Clapper Rail and King Rail Field Assistant – Virginia Agency: West Virginia University Location: West Point, Virginia Job Category: Temporary/Seasonal Position Dates: May 2016 – July 2016
Job Description: Summer wildlife field assistant will work alongside a graduate student from early May through July for a research project focusing on distribution and abundance of king and clapper rails in marshes along the Mattaponi River near West Point, Virginia. Duties include piloting motorboats, monitoring autonomous recording systems, conducting avian point counts and vegetation surveys, and collecting salinity and water depth measurements. Additional opportunities to trap, band, and lethal sample birds depending on qualifications and skills. Qualifications: • Experience or coursework in wildlife biology or closely related field • Applicants must have boating and trailering experience, along with valid boater’s training • Previous hunting experience, specifically waterfowl or rails and shotgun • Previous experience conducting avian point counts • Ability to collect data with strong attention to detail • Ability to work long hours, with early mornings (0400) • Valid driver’s license and a good driving record • Must interact professionally and respectfully with Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries (VDGIF) officials who assist on the project and provide equipment Preference will be given to applicants with experience boating in coastal marshes, waterfowl or rail hunting, identifying estuarine and marsh birds by sight and sound, identifying coastal marsh vegetation, and navigating using handheld GPS units. Housing and monthly salary will be provided. To apply, please send a cover letter, CV, and contact information for three references in a single document to Lydia Stiffler at [email protected] by February 29.
