Songbird Biologist – Maine

IMPORTANT:  This Advertiser has requested that applicants MUST be National Residents / Valid Work Permit-holders.  Other applicants need not apply.

 

Labor Category: Full time, temporary/seasonal

Summary: Field biologist needed for studies of migratory and breeding birds in Maine, and other locations in New England as needed, from mid-April to late December (with possibility for extension). Ability to work independently and to reliably identify eastern birds by sight/sound is required. Banding experience and/or experience identifying songbird flight calls (e.g., in acoustic data) is preferred. Position will be based in Portland, Maine. For overnight travel to locations outside of the greater Portland area, per diem and lodging will be provided.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: Duties are expected to consist of a combination of standardized point count surveys and/or transect surveys, migration and breeding season songbird banding, and analysis of passive acoustic data using standardized protocols. Driving between sites and data entry will be required. Activities may include:

• Conduct standardized point count surveys in Maine (and possibly elsewhere in New England). Ability to identify eastern birds by sight/sound is essential. Must be able to work independently, sometimes in remote areas. Duties will include travel to survey locations, conducting independent point counts, recording and data entry, reporting, and logistics.

• Analyzing avian passive acoustic data from a site in eastern Maine to identify calls, flight calls, chip notes, etc. to species. Ability to identify eastern birds by sound is essential. Experience using acoustic monitoring hardware and software (e.g., Song Meters, Raven Pro or Kaleidoscope Pro) to monitor songbirds is strongly preferred. Duties will also include managing hardware in the field, digital data management, data entry, and reporting.

• Assistance with operation of a migration banding station near Portland, Maine (April-May and August-October) and summer MAPS banding stations at locations throughout Maine (June-August). Duties will include extracting birds from mist nets, banding, identifying to species, ageing, and sexing birds, data collection, data entry and management, reporting, working with interns and permanent staff, and banding station logistics. While previous banding experience is preferred, we are willing to train the right candidate.

• All other duties as directed or assigned. Motivated candidates may have the opportunity for involvement with a variety of other field and analytical efforts at BRI.

Dates of employment: April 10, 2019-December 23, 2019 (possibility for extension; start and end dates flexible). Applications will be reviewed as they are received.

Qualifications: Applicants should be highly proficient at identifying eastern birds by sight and sound. Must be able to work independently or in a small group, be able to carry 50 lbs. and walk for several miles per day in potentially rugged terrain, and have a valid driver’s license. A strong work ethic, professionalism, and sense of humor are a must. Prior experience conducting point count surveys highly desired. Other desired qualifications include experience analyzing avian passive acoustic data to identify calls to species, songbird banding during migration or breeding seasons, camping, and navigating in the backcountry.

Work Environment: BRI is a nonprofit based in Portland, Maine whose mission is to assess emerging threats to wildlife and ecosystems through collaborative research, and to use scientific findings to advance environmental awareness and inform decision makers. More information is available at BRI’s website: www.briloon.org. Biodiversity Research Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D/V.

Compensation: $500-600/week DOE. Lodging and per diem provided during overnight travel.

Contact: Please send a cover letter, resume, and 2-3 references (all in one document) to jobs@briloon.org using the subject line: Songbird Biologist.