Temporary Avian Field Technician - Appalachian Avian Community Monitoring

Songbird Research Technician - Wildlife and Fisheries Resources

Company:
West Virginia University

Job Location:

Category:
Laboratory and Research

Type:
Full-Time

Description

The Wildlife and Fisheries Resources Department at West Virginia University is currently accepting applications for a (Remote) Temporary Avian Field Technician - Appalachian Avian Community Monitoring. This full-time position runs for 3 months; May 2026 to July 2026. Technicians will assist two graduate students to monitor avian communities through all species point count surveys and deployment of autonomous recording units (ARUs). This research will focus on monitoring State Wildlife Action Plan (SWAP) recognized species for the state of West Virginia, and their responses to "shifting mosaic" conditions created by harvest management on large private lands in Central and Southern West Virginia. Emphasis will be given to Golden-winged Warbler (Vermivora chrysoptera), Cerulean Warbler (Setophaga cerulea), and Wood Thrush (Hylocichla mustellina).

Location: Central and Southern West Virginia

What You'll Do

• Drive several hours each day, hiking long distances off trail in mountainous terrain while carrying field equipment to sites, and identifying avian species by sight and sound.
• Interact with private landowners and public may be required.
• Technician duties will include setting up and deploying ARUs for sites, performing early morning point count surveys, and performing vegetation surveys.
• Work may also include assisting graduate students with specific research projects including mist-netting.
• Field sites are remote and rugged with limited cell reception, although comfortable modern field housing will be provided.

Pay Grade: 10
Length of Assignment: 4.5 Months
Work Hours: 37.5 Hours per week

Qualifications

• Associates Degree in Wildlife Ecology, Conservation Biology, Environmental biology or a related field. Or Equivalent combination of education and experience. Applicants working toward or holding B.S. degrees in wildlife biology, zoology, environmental science, or related fields are preferred.
• 0-6 months of experience involving:
  • Identifying eastern songbirds by sight and sound, with emphasis on identification by songs and calls.
  • Preference will be given to applicants with previous point count experience or ability to reliably identify common regional species by song.
  • Also preferred is experience with collecting structural habitat measurements (e.g., DBH, canopy cover, tree identification) but training will be provided.
• Any equivalent combination of related education and/or experience will be considered.
• All qualifications must be met by the time of employment.

Send a cover letter, resume, and contact information for at least 3 references (must include email and phone number for each reference listed) by email to: jbg00022@mix.wvu.edu

Requirements

• Applicants should have a valid driver's license, clean driving record, and must be able to perform field work full time.
• Applicants must be able to hike, with up to 40 lbs. of gear, for several miles off trails to sites if needed and be able to work efficiently in typical Appalachian summer conditions.

Job Posting: May 4, 2026
Posting Classification: Temporary
Exemption Status: Non-Exempt
Benefits Eligible: No
Schedule: Full-time

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