Job Description: The University of Nebraska-Lincoln and the Nebraska Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit are seeking 2 full-time and 1 part-time avian point count technicians to conduct statewide grassland bird surveys for the 2017 breeding season. Technicians will support collaborative research on landscape scale studies of grassland bird species abundance and distribution, and habitat relationships. The results of this study will help to improve our understanding of species and community response to land use and climate change, and will guide conservation and management efforts within the Nebraska Natural Legacy Project to conserve declining grassland bird species and species of cultural importance.
This position provides an excellent opportunity to gain valuable field experience while working in a diversity of habitats ranging from the Sandhills, Rainwater Basin, High Plains, and Platte Valley, to the Pine Ridge of Nebraska. The field season will run from 1 May to mid-July 2017 with some flexibility in start/end dates. We will pay technicians $1,600 - $2,000 per month DOE, provide a field vehicle for work, and provide field housing (some camping will be required). We are also interested in applicants seeking part-time employment based out of Lincoln or SE Nebraska. Technician duties include: 1) conducting daily standardized multi-species point count surveys with distance sampling; 2) collecting data on weather conditions following standardized protocols; 3) driving long distances to remote areas navigating by map; 4) data entry and management; 5) assisting the project leader as necessary. Significant travel time will be required for this position; technicians will be working very early mornings and should be comfortable with an unpredictable work schedule depending on the weather and may include working on weekends. Housing will be very dynamic – 2 full-time technicians will regularly move around the state of Nebraska between multiple field housing sites. Qualifications: Applicants with experience conducting bird surveys and the ability to identify Eastern birds (particularly grassland species) by sight and sound are preferred. Additional qualifications include the ability to navigate with maps and GPS to find study sites, passion for field work, excellent communication skills, ability to live and work in remote areas, a strong work ethic, willingness to work outdoors in all weather conditions, and demonstrated ability to work well independently and as part of a team. State issued driver’s license, a good driving record, and CPR/First Aid certification are required. To Apply: To apply, please send letter of interest describing applicant qualifications and where you heard about the job, resume, and contact information for three references via email to [email protected]. Please enter “2017 Point Count Application” in the subject line. Application review will begin immediately and continue until the positions have been filled. Website: https://sites.google.com/site/tjfontaineunl/TJ-Fontaine Location: statewide, throughout Nebraska Duration: 3 months Job Type: Temporary Application Deadline: 04/14/2017
