Songbird Research Technician - Wildlife and Fisheries Resources

The Wildlife and Fisheries Resources Department at West Virginia University is currently accepting applications for a (Remote) Temporary Avian Field Technician - Appalachian Avian Community Monitoring. This full-time position runs for 3 months; May 2026 to July 2026. Technicians will assist two graduate students to monitor avian communities through all species point count surveys and deployment of autonomous recording units (ARUs). This research will focus on monitoring State Wildlife Action Plan (SWAP) recognized species for the state of West Virginia, and their responses to "shifting mosaic" conditions created by harvest management on large private lands in Central and Southern West Virginia. Emphasis will be given to Golden-winged Warbler (Vermivora chrysoptera), Cerulean Warbler (Setophaga cerulea), and Wood Thrush (Hylocichla mustellina).

Location: Central and Southern West Virginia

What You'll Do

• 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 public may be required.
• Technician duties will include setting up and deploying ARUs for sites, performing early morning point count surveys, and performing vegetation surveys.
• Work may also include assisting graduate students with specific research projects including mist-netting.
• Field sites are remote and rugged with limited cell reception, although comfortable modern field housing will be provided.

Pay Grade: 10
Length of Assignment: 4.5 Months
Work Hours: 37.5 Hours per week

• Associates Degree in Wildlife Ecology, Conservation Biology, Environmental biology or a related field. Or Equivalent combination of education and experience. Applicants working toward or holding B.S. degrees in wildlife biology, zoology, environmental science, or related fields are preferred.
• 0-6 months of experience involving:

  • Identifying eastern songbirds by sight and sound, with emphasis on identification by songs and calls.

  • Preference will be given to applicants with previous point count experience or ability to reliably identify common regional species by song.

  • Also preferred is experience with collecting structural habitat measurements (e.g., DBH, canopy cover, tree identification) but training will be provided.

• Any equivalent combination of related education and/or experience will be considered.
• All qualifications must be met by the time of employment.

Send a cover letter, resume, and contact information for at least 3 references (must include email and phone number for each reference listed) by email to: jbg00022@mix.wvu.edu

• Applicants should have a valid driver's license, clean driving record, and must be able to perform field work full time.
• Applicants must be able to hike, with up to 40 lbs. of gear, for several miles off trails to sites if needed and be able to work efficiently in typical Appalachian summer conditions.

West Virginia University is a place of purpose and community. We take pride in our profound impact on the state of West Virginia and are committed to the personal and professional growth of our employees.

From the groundbreaking R1 research at our flagship campus in Morgantown to the career-oriented programs at WVU Potomac State in Keyser, and the technology-intensive programs at WVU Tech in Beckley, the contributions of WVU employees resonate across the state, touching lives and shaping futures.

At WVU, you will discover a supportive community that champions work-life balance and fosters a collaborative atmosphere. Our core values - service, curiosity, respect, accountability and appreciation - unite us as Mountaineers.

Join us at West Virginia University, where your work will make a lasting impact. To learn more about WVU, visit wvu.edu.

West Virginia University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We invite all qualified applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or Veteran status.