Field Assistant 1, Avian Research, Temporary

Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh•Ligonier Township, PA

13d•Onsite

About The Position

Powdermill Field Station and Nature Reserve is Carnegie Museum of Natural History's research station and environmental education center, located approximately one hour southeast of Pittsburgh in the beautiful Laurel Highlands region. Powdermill encompasses 2200 acres where scientists conduct an array of biological research and where the public can enjoy miles of hiking trails, exhibits, and camps and classes. Carnegie Museums is interested in candidates who, through their experience and collaborations, will contribute to diversity and excellence of the Carnegie Museums community. This is a Temporary position. The Field Assistant I, Avian Research assists with Powdermill’s avian research efforts including long-term bird banding, surveying birds by sight and sound, and/or tracking birds using digitally coded transmitters and automated receiving stations (i.e. Motus). This is a temporary assignment expected to run from August 2026 to late October/early November 2026.

Requirements

Applicants should have a high school degree, or equivalent, in addition to at least 3 months of field experience banding birds.
Applicants must have 3 months experience with extracting, handling, and banding songbirds.
The successful applicant will be able to work well both independently and as part of a team.
The position requires extended periods of walking and standing.
Must be able to walk 6 to 10 miles per day on uneven or muddy terrain sometimes in inclement weather (e.g. hot, cold, rain).
The following PA Act 153 clearances, or proof of application of clearances, are required beginning employment and as a condition of continued employment: Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance Pennsylvania State Police Criminal Record Check FBI Fingerprint Criminal Background Check Obtaining the required clearances is completed as part of the new hire process.

Nice To Haves

The ability to identify eastern birds by sight and sound, interact with the public and other visitors, attach transmitters to birds, track birds via radio telemetry, and collect blood, fecal, and feather samples from birds are desirable.

Responsibilities

assisting the Banding Manager and Avian Research Scientist with Powdermill’s avian research efforts
extracting birds from mist nets
banding and collecting data from birds may also include collecting blood, feather and fecal samples from birds
outreach and interacting with the public and visitors
attaching transmitters to birds
tracking birds via radio telemetry
surveying birds by sight and sound (i.e. point counts)
repairing nets
trimming vegetation around net lanes
recording and proofing data