PIPING PLOVER TECHNICIANS (14) AND CREW LEADERS (7). 1 August 2010 (or as soon as possible) - 31 March 2011. U.S. Gulf Coast (FL, AL, MS, LA, TX) and U.S. Atlantic Coast (GA, SC)
Crew leaders and technicians will work collaboratively with federal, state, and local authorities and scientists and students from Virginia Tech to capture, band, and resight wintering Piping Plovers as part of the response effort to the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill. Duties include, but are not limited to: capturing and color-banding piping plovers; conducting systematic re-sight surveys; conducting systematic oiled bird surveys; data entry. Long hours frequently required. Biting insects, highly variable weather, little relief from the sun, and exposure to oiled habitat are possible on any given day. A strong desire and demonstrated ability to work as part of a team is required. Safety, including hazardous material, training will be provided to the employee as part of this position. Qualifications: B.S. in Wildlife Science or related field and previous field experience handling and resighting birds. Successful applicants will be adaptable, detail-oriented, enthusiastic, and able to work and live harmoniously with others in remote housing (provided). A valid drivers license is required and experience operating 4WD vehicles, ATVs, and boats is desired. Excellent color vision is required in order to distinguish color bands. Experience identifying birds through optics is helpful. Applicants for the crew leader positions (7 in total) should clearly explain in their cover letter why they are uniquely qualified to lead a crew of 2 technicians and a boat captain. The crew leader will be responsible for coordinating closely with project primary investigators (Jim Fraser, Sarah Karpanty, Dan Catlin, Jon Cohen, Joy Felio) and federal, state, and local authorities. Salary: $560/week for technicians; $720/week for crew leaders Housing: provided Open until filled; review begins immediately. Send a cover letter and resume including academic background, GPA, work experience, and contact info for 3 references to: Sarah Karpanty ([email protected]; 540-231-4586). Virginia Tech is an EO/AA employer. Hiring is subject to final receipt of funding, expected July 2010.
