Avian Point Count Technicians (4), Interns (4), and Crew Leader (1)needed for research on source-sink dynamics of migratory forest songbirds in southern Indiana. All positions will begin on approximately 1 May 2012 and continue through approximately 15 July 2012. Primary duties for all positions will involve early-morning point counts to census avian communities, afternoon vegetation surveys, and data entry. Other responsibilities may include (but are not limited to) equipment maintenance, managing databases, proofing entered data, etc. Technicians will have the additional responsibility of helping to train the interns on bird identification and point count methods, and the field crew leader will be responsible for supervising and coordinating daily work for 2-3 employees throughout the season. All employees will be expected to work long hours with early starts in relatively difficult field conditions (e.g., high humidity, thorny understory, ticks, poison ivy, etc.). This is an opportunity to be part of one of the largest-scale demographic studies conducted on a Neotropical migrant passerine. The study is being conducted through a partnership among the Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center (P. Marra, S. Sillett, and B. Ryder), Oregon State University (M.G. Betts), the Institue for Bird Populations, and the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (R.A. Fischer). A study overview can be found at http://nationalzoo.si.edu/scbi/migratorybirds/research/marra/wood-thrush.cfm, and further information about M.G. Betts’ Landscape Ecology Lab can be found at http://www.fsl.orst.edu/flel/index.htm. Successful candidates for all positions will have excellent navigational abilities, meticulous data collection skills, the ability to work independently, good inter-personal skills, and a valid driver’s license. Technicians will have extensive experience conducting avian point counts and estimating distances to detected birds (preferably eastern birds). Interns may have little to no formal point count experience, but should have moderate bird identification skills and a willingness to study eastern bird identification prior to the start of the field season. The crew leader should have additional experience with ArcMap GIS software, GPS units, database management, logistical coordination, and will exhibit excellent leadership skills. Housing will be provided for all positions, and salary is $2200/month for the crew leader, $1800/month for technicians, and $600/month for interns. To apply, please send electronic copies (PDF or MS Documents) of 1) a letter of interest, 2) a C.V, and 3) the names and contact information for three work references to: Jonathon Valente U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center [email protected] (preferred) 502-315-6714 Please specify which position(s) interest you. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the positions are filled.
