Student field workers and research assistants 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.
Qualifications: Student Field Workers: Preferred skills include bird identification by sight and sound; tolerance for challenging field conditions; and basic experience surveying for wildlife. 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 in remote places (i.e. beyond the reach of cell phone towers). A valid U.S. driver’s license and a demonstrated record of safe driving are required. A healthy respect for potential safety hazards is also important. Enthusiasm for working in rugged but beautiful field sites is essential. Wages vary depending upon experience with point counts and bird identification between $7.75-9.45 per hour. Research Assistants: The ability to identify forest birds of New England by both sight and sound is essential. Experience with multi-species point count surveys for birds, vegetation surveys, data entry in Microsoft Excel or Access are preferred. Enrollment or completion of a college degree in biology, wildlife, zoology, or related field also preferred. An ability to independently plan daily and weekly logistics while supervising at least one other technician is essential. See additional qualifications in Student Field Worker section above. Wage is $11.01 per hour. 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, nest searching, camp/house, and light vehicle maintenance. This study will focus primarily on birds in softwood dominated forests, and field research will be conducted in the working forest landscape. 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 Moosehorn/Aroostook NWRs Maine, Telos/Clayton Lake Maine, Umbagog NWR New Hampshire, or Nulhegan NWR 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. Research sites are remote, and numerous outdoor recreational opportunities are located nearby such as hiking, fishing, canoeing, kayaking, and moose watching. Contact: Brian Rolek Contact email: [email protected] Start and end dates can be flexible depending on experience. Start date: 11 May 2015 End date: 15 August 2015 Application deadline: 19 March 2015
