Temporary Avian Acoustics Expert

Job Details

Job

Location:

Twin Cities

Job Family:
Supplemental Employee

Full/Part Time:
Part-Time

Regular/Temporary:
Regular

Job Code: 0006

Employee Class:
Civil Service

This is a continuous job opening. This posting is used to establish a pool of applicants for potential openings. Applications will be retained for consideration should openings occur. Applications will not be individually acknowledged upon receipt. Appointments may be renewable based on need, funding availability, and satisfactory performance.

The primary duties of this position include assisting with avian ecology research as part of ongoing passive acoustic monitoring projects in Dr. Elena West's lab. These include:

The Avian Acoustics Expert will assist with organization and validation of individual bird species detections for these projects from the machine learning classifier, BirdNET. Individuals with strong backgrounds in bird vocalization identification, especially with Midwest species, are encouraged to apply. Training and guidance will be provided regardless of experience level.

Work is based in the West Lab in Hodson Hall on the St. Paul campus, with a remote option available for qualified applicants.

Data Entry and Management (100%)

• Validate bird identification results produced by BirdNET using audio processing software and online sound reference libraries
• Assist in implementing data processing workflows and tracking data analysis progress
• Assist with data organization

Required Qualifications:

• High school Diploma
• At least 1 year of demonstrated professional experience in bird identification using acoustic data
• A strong work ethic and attention to detail, the ability to work alone or collaboratively with a team, willingness to adjust to a flexible schedule

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with BirdNET or other automated acoustic classifiers, including reviewing/validating machine learning-generated species detections
• Familiarity with bioacoustic analysis software (e.g., Raven Pro, Kaleidoscope, Audacity) for reviewing spectrograms and audio clips
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage repetitive, detail-oriented tasks accurately over extended periods

Pay Range: $25.00 to $30.00 a hour; depending on education/qualifications/experience.

• Retirement plan options are available for Civil Service, Faculty, Labor-Represented, Professional & Administrative, and Temp Casual classifications. Learn more about retirement plans.

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Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

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