SHOREBIRD TECHNICIAN

15 March - 31 August, 2008. Assist in research
activities related to human impacts on coastal barrier habitat and its
shorebird inhabitants at Camp Lejeune Marine Corps Base (MCBCL) in North
Carolina. Human impacts include amphibious beach training exercises,
recreational use, and the introduction of non-native predators. The
objective of this research is to analyze how human activities influence
habitat quality and use, and shorebird survival and productivity at MCBCL.

The successful candidate will gain experience in trapping and banding of
shorebirds along an 8-mile stretch of beach on the marine base. The
technician will also assist in conducting camera trapping to monitor
predators and nest predation events.

Duties will include, but are not limited to: bird banding and resighting,
nest monitoring, behavioral observations, insect and benthic sampling, and
camera trapping. Work hours will usually be more than 8 hours per day,
working on Saturdays as well. The weather along the beach can vary from
cool, breezy or rainy conditions to high temperatures and humidity. The
successful candidate will walk 6 to 8 miles of beachfront each day with
the researcher to conduct field activities.

Qualifications: B.S. (or pursuit thereof) in Wildlife Science,
Environmental Science, or a related field, experience with banding, and
shorebirds is preferred, but training will be provided. A valid driver's
license is required. $400 / week and housing provided.

Position open until filled with an application deadline of January 15,
2008.

Send resume including academic background, work experience, overall and
major GPA, and contact info for 3 references to: Kacy Ray, Department of
Fisheries and Wildlife Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061-0321,
klray@vt.edu. (Electronic applications preferred). Virginia Tech is an
EO/AA employer.