Songbird Research Technician - Wildlife and Fisheries Resources

West Virginia University

8d • Remote

About The Position

The Wildlife and Fisheries Resources Department at West Virginia University is seeking a Temporary Avian Field Technician for the Appalachian Avian Community Monitoring project. This full-time, 3-month position (May 2026 to July 2026) involves assisting graduate students in monitoring avian communities. Technicians will conduct point count surveys and deploy autonomous recording units (ARUs). The research focuses on State Wildlife Action Plan (SWAP) species in West Virginia and their responses to habitat changes from harvest management on large private lands in Central and Southern West Virginia. Emphasis will be placed on Golden-winged Warbler, Cerulean Warbler, and Wood Thrush.

Requirements

• Associates 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.
• Ability to meet all qualifications by the time of employment.

Nice To Haves

• Applicants working toward or holding B.S. degrees in wildlife biology, zoology, environmental science, or related fields are preferred.
• Previous point count experience.
• Ability to reliably identify common regional species by song.
• Experience with collecting structural habitat measurements (e.g., DBH, canopy cover, tree identification).

Responsibilities

• Drive several hours each day, hiking long distances off trail in mountainous terrain while carrying field equipment to sites, and identifying avian species by sight and sound.
• Interact with private landowners and the public.
• Set up and deploy ARUs for sites.
• Perform early morning point count surveys.
• Perform vegetation surveys.
• Assist graduate students with specific research projects including mist-netting.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree