Departmental Assistant - Shorebird Field Technician

Apply now Job no:522125
Work type:Hourly
Location:UMass Amherst
Department: Environmental Conservation
Union: Non-Benefited
Categories:Temporary Non-Benefited, College of Natural Sciences

About UMass Amherst

UMass Amherst, the Commonwealth's flagship campus, is a nationally ranked public research university offering a full range of undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees. The University sits on nearly 1,450-acres in the scenic Pioneer Valley of Western Massachusetts, and offers a rich cultural environment in a bucolic setting close to major urban centers. In addition, the University is part of the Five Colleges (including Amherst College, Hampshire College, Mount Holyoke College, and Smith College), which adds to the intellectual energy of the region.

Job Summary

The Senner Lab in the Department of Environmental Conservation at the University of Massachusetts Amherst is seeking to hire one seasonal field technician to assist with research on the movement ecology of long-distance migratory shorebirds in southcentral and southwestern Alaska. The primary project goal is to investigate the fall migratory strategies of six shorebird species that breed in Alaska and migrate south using different flyways. Each species will be tracked, using satellite GPS transmitters, from two different breeding sites to capture potential intraspecific differences. In 2023, we will target Greater and Lesser Yellowlegs (Tringa spp.) that breed in the Cook Inlet, on the Alaska Peninsula, and in the interior Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta region. The field technician will assist with all aspects of fieldwork, with opportunities for learning research skills throughout the season.

Essential Functions

• Search for shorebirds nests in bog and tundra habitat.
• Capture the breeding of shorebirds using mist nets and bow nets; banding and tagging individuals with GPS transmitters.
• Conduct shorebird and habitat surveys on beaches and intertidal mudflats.
• Data collection and methodical recording.
• Field trip preparation for 10 – 14 day trips to semi-remote settings: meal planning and food shopping, gear inventory and care.

Other Functions

• Work collaboratively and effectively to promote teamwork, diversity, equality and inclusiveness. 
• Work in partnership with colleagues within the CNS community and across the campus to support the Dean’s strategic priorities.
• Perform other duties as assigned in support of the mission and goals of the College of Natural Sciences.

Minimum Qualifications

• Interest in ecology, field biology, migration, animal movement tracking, and/or related fields.
• Ability to walk long hours in physically demanding setting, walking on uneven terrain and in wetlands (proper footwear will be provided).
• Strong work ethic, eagerness to learn fieldwork and research methods, and ability to work well on a team of three in challenging physical conditions and sometimes stressful scenarios.
• Interest in helping mentor undergraduate technician, who will join later in the field season.
• Willingness to work in semi-remote and remote settings (i.e., accessible by either commercial airline and/or bush plane), with limited access to cell phone service or internet.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience with outdoor fieldwork and following research protocol in remote settings.
• Previous experience handling birds or participating in bird capture and banding.
• Familiarity with (or desire to learn) interpretation of bird behavior, identification of birds from sight and sound, and nest searching.
• Familiarity with Alaska tundra / muskeg bog habitat and species.
• Experience with organizing field logistics: meal planning, shopping, and living in group settings.

Physical Demands/Working Conditions

• This position requires working in a wide range of conditions – including bright sun, biting insects, rain, cold temperatures, and walking long distances on grassy tussocks and in wetlands. Housing conditions will vary depending on field site, but often be in close quarters with field team.

Additional Details

• Field lodging, transportation, meals, and all necessary equipment will be provided.

Work Schedule

• Schedule is tentatively Monday - Friday, 9:00am - 5:00pm, this project requires flexibility to work at various times of the day throughout the season; work hours during bird trapping efforts can run late into the night or require early morning effort.
• This is a temporary, non-benefited position (5/10/2023 – 7/10/2023).

Salary Information

Special Instructions to Applicants

Along with the application, please submit a resume and cover letter. References will be checked at the finalist stage. Please be prepared to provide contact information for three (3) professional references. Candidates that identify with groups currently underrepresented in wildlife ecology and conservation are encouraged to apply.

As part of a commitment to their own multicultural community, CNS seeks an individual with a demonstrated commitment to diversity and one who will understand and embrace university initiatives and aspirations. (https://www.cns.umass.edu/diversity-equity-inclusion )  

UMass Amherst is committed to a policy of equal opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, caste, creed, sex, age, marital status, national origin, disability, political belief or affiliation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related condition(s), veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, genetic information, natural and protective hairstyle and any other class of individuals protected from discrimination in employment, admission to and participation in academic programs, activities, and services, and the selection of vendors who provide services or products to the University.  To fulfill that policy, UMass Amherst is further committed to a program of affirmative action to eliminate or mitigate artificial barriers and to increase opportunities for the recruitment and advancement of qualified minorities, women, persons with disabilities, and covered veterans.  It is the policy of UMass Amherst to comply with the applicable federal and state statutes, rules, and regulations concerning equal opportunity and affirmative action.

Advertised:Jan 29 2024 Eastern Standard Time
Applications close:Apr 28 2024 Eastern Daylight Time