"Avian Field Technician (Part-Time) (Temporary)"

Position Highlights

The McNew Lab of Disease Ecology at the University of Arizona is looking to hire a skilled and enthusiastic seasonal field technician to assist a Ph.D student with fieldwork in Southeastern Arizona from early to mid-January through early to mid-April 2026. Research in the McNew lab focuses on host-parasite ecology and evolution in avian hosts. This project explores the causes of susceptibility to ticks and tick-borne pathogens in local Arizona birds and whether ticks evolve predominantly to their host or external environment. Southern Arizona is home to a unique community of bird species and ecosystems and is an excellent natural laboratory to investigate these questions.

This position is expected to run from early to mid-January through early to mid-April 2026.

Outstanding UA benefits include health, dental, vision, life insurance and disability programs; access to UA recreation and cultural activities; and more!

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Duties & Responsibilities

• Conduct fieldwork, including travel to field sites and data collection following detailed protocols under supervision of the PI and lead graduate student. Primary responsibilities include removing birds from mist-nets, band, measure, and sexing and ageing birds, search for and remove attached ticks, and taking blood samples from the birds.
• Perform laboratory processing, following standardized protocols and storage of samples in freezers under supervision by PI and graduate student.
• Assist with data entry into Excel documents, maintaining detailed records in accordance with standards set by the supervisor. Provide routine and technical administrative support to research projects.
• Willingness to work in a team with a Ph.D student and undergraduate researchers.

Knowledge, skills, and abilities

• Familiarity with identification of Southern Arizona avifauna

Environmental Requirements

Must be comfortable working in rugged environments that can have either extreme cold or hot temperatures (weather in southern Arizona is highly variable in the winter depending on location. Temperatures can easily drop below freezing but at other times, especially later in the spring, can rise above 90+ F).

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or high school diploma equivalency is required.
• Minimum of 3 years of relevant experience, or equivalent combination of education and work experience.
• Demonstrable mist-netting/bird banding experience and competence (e.g. written statement from past supervisor, NABC Assistant certification, existing banding permit, etc.).
• Must currently reside in the Tucson area or be willing to relocate for the duration of the position.
• Ability to be punctual and arrive at carpooling locations in the early hours of the morning (often before 4:30 a.m.).
• Ability to have a flexible schedule (occasional work on Saturdays or other days of the week) in case of inclement weather.
• Must have a valid driver's license and ability to drive according to the University Fleet Safety Policy.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience checking for and removing ticks from birds
• Experience collecting blood samples from songbirds