FIELD TECHNICIAN (1) One field technician is needed as soon as possible to assist in an ongoing study of red-cockaded woodpecker (RCW) home ranges as they relate to neighboring group density and foraging habitat characteristics. Study sites include The Savannah River Site, a National Environmental Research Park, located near Aiken, SC, and the Carolina Sandhills NWR, located in McBee, SC. The technician primarily will collect data on The Savannah River Site, but there will be opportunities to assist on the Carolina Sandhills NWR. Primary duties of the technician will include use of a spotting scope to visually track RCWs and resight color- band combinations during all-day follows of RCW groups, collection of vegetation data, and data entry. Work schedule will be 5 days/week, but weekend work may be necessary from time to time. Salary will be $2,000– $2,400/month and employment will last until 31 March 2015. Housing and field vehicles will be provided.
Qualifications: Looking for hard-working, independent, and enthusiastic individuals with interest in avian ecology. Applicants minimally should possess a Bachelor’s degree in biology, wildlife ecology, or related field. Demonstrated experience conducting avian surveys, excellent communication skills, meticulous data collection, strong work ethic, and a positive attitude are required. Applicants must be able to work independently and interact positively (often remotely) with a collaborative research team. Preference will be given to applicants that have experience working with the RCW or resighting color-banded birds. Applicants should be in good physical condition and enjoy working outdoors - the ability to hike and work long hours in adverse conditions (hot and humid weather, stinging/biting insects, venomous snakes) and in remote field sites is a must. Other desirable skills include: proficiency with GPS units/tablet computers, maps, compass, and MS Office (Access, Excel, Word). Selected applicants will be subject to a criminal background check. Must have or be willing to acquire a valid driver’s license before the start date of the project. Must be U.S. citizen. Last date to apply: 15 December 2014 Start date: As soon as possible. Contact: Please email a cover letter outlining your interest in the position, resume/CV, and contact information for three references to James Garabedian (em: jegarabe AT ncsu.edu).
