Integrating wildlife conservation into sustainable forest stewardship
Photo by Tristan Spinski
Job opportunity: Bird Bander Technician
Agency: College of Forest Resources and Environmental Science, Michigan Technological University
Location: Upper Peninsula, Michigan, (near Houghton)
Job Category: Temporary/Seasonal Positions
Salary: $20 hr.
Start Date: 06/01/2023 (flexible)
End Date: 08/15/2023 (flexible)
Last Date to Apply: 05/15/2023
Description: BIRD BANDER TECHNICIAN needed in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula for disease and habitat ecology project. Three major activities are involved: (1) capturing migratory and breeding passerines at multiple banding stations in the western Upper Peninsula, (2) collecting biological samples (blood, fecal, and feathers) from captured birds, (3) entering and archiving data. Applicants must have experience bird banding, proven track record of working well in small groups, and working in rural environments exposed to sun, biting insects, and inclement weather. Work is from early morning till early afternoon 5 days per week followed by daily data entry when applicable. Technicians will need their own vehicle (although carpooling is available) and acquire their own lodging (we can provide rental contacts).
Qualifications: This position requires demonstrated skill to work independently to conduct bird banding, and the careful recording and entering of field data. Please email cover letter describing your relevant experience and how many birds you have banded and extracted from mist nets unassisted, CV, and the names and updated contact information of three references to Jared Wolfe, jdwolfe@mtu.edu.
Job opportunity: Bird Bander Crew Leader
Agency: College of Forest Resources and Environmental Science, Michigan Technological University
Location: Upper Peninsula, Michigan (near Houghton)
Job Category: Temporary/Seasonal Positions
Salary: $25 hr.
Start Date: 06/01/2023 (flexible)
End Date: 08/15/2023 (flexible)
Last Date to Apply: 05/15/2023
Description: BIRD BANDER CREW LEADER needed in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula for disease and habitat ecology project. Four major activities are involved: (1) coordinating and training a bird banding crew, (2) capturing migratory and breeding passerines at multiple banding stations in the western Upper Peninsula, (2) collecting biological samples (blood, fecal, and feathers) from captured birds, (3) entering and archiving data. Applicants must have experience bird banding, proven track record of working well in small groups, and working in rural environments exposed to sun, biting insects, and inclement weather. Work is from early morning till early afternoon 5 days per week followed by daily data entry when applicable. Technicians will need their own vehicle (although carpooling is available) and acquire their own lodging (we can provide rental contacts).
Qualifications: This position requires demonstrated skill to supervise a field crew, work independently to conduct bird banding, and the careful recording and entering of field data. Please email cover letter describing your relevant supervisory experience and how many birds you have banded and extracted from mist nets unassisted, CV, and the names and updated contact information of three references to Jared Wolfe, jdwolfe@mtu.edu.
PhD Student: Migrant Stopover Habitat Study
Description: In partnership with the United States Forest Service and the Midwest Migration Network, The Wolfe Wildlife Ecology Lab at Michigan Technological University is seeking a capable PhD student to begin in the Fall of 2023 or Spring of 2024. Developing methods to rapidly assess migratory bird stopover habitat quality, and integrate this information into conservation action, is a pressing need throughout the Great Lakes Region. This PhD project will focus on measuring stopover habitat quality through intensive fieldwork, including bird banding, collecting avian blood samples, vegetation measurements, and remotely sensed data from a drone. The successful candidate will be responsible for coordinating and training field crews, curating biological samples, archiving data, laboratory and statistical analyses, and reporting results to stakeholders. Please contact Dr. Jared Wolfe (jwolfe@mtu.edu) for more information or questions. The position includes 4 years of full stipend (~$28,000/year) and tuition support.
Qualifications: We are seeking an outstanding candidate that has
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a strong background in bird banding and coordinating field crews
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familiarity with database management coupled with strong quantitative skills.
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excellent written and oral communication skills ideally demonstrated by peer-reviewed publications.
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MS degree in a related field (we will consider exceptional candidates without an MS if you have equivalent research or lab experience).
To apply: Applicants should create a single pdf that includes the following: 1-2-page cover letter, curriculum vitae, and contact information for three references (email and phone). In the cover letter, please include a clear statement of purpose, including what topics of scientific inquiry are most interesting and inspiring to you, and what makes you uniquely qualified for this position, including specific details on bird banding and analytical abilities. Please email the pdf as an attachment to Dr. Jared Wolfe (jwolfe@mtu.edu) with “Stopover PhD” in the subject line. The pdf should be named with the first and last name of the applicant. Review of applications will begin June 1st, 2023 and continue until a candidate is identified. The desirable applicant will be invited to apply for admission to the graduate program in Michigan Tech’s College of Forest Resources and Environmental Science (forest.mtu.edu), for an August 2023 or January 2024 start date.