Oregon State University (Dept. of Forest Ecosystems and Society) is hiring three technicians for a research project investigating source-sink dynamics of Wood Thrush in southern Indiana. This is an opportunity to be part of one of the largest and most comprehensive demographic studies ever conducted on a Neotropical migrant passerine. The study is being conducted through a partnership among the Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center, Oregon State University, the Institute for Bird Populations, and the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center. A study overview can be found at http://nationalzoo.si.edu/scbi/migratorybirds/research/marra/wood- thrush.cfm.
All positions will begin on approximately 1 May 2014 and continue through approximately 31 July 2014. Primary duties will involve early morning avian point counts to census bird communities. Other field tasks may include (but are not limited to) re-sighting color-banded individuals, nest searching and monitoring, territory mapping, radio telemetry, and maintaining song broadcast units. Data entry and data proofing will also be a part of the day-to-day work expectations. Successful candidates will have extensive experience conducting avian point counts, and strong eastern US bird identification skills (visual and aural). Other useful qualifications include experience with the variety of avian sampling techniques listed above, good color vision, excellent navigational abilities, meticulous data collection skills, the ability to work independently, and good inter-personal skills. Candidates will be expected to work long hours with early starts in relatively difficult field conditions (e.g., high heat and humidity, thorny understory, ticks, poison ivy, etc.). Field sites are located in both pristine and fragmented forest tracks within state parks, national wildlife refuges, and military installations. As such, candidates must be able to handle extensive and strenuous hiking. Applicants must have a valid drivers license and their own means of travelling to the study region. Housing will be provided and federal field vehicles will be used for day-to-day work. Salary will be commensurate with experience and position type ($1600-2000/month). To apply please send electronic copies (PDF or MS Documents) of the following: 1) a letter of interest, 2) a C.V, and 3) the names and contact information for three work references to Jonathon Valente (jonathon.vale...@oregonstate.edu). Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the positions are filled.
