TWO (2) AVIAN FIELD TECHNICIANS

at College of Natural Resources, Mississippi State University

Location:
northern LOUISIANA and southern ARKANSAS

Duration:
between April 22 and late June 2012

Job Type:
Temporary

Job Description:
Two (2) avian field technicians needed for breeding bird surveys on young pine plantations in northern LOUISIANA and southern ARKANSAS between April 22 (flexible start date) and late June 2011 for the College of Natural Resources, Mississippi State University. DUTIES INCLUDE: (1) Surveying breeding birds on young pine stands via point-counts; (2) Safely navigating young pine stands using GPS and printed maps; (3) Daily data entry. DESCRIPTION: These positions will entail a great deal of autonomy, so self-sufficiency and self-motivation are crucial. Our sites are located across a large geographic area, so each technician will be living and working alone on a daily basis. Techs will be assigned to 2-3 lodging locations (typically WMA bunk houses). A typical work day will begin with a pre-dawn drive to a pine plantation. The technician will navigate (using GPS and maps) to a series of up to 6 count stations on the stand and will conduct variable radius avian point-counts. Dense, tall vegetation will make navigating stands challenging. Counts will be concluded by 10:00 am. Techs will conduct surveys at the sites near one lodging location, then travel to the next lodging location and survey from there, then repeat twice, for three survey rounds total. Techs will be responsible for locating and marking pre-planned survey points during their first visits to each site. LODGING / SUPPLIES / TRANSPORTATION: Basic lodging will be provided (WMA bunk houses (probably) or motels if bunk houses are unavailable). If techs have friends or family living nearby and wish to stay with them, we've been flexible with that in the past as well. Techs will move periodically to minimize morning drive time to study sites. Technicians will provide their own food (a limited food per diem will be provided) and personal field supplies (including quality binoculars). Snake chaps will be provided and required to be worn (mainly for briars). A project vehicle (automatic transmission 4WD SUV) will be provided and technicians will be driving extensively. COMPENSATION: $12/hr, expected hours approx 40 hrs/wk. Lodging , vehicle, and gas provided. A limited food per diem will be provided.

To Apply:
Send resume, cover letter describing avian survey experience, and contact information for 3 references (email preferred) to MICHAEL PARRISH (EM: mparrish@cfr.msstate.edu).

Qualifications:
Strong experience identifying early-successional and riparian birds of the South by sight and sound absolutely required (we can provide prospective techs a list of expected species); Strong distance estimation skills required to accurately assign bird observations to distance classes; ability to collect quality field data under challenging conditions (heat, humidity, cantankerous vegetation, critters); knowledge of MS Excel for data entry; valid driver's license; experience with GPS and map navigation crucial.

Number of Openings:
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