Akeke'e and Puaiohi that all inhabit the extremely wet, beautiful and rugged montane rainforest at located at ~4500ft on the island of Kauai. The position will focus on conducting surveys for endangered Hawaiian birds, vegetation and habitat sampling, mist-netting and banding birds, and checking and maintaining artificial nest boxes. This is a rare opportunity to work on endangered tropical species in the U.S while gaining valuable research skills. The work is physically challenging, requiring a 4 to 8 mile hike to the main field camps by way of steep slopes, tangled forest and stream crossings. Daily field activities include conducting ornithological fieldwork while hiking through dense forest, in and along streams, often in rainy and chilly weather.
Positions will last approximately from mid-February 2014 through mid-June 2014. Compensation is ~$1700/mo with limited use of project vehicles.
Housing when not in the field will NOT be provided, but the Project will help coordinate a housing search among temporary field assistants and interns. Successful applicants must provide own travel to Lihue, Kauai and have a valid drivers' license, and be legally eligible to work in the U.S.
Qualifications: Applicants must be able to detect and identify birds by color-bands and sounds, physically fit and able to navigate rugged and complex terrain using GPS, compass, and maps.
Experience with nest searching and abundance surveys (e.g., line transects or point counts) is required. Experience with songbird re-sighting, behavioral observation, territory mapping, radio-telemetry, small mammal trapping, and mist-netting/banding is strongly desired.
Mechanical and electronics skills and current First Aid and CPR certifications are a plus. Abundant enthusiasm for conserving Hawaii's native species (including the ability to control invasive species along the
way) is essential, as are self-motivation, the ability to work well in a small team, a positive attitude, and willingness to live in a remote field camps for more than a week at a time. Careful data collection is a must, and when not in the field, office duties will include data entry and management, both supervised and independent research projects, maintenance of field equipment and living quarters, and other work around the office. To Apply:
Applications will be accepted until Dec 31, 2013 and will be reviewed as they are received.
Required materials include a current CV, cover letter, and contact information for three references. Applications will only be accepted on-line at http://kauaiforestbirds.org/get-involved/employment1/.
Applications will not be accepted by email.

AVIAN DISEASE FIELD VOLUNTEER at Pacific Island Ecosystems Research Center-USGS. Location: Volcanoes National Park, HI. Duration: 4 months.
Job Type: Volunteer. Number of Openings: 2. Application Deadline: 31 Dec 2013. Job Description: We are seeking 2 VOLUNTEERS from mid-February,
2014 through mid-May, 2014 to assist in island-wide field surveys for introduced avian disease (avian malaria and pox virus) on the island of Hawaii in State Forest Reserves and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. The internship will be based at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park in conjunction with research conducted by USGS and the Pacific Islands Ecosystems Research Center. Candidates need to be in good physical condition and will be expected to camp in a field setting for up to 4-10 days at a time, hike with packs (40-50 lbs.) over rough (lava) terrain, in inclement (very rainy and
cold) weather. Most sites are remote and require access via 4-WD roads or helicopter. Previous mist-netting and camping experience are highly recommended. Recent certification in CPR and Wilderness First Aid training is desirable. We will be mist-netting native and non-native birds, banding and collecting morphometrics, blood samples, as well as examining birds for ectoparasites. The other field portion will be dedicated to surveying for pig activity, available mosquito habitat, and mosquito prevalence at each site. Housing will be provided within the National Park and a stipend for food expenses will be provided (roughly $30/day). Applicants are responsible for covering the cost of airfare to and from Hawaii. To apply: please send a cover letter, your resume, and the email contact information of 3 relevant references to jgaudioso AT usgs.gov by December 31st, 2013.