Natural Resources Job Board

Job Description: We are seeking 2 motivated technicians to assist with data collection on grassland bird ecology research projects. This position will survey breeding birds, invertebrates that serve as the prey base for birds, and grassland vegetation structure and composition in experimental pastures. 

The technicians will be trained in the following areas:

·       Visual and aural identification of breeding grassland birds

·       Conducting line-distance transect surveys for birds

·       Catching invertebrates with sweep nets

·       Conducting quadrat-based vegetation cover surveys

·       Conducting vegetation structure data (Robel pole, litter depth)

·       Assisting with entry and management of all collected data

Field work for this position will be located in the beautiful Prairie Pothole region of central North Dakota, a landscape featuring scenic mixed-grass prairies interspersed with thousands of shallow wetlands. The Prairie Pothole region provides critical habitat for millions of migratory birds, including over 60% of the breeding population of North American game ducks; as a result, it has been nicknamed “America’s Duck Factory.” This region also contains some of the continent’s most intact remaining prairie ecosystems, and recreation opportunities are abundant.

Technicians should expect the typical challenges of conducting ecological field work in grasslands, including wide-ranging weather conditions, intense sun, mosquitos, ticks, long days working in the field and driving to and from survey sites, and lots of walking. While exact timing of weekly schedules will vary, technicians will work 40 hours/week throughout the season.

The technician will be directly supervised by Riley Lawson, a PhD student, and will interact with NDSU faculty, students, and other research technicians. Shared housing at the Central Grasslands Research Extension Center will be provided. During the course of the season, there may be opportunities to assist with research at other sites (with additional temporary housing provided). Start and end dates are flexible. 

Qualifications: Candidates must possess strong organizational and logistical skills, a commitment to data accuracy, and the ability to work independently for long hours under challenging field conditions. Candidates must be willing to work 40 hours per week on a variable schedule that will be dictated by weather (varying hours/day, varying days of the week). Field work will take place in outdoor conditions and will include hiking for long periods of time and exposure to ticks, mosquitoes, cattle, hot/humid weather. Candidates must be able and willing to work in these conditions--if you don't love being in grasslands, this may not be the job for you!

Candidates would be living and working very closely with other team members, so the ability to work well as part of a team and a positive attitude are important. Candidates must be willing to relocate to Streeter, ND for the summer from their current location. Reimbursement for travel to Streeter will not be provided, but shared housing for the summer is provided. 

Preferred qualifications include grassland bird identification skills, experience with line-transect distance sampling, experience collecting vegetation data, experience sweep netting invertebrates, or other general experience conducting/assisting with scientific field research. However, highly motivated candidates that don’t meet all (or any) of these qualifications are still encouraged to apply! Training will be provided. 

Applicants must have a valid driver’s license. A work vehicle will be provided for travel to and from survey sites, but all non-work driving (grocery, shopping, etc.) must be done in a personal vehicle (thus a personal vehicle is highly recommended). 

To Apply: Please email the following to Riley Lawson at riley.lawson.1@ndsu.edu: 

1) Resume/CV

2) Cover letter that discusses why you are interested in the position/what you want to gain from the opportunity and your qualifications

3) Dates of availability and if you have any pre-planned events during the summer

4) Contact information for three professional references