Seeking field technicians to fill two different positions to support research on tidal marsh birds and habitats.

POINT COUNT TECHNICIANS needed to conduct tidal-marsh bird research along the New England and mid-Atlantic coasts! Technicians will support a large-scale project called SHARP: Saltmarsh Habitat and Avian Research Program, which investigates the status and distribution of tidal-marsh birds along the northeastern US coast. Particular emphasis is placed on Saltmarsh Sparrow, Seaside Sparrow, Nelson’s Sparrow, Willet and Clapper Rail. See www.tidalmarshbirds.org for more information on SHARP.

Technicians will conduct passive and broadcast point-count surveys for marsh birds in selected tidal marshes. Saltmarsh vegetation surveys will also be conducted at each location.  Positions are available in coastal Maine, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York (Long Island), New Jersey, and Virginia. Ideal applicants will have prior experience with point-count and broadcast surveys and will be willing to work long hours in remote marshes under harsh field conditions (biting insects, wading, and heat).  All applicants must have a valid driver’s license, a good driving record, a good sense of humor, and the ability to adjust to varying schedules throughout the field season. Applicants must also have a working knowledge of northeastern bird identification by sight and sound. A general knowledge of marsh vegetation will also be helpful.  New Jersey and Virginia positions require significant motorboat experience; applicants should describe boat experience in their application letter and include an additional reference that can attest to boating skills.

Housing and vehicles will be available for all positions. Salary is $12/hour.

Positions will begin mid-April to early May 2015 and conclude late July – early August 2015. To apply, please send a resume and cover letter with three references to info AT tidalmarshbirds.org.  Specify desired state/s in subject line of email.

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REAL TIME KINEMATIC (RTK) SURVEY TECHNICIANS needed to help map elevation and delineate saltmarsh habitats along the New England and mid-Atlantic coasts! Technicians will support a large-scale project called SHARP:

Saltmarsh Habitat and Avian Research Program, which investigates the status and distribution of tidal-marsh birds along the northeastern US coast. See www.tidalmarshbirds.org for more information on SHARP.

Technicians will work in teams of two to map the elevation of existing bird survey points from coastal Maine to coastal Virginia using an RTK GPS system.  One team will be primarily responsible for the southern section (VA–NY), and one team for the north (CT–ME).  Additional mapping of high and low marsh will take place at focused sites throughout the survey area.  All applicants must have a valid driver’s license, a good driving record, a good sense of humor, and the flexibility to adjust to varying schedules throughout the field season. A strong work ethic is a must.  Ideal applicants will have basic knowledge of saltmarsh vegetation, particularly the difference between high and low marsh plant species.  Experience using RTK GPS systems, or handheld or backpack GPS systems (i.e. Trimble), is preferred.  However, training will be provided in the use of the RTK units, as well as in marsh-type differentiation.  The southern positions require significant motorboat experience; applicants should describe boat experience in their application letter and include an additional reference that can attest to boating skills.

Housing and vehicles will be provided, with technicians moving periodically from site to site. Salary is $12/hour.

Positions will begin in early April to early May 2015 and conclude late July to early August 2015. To apply, please send a resume and cover letter with three references to info AT tidalmarshbirds.org.  Specify north and/or south preference in subject line of email.