Student field workers and research assistants (total of 8 positions) are needed for a project with USGS Maine Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit at the University of Maine to study birds in Spruce-Fir Forests throughout New England and their response to forest management.
Description: The selected applicants will conduct avian point count surveys and forested vegetation surveys. Bird surveys will take place early each morning and data will be entered each afternoon. Duties also may include territory plotting, vegetation sampling. This study will focus primarily on birds in softwood dominated forests, but field research will be conducted in the working forest landscape and include mixed forest stands as well. Please send a CV or resume with a cover letter detailing interest in the position, relevant experience, and the contact information for at least 3 references as a single document to the email indicated below. Include in the subject line: “Assistant application”. Compensation: Employees will be provided housing near study areas in Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont, a vehicle for fieldwork use, and a wage ranging $7.60-11 per hour depending on experience and completion of an undergraduate degree. Work-study students are encouraged to apply. More experienced applicants may be asked to take leadership roles and supervise a less experienced technician and will receive compensative pay. Please indicate interest in your cover letter. Research sites are remote, and numerous outdoor recreational opportunities are located nearby such as hiking, fishing, canoeing, kayaking, and moose watching. Qualifications: The ability to identify forest birds of New England by both sight and sound is essential. Applicants must have the ability to hear high pitched bird songs/calls, be tolerant of biting insects including black flies and mosquitoes, and be able to work alone and in teams. Experience with multi-species point count surveys for birds, vegetation surveys, data entry in Microsoft Excel and Access, and territory plotting are preferred. Enrollment or completion of a college degree in biology, wildlife, zoology, or related field also preferred. A valid U.S. driver’s license and a demonstrated record of safe driving (subject to documentation and approval by University of Maine) are required. Safety training requirements including CPR, first aid, driving safety, fieldwork safety, and others will be addressed during the first week of employment. Enthusiasm for working in rugged but beautiful field sites is essential. Contact: Brian Rolek Contact email: [email protected] Start date: 10 May 2014 End date: 31 August 2014 Application deadline: 12 January 2014
