Point Count Field Technician (Hourly)

Unit:

College of Humanities and Sciences

Department:

School of Life Sciences and Sustainability

Duties & Responsibilities:

The Bulluck lab within the School of Life Sciences and Sustainability at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, VA seeks to hire two field technicians to conduct bird surveys in the Virginia Highlands. The surveys are part of a long term monitoring project for Vermivora warblers (Golden-winged and Blue-winged Warblers), but we will record data on all species of breeding birds. This is a temporary position that'll run from the beginning of May to the end of July.

Fieldwork will be conducted in steep terrain and remote conditions. Transportation to and from field sites is provided. Lodging will be provided, but technicians will be moving around quite a bit so there will be a mix of rental houses, hotels, and Appalachian Trail Hostels. Applicants must be adaptable and expect periodic schedule changes. Attention to detail is important and applicants with prior avian field technician experience will have preference.

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications

• Comfortable working outdoors for long hours
• Ability to identify eastern birds by sight and sound (specifically, migratory songbirds)
• Basic plant ID skills for eastern US
• Meticulous data collection skills
• Ability to work independently in the field and coordinate with a team
• Ability to be flexible, reliable, and hardworking
• Comfortable driving 4WD vehicle
• Valid driver’s license with a clean driving record

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience conducting point count surveys for birds