Seabird Field Technician

We are seeking one field technician from May 1–August 15, 2026, to monitor colony abundance and productivity of Royal Terns, Sandwich Terns, Common Terns, Gull-billed Terns, Black Skimmers, and Laughing Gulls nesting near Hampton, VA. The technician will support ongoing research related to colony relocation and management during expansion of the Interstate 64 corridor and the Hampton Roads Bridge Tunnel. Additional details on the Hampton Roads seabird conservation project can be found at our partner’s website here https://dwr.virginia.gov/wildlife/birds/seabird-conservation-in-hampton-roads/

Housing and a work vehicle will be provided in Norfolk, VA.

Responsibilities: Work schedule will be variable, with no more than 5 days of fieldwork per week. Most weeks will require 2–3 days of fieldwork per week, with the rest of the week dedicated to data entry and office work. The technician will assist the project leader in:

• performing counts of birds and nests
• resighting uniquely marked seabirds
• capturing and banding seabird adults and chicks
• performing general maintenance of seabird decoys, call-back sound systems, and remote cameras
• daily boat operation
• data entry, organization, and management

The technician will work closely with the project leader daily and occasionally coordinate with VDWR and other members of the Virginia Tech Shorebird Program. There may be opportunities to assist with migratory shorebird work on the Eastern Shore of Virginia.

Qualifications: Ideal candidates value careful data collection, are flexible with changing conditions and work plans, can maintain a positive attitude during early mornings and long field days, and are passionate about ecological research and conservation. A Bachelors degree in Wildlife Sciences, Ecology, Biology, or similar discipline is required. Candidates must be able and comfortable climbing ladders and stairs, walking uneven terrain, and carrying up to 50lbs. A driver’s license and clean driving record are required. Upon position offer, the candidate will have to pass a background check.

Preferred qualifications include prior field research experience or as a research assistant; prior experience identifying, handling, and banding wild birds; prior experience driving an outboard motorboat. Meeting all preferred qualifications is not required, training will be provided.