Point Count Field Technician

Duties & Responsibilities

The Bulluck lab within the School of Life Sciences and Sustainability at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, VA seeks to hire two field technicians to conduct bird surveys in the Virginia Highlands. The surveys are part of a long‑term monitoring project for Vermivora warblers (Golden‑winged and Blue‑winged Warblers), but we will record data on all species of breeding birds. This is a temporary position that will run from the beginning of May to the end of July.

Fieldwork will be conducted in steep terrain and remote conditions. Transportation to and from field sites is provided. Lodging will be provided, but technicians will be moving around quite a bit so there will be a mix of rental houses, hotels, and Appalachian Trail hostels. Applicants must be adaptable and expect periodic schedule changes. Attention to detail is important and applicants with prior avian field technician experience will have preference.

• Comfortable working outdoors for long hours
• Ability to identify eastern birds by sight and sound (specifically, migratory songbirds)
• Basic plant s for eastern US
• Meticulous data collection skills
• Ability to work independently in the field and coordinate with a team
• Ability to be flexible, reliable, and hardworking
• Comfortable driving 4WD vehicle
• Valid driver’s license with a clean driving record

• Prior experience conducting point count surveys for birds

Salary Range: $14.50-$16.00 per hour (commensurate with experience)

FLSA Exemption Status: Non-Exempt

Flexible Work Arrangement: Fully Onsite