Bird Jobs

AVIAN FIELD TECHNICIANS needed to work for Harris County Mosquito
Control from approximately mid to end of Apr through Oct, 2007.
Technicians will be mist-netting birds at various locations throughout
Harris County, TX in an attempt to better monitor West Nile Virus and
St. Louis Encephalitis presence in the county. Much of the day is spent
banding and bleeding birds at designated trapping sites, with the
remainder of it spent processing blood samples in the lab, preparing and
repairing field equipment, and collecting WNV specimens in response to
citizen phone calls. Qualifications: Bird identification skills are
required. Previous experience with mist-netting and banding birds highly
recommended. An enthusiastic attitude towards fieldwork in somewhat
uncomfortable conditions (high heat and humidity) necessary. Must have
or be willing to get a Texas driver’s license. Please submit a resume
with cover letter and 3 references to (EM: gjudy AT hcphes.org) by 15
Apr. Position can begin as early as 15 Apr and as late as the end of
May. Salary is commensurate with experience (ranges between $8-12/hour)
with a 40 hour work week. Housing is not provided.

MARSH BIRD INTERNS needed at Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge in
Cambridge, Maryland. Primary duties will involve conducting marsh bird
nest searching and monitoring. Secondary duties may involve assisting
with vegetation monitoring. Nest searches will be conducted 5 days per
week, from approximately mid-May through mid-Aug 2007. Start and end
dates are flexible. Work is approximately 40 hours per week. Blackwater
National Wildlife Refuge has a long history of using prescribed fire as
a marsh management tool. Current research is being conducted to
investigate the effects of prescribed fire on marsh bird productivity,
and what fire rotation, if any, is optimal for marsh bird productivity.
Qualified observers used in this study must be capable of walking 4-6
hours per day searching for marsh bird nests. Must be physically fit,
able to walk in the unstable terrain of the marsh environment, and be
able to endure difficult field conditions including heat, humidity, and
large numbers of mosquitoes and biting flies. Experienced birders are
encouraged to apply but a willingness to learn is most important.
Candidates possessing a degree in wildlife biology or a related field
are also encouraged to apply. Free housing (including utilities),
transportation during work hours, hip waders, bug jackets, optics, and
all necessary field gear will be provided. Interested applicants should
send or e-mail a cover letter, resume, and three references to: SEAN
FLINT, Wildlife Biologist, Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge, 2145 Key
Wallace Drive, Cambridge, MD 21613 (EM: sean_flint AT fws.gov, PH:
410-228-2692 x114).