Songbird Research Technician - Wildlife and Fisheries Resources

Songbird Research Technician - Wildlife and Fisheries Resources

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

• Drive several hours each day, hike long distances off trail in mountainous terrain while carrying field equipment to sites, and identify avian species by sight and sound.
• Interact with private landowners and public stakeholders as required.
• Set up and deploy ARUs for sites, perform early‑morning point‑count surveys, and conduct vegetation surveys.
• Assist graduate students with specific research projects, including mist‑netting.
• Work at remote and rugged field sites with limited cell reception; comfortable modern field housing will be provided.

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

• Associate's Degree in Wildlife Ecology, Conservation Biology, Environmental Biology or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 0–6 months of experience involving:
  • Identifying eastern songbirds by sight and sound, with emphasis on identification by songs and calls.
  • Experience with point‑count surveys or ability to reliably identify common regional species by song is preferred.
  • Experience collecting structural habitat measurements (e.g., DBH, canopy cover, tree identification) is also preferred; 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.

• Valid driver's license, clean driving record, and ability to perform field work full time.
• Ability to hike, carrying up to 40 lbs. of gear, for several miles off trails to sites if needed and work efficiently in typical Appalachian summer conditions.

West Virginia University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We invite all qualified applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or Veteran status.