Wildlife Field Technician I (Marsh and Wading Birds)

The successful candidate will have the opportunity to work on the conservation of two federally listed species and with a variety of field equipment and techniques, in coastal North Carolina. The position will assist the Wildlife Diversity Biologist (coastal waterbirds) with data analysis and surveys for Black Rail and other marsh birds in the coastal region of North Carolina. There will also be approximately five days of Wood Stork surveys by airplane and kayak. (Wood Stork work has already been completed for 2024). Occasional work on other coastal waterbird projects will be required such as data entry, nesting bird sign posting, and nest counting. The primary responsibilities of the technician will be related to the Black Rail conservation and monitoring project and will mostly consist of analysis of sound files from Autonomous Recording Units (ARUs) outside of the survey season. Black Rail field work will last until the end of August and consists of callback surveys, testing, setting, and maintaining field cameras and ARUs, and using various methods to collect water depth data in salt marsh. Both the Black Rail and Wood Stork projects will include collection of incidental data on other marsh and wading bird species. Surveys will involve the use of motorized boats and kayaks and will include pre-dawn hours. Some overnight travel is expected. The work location is in or near New Bern, NC.

Compensation: Dependent on final budget approval and upon education and experience. May be up to $18.60 per hour. Position will be 40 hours per week for 48 weeks. However, a more protracted employment term is possible if needed. Schedule is variable, depending on field activities and weather. Housing is not provided. During travel for field work, a vehicle is provided, lodging is paid for any overnight travel, and subsistence is provided according to the State of North Carolina policies for employees. Internet service charges are compensated. Health insurance is available through the state’s High Deductible Health Plan.

Qualifications: Associate’s degree in Wildlife Ecology, Management, or Biology; Ecology; Zoology; Marine Biology; or similar field is required; a Bachelor’s degree is desired. A minimum of one season of prior fieldwork experience is preferred. Experience driving, trailering, launching, and recovering motorized boats is required. Demonstrated ability to conduct bird surveys by ear is required and ability to identify marsh birds and wading birds by sight and sound is preferred. Must be comfortable driving a boat and a four-wheel drive vehicle, walking several miles per day in challenging field conditions, and carrying ≥30 lbs. Must be able to start work promptly at various times, including well before sunrise. Competency with Microsoft Office software is required. Excellent organizational skills, conscientious data entry and management, and good interpersonal and communication skills are required.

Duration: Up to 11 months beginning at the beginning of July 2024 with the possibility of continuation for a subsequent 11 months the next year, depending on availability of funding. A shorter duration of employment is possible.