Seasonal wetlands field assistant – Virginia Agency: West Virginia University Location: West Point, Virginia Dates: May 2015 – July 2015
Job Description: Seasonal wetlands wildlife field assistant, early May through July, for a research project focusing on distribution and abundance of king and clapper rails in marshes along the Pamunkey River near West Point, Virginia. Duties include piloting motorboats, monitoring autonomous recording systems, conducting avian point counts and vegetation surveys, collection of eDNA water samples, and collecting salinity and water depth measurements. Additional opportunities to trap and process birds depending on qualifications and skills. Qualifications: 1) Experience or coursework in wildlife biology or closely related field 2) Applicants must have boating and trailering experience, along with valid boater’s training 3) Previous experience conducting avian point counts 4) Ability to collect data with strong attention to detail 5) Ability to work long hours, with early mornings (0400) 6) Valid driver’s license and a good driving record 7) Must interact professionally and respectfully with Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries (DGIF) officials who assist on the project and provide equipment Preference will be given to applicants with experience boating in coastal marshes, identifying estuarine and marsh birds by sight and sound, identifying coastal marsh vegetation, and navigating using handheld GPS units. Housing and monthly salary will be provided. To apply, please send a cover letter, CV, and three references in a single document to Lydia Stiffler at [email protected] by March 01.
