Painted Bunting Field Technician – Georgia Coast

Overview:

The University of Georgia’s (UGA) Rushing Population Ecology Lab is seeking 1 field technician to assist with research on Painted Bunting (Passerina ciris) resource use, molt, and movement ecology at Wormsloe in Savannah, Georgia. The technician will work full-time at UGA’s Center for Research and Education at Wormsloe independently and serve as the point person for work at the site. The technician will work remotely alongside a PhD student and assist with all aspects of fieldwork. 

Primary fieldwork responsibilities include: 

• Catching and banding birds using mist nets
• Assisting with applying adjustable tags on birds
• Scoring molt on birds
• Collecting and storing fecal samples from birds
• Conducting avian point counts

Secondary responsibilities may include: 

• Tracking birds using handheld radio telemetry
• Installation and maintenance of automated radio telemetry units and RFID bird feeders
• Outreach to the public

Daily monitoring activities may include hiking (up to 5 miles/day) with field equipment in summer heat, humidity, wind, rain, and buggy conditions. Successful applicants will be experienced bird banders and be able to make good decisions/ adapt on the fly. Successful applicants will also have an interest in avian ecology, strong work ethic, eagerness to learn, positive attitude, effective communication skills, and a willingness to work in harsh field conditions.

This position provides exciting opportunities to learn new skills and collaborate with conservation professionals on the Georgia Coast while advancing the candidate’s career goals. The technician will reside at UGA’s Center for Research and Education at Wormsloe outside of Savannah, Georgia (accessible by car). Preference will be given to applicants with passerine banding, handling, and molt scoring experience. Housing is provided.

Deadline: Applications reviewed on a rolling basis, January 20th deadline

Dates: June 15 – August 21, 2026 or July 1 – September 2, 2026 (depending on housing)

Pay: $16/hour, 40 hours/week for 10 weeks

Please email a cover letter, resume, and the names/contact information of 3 professional references in a single PDF to Diane Klement (djk34130@uga.edu) with the title “Painted Bunting Technician Application” by the January deadline. Please include the number of birds that you have extracted from mist nets and banded and your experience with molt scoring. Applications will be reviewed as they are received.