Departmental Assistant - Hudsonian Gotwit Field Technician

Apply now Job no:522409
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 is seeking to hire one undergraduate field technician to assist with research on the ecology of Hudsonian Godwits (Limosa haemastica) in Beluga, Alaska. The project is focused on understanding how Hudsonian Godwit chicks respond to predation risk and resource availability. The field technician will assist with all aspects of fieldwork, with opportunities for learning research skills throughout the season, and potentially carrying out their own individual research projects in the future. Airfare, shared field housing, food, and all necessary equipment will be provided.

Essential Functions

Examples of duties:

• Searching and monitoring Hudsonian Godwit nests.
• Capture, banding, tagging, and resighting of Hudsonian Godwit adults and chicks.
• Maintain of an array of 100+ trail cameras.
• Monitor invertebrates, including sample collection, identification, and measurement.
• Characterization of habitat.

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 avian ecology, field biology, animal movement, species interactions, and/or related fields.
• Ability to live and sleep in close quarters with the team.
• Experience using ATVs for transportation.
• Strong work ethic, eagerness to learn fieldwork and research methods.
• Ability to work well on a team and independently in challenging physical conditions and sometimes stressful scenarios.
• Ability to be adaptable, communicative, cooperative, and detail oriented.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience with outdoor fieldwork and following research protocols.
• Previous experience with bird handling and camera trapping.
• Familiarity with invertebrate identification to orders.

Physical Demands/Working Conditions

• This position requires working in boreal bogs in challenging physical conditions - including biting insects, bright sun, rain, and walking long distances.

Additional Details

• This is a temporary, non-benefited position.

Work Schedule

• Work hours may vary throughout the season, with efforts requiring both working early in the morning and late into the evening. 

Salary Information

• $15 per hour.
• Airfare, food, and housing provided. 

Special Instructions to Applicants

Along with the application, please submit a resume and brief cover letter describing your interest and relevant experience. References will be checked at the finalist stage. Please be prepared to provide contact information for three (3) professional references.

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:Feb 13 2024 Eastern Standard Time
Applications close:May 12 2024 Eastern Daylight Time