Marsh Bird Point Count Crew Leader (1), Point Count Technicians (4) and Nest Search Technician (1) needed from early May to 15 Aug. (dates approximate). Technicians will support a large-scale project headed in part by The University of Maine and the Maine Dept. of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife investigating the status and distribution of tidal marsh bird species on the N. Atlantic coast, with particular emphasis on sparrow, rail and willet ecology. The point count crew will conduct distance-sample point count surveys as well as broadcast surveys for secretive tidal marsh birds in selected tidal marshes. Two technicians will be based in southeastern Maine, two (including crew lead) in northeastern Massachusetts/New Hampshire, and one in southeastern Massachusetts on Cape Cod. Crew will also assist on demographic study (see below) and data entry as needed. Ideal applicants will have prior experience with point count surveys and broadcast surveys, as well as the ability to positively interact with project collaborators and the public on a regular basis. The nest search technician will be based in Scarborough Marsh near Portland, Maine. The focus of this project will include fecundity, contaminants, fledgling survival, and breeding behavior. Duties will include nest searching, mist-netting, banding adults and nestlings, nest monitoring, and data entry. Ideal applicants will have prior field experience working with birds. Experience nest searching in grassland habitats is strongly preferred. All applicants must have a valid drivers license and good driving record, have a working knowledge of northeastern bird identification, an ability to work well independently and in groups, be willing to get up early every morning to slog around in muddy coastal marshes, and possess a high tolerance for difficult field conditions such as biting insects and long-distance driving. Most importantly, applicants should have a flexible attitude and a healthy sense of humor. Salaries range from $800-1500/month, DOE. Housing is provided at all locations. Please send CV, cover letter, and contact information for 3 references to [email protected]. Please indicate to which position(s) you are applying in the subject line of the email. For more information about the project visit www.tidalmarshbirds.org. Please direct questions to Mo Correll (point count positions) at [email protected], or Kate Ruskin (nest search position) at [email protected]. Application review will start January 10 and continue until all positions are filled.
