Temporary Avian Migration Technician – Wildlife and Fisheries Resources

West Virginia University

Avian migration technician collecting songbird field data for West Virginia University research. Conducting mist-netting, vegetation surveys, ARU deployment, and bird identification in Appalachian forests.

Posted 8/5/2026full-timeMorgantown • Virginia, West Virginia • 🇺🇸 United StatesMid-LevelSeniorWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in avian species identification, field data collection, and handling of live birds, with a strong ability to perform vegetation surveys and forest structure measurements in challenging terrains.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Avian Species IdentificationMist NettingField Data CollectionForest Structure MeasurementsValid Driver's License

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Data EntryBird BandingVegetation SamplingAutonomous Recording Units (ARUs)Eastern Forest Tree Identification

Soft Skills

Public InteractionTeam Collaboration

Tools & Technologies

Mist NetsField Equipment

Certifications & Qualifications

Associate's Degree

Industry Keywords

Migratory Bird Stopover SitesPasserine ResearchAppalachian Conditions

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

Spring

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Assist a graduate student with field data collection and data entry
Collect data at migratory bird stopover sites through mist-netting, vegetation sampling, and deployment of autonomous recording units (ARUs)
Drive several hours each day to field sites
Hike long distances off trail in mountainous terrain while carrying field equipment
Identify avian species by sight and sound
Set up and deploy ARUs
Set up mist nets
Assist with banding and handling live birds
Perform vegetation surveys and forest structure measurements
Interact with private landowners and the public as required
Contribute to research on passerine use of regenerating timber harvests as migration stopover sites

Requirements

What you’ll need

Associate's degree
0–6 months of experience identifying eastern songbirds by sight and sound, especially by songs and calls
Experience handling birds and extracting migrating songbirds from mist nets
Knowledge of eastern forest tree identification
Ability to collect forest structure measurements
Valid driver's license and clean driving record
Ability to perform field work full time
Ability to hike several miles off trail while carrying up to 40 lbs. of gear
Ability to work efficiently in typical Appalachian spring/summer conditions
All qualifications must be met by the time of employment
Submit a cover letter, resume, and contact information for at least 3 references, including email and phone number for each

Benefits

Comp & perks

Comfortable modern field housing will be provided
Work-life balance
Supportive and collaborative community
Benefits Eligible: No