Temporary Avian Migration Technician – Wildlife and Fisheries Resources

WVU Online

Temporary technician assisting WVU migratory songbird research through mist-netting, vegetation surveys, and ARU deployment. Conducting rugged Appalachian fieldwork and identifying birds by sight and sound.

Posted 8/4/2026full-timeRemote • Virginia, West Virginia • 🇺🇸 United StatesMid-LevelSeniorWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in field data collection and avian species identification, with a strong emphasis on mist-netting and habitat measurement techniques. Capable of conducting vegetation surveys and collaborating with conservation programs while maintaining a valid driver's license and clean driving record.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Mist-Netting ExperienceAvian Species IdentificationVegetation SamplingField Data CollectionValid Driver's License

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Field Data CollectionMist-NettingAvian Species IdentificationVegetation SamplingStructural Habitat MeasurementsDBH MeasurementCanopy Cover AssessmentTree IdentificationData EntryField Equipment Handling

Soft Skills

CollaborationPublic InteractionAdaptability

Tools & Technologies

Autonomous Recording Units (ARUs)

Certifications & Qualifications

Associate Degree

Industry Keywords

Migratory BirdsEastern SongbirdsAppalachian EcosystemField WorkEnvironmental Conservation

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

Spring

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Assist a graduate student with field data collection and data entry
Collect migration data by mist-netting, catching, and extracting migrating songbirds
Gather data on migratory bird stopover sites in early-succession forests
Conduct vegetation sampling and forest structure measurements
Set up and deploy autonomous recording units (ARUs)
Set up mist-nets and assist with banding and handling live birds
Perform vegetation surveys
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
Interact with private landowners and the public as required
Collaborate through the Cornell Lab eBird Program and the National Council for Air and Stream Improvement (NCASI) project

Requirements

What you’ll need

Associate degree
0–6 months experience identifying eastern songbirds by sight and sound, emphasizing songs and calls
High preference for previous mist-netting experience and/or reliable identification of common regional species by song
Preferred experience collecting structural habitat measurements, including DBH, canopy cover, and tree identification; training provided
Valid driver’s license
Clean driving record
Ability to perform field work full time
Ability to hike several miles off trail 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
Cover letter, resume, and contact information for at least three references, including email and phone number for each

Benefits

Comp & perks

Comfortable modern field housing provided
Full-time schedule of 37.5 hours per week
Benefits eligible: No