Temporary Avian Migration Technician – Wildlife and Fisheries Resources

WVU Online

Temporary technician assisting WVU migratory songbird research through mist-netting, vegetation surveys, ARU deployment, and field data entry. Conducting rugged Appalachian fieldwork near West Virginia 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 field data collection and avian species identification, with a strong emphasis on mist-netting and handling techniques. Capable of performing vegetation surveys and collecting structural habitat measurements in diverse environments.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Mist-Netting ExperienceAvian Species IdentificationField Data CollectionVegetation SurveyingValid Driver's License

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Mist-NettingBird HandlingData CollectionForest Structure MeasurementVegetation SamplingSpecies IdentificationAutonomous Recording Units (ARUs) DeploymentEastern Forest Tree Identification

Soft Skills

Public InteractionTeam Collaboration

Certifications & Qualifications

Associate's Degree

Industry Keywords

Migratory BirdsEastern SongbirdsAppalachian ConditionsField WorkHabitat Measurements

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

Spring

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Assist a graduate student with field data collection and data entry
Conduct mist netting, capture, and extraction of migrating songbirds during spring and fall migrations
Collect data on migratory bird stopover sites in early-succession forests
Perform 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
Interact with private landowners and the public as required

Requirements

What you’ll need

Associate's Degree
0–6 months of experience identifying eastern songbirds by sight and sound, emphasizing songs and calls
Experience handling birds and extracting them from mist nets
Knowledge of eastern forest tree identification
Ability to collect forest structure measurements
Valid driver's license
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
High preference for previous mist-netting experience
Preferred ability to reliably identify common regional species by song
Preferred experience collecting structural habitat measurements, including DBH, canopy cover, and tree identification
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 will be provided
Work-life balance
Supportive and collaborative community