Shorebird Monitoring Technician
The Shorebird Monitoring Technician (SMT) will be responsible for the American oystercatcher reproductive success monitoring effort at the Masonboro Island component of the N.C. National Estuarine Research Reserve.
The SMT will be based out of Wilmington, NC and require frequent visits to the University of North Carolina at Wilmington Center for Marine Science for field activities. The SMT’s responsibilities include: 1) Field activities: completion of shorebird nest monitoring patrols; installation of protective structures; 2) Supporting the Masonboro Island Reserve Species of Concern Programs: data collection following specified protocols; data management and quality control; and submission of data to appropriate databases; 3) Adherence to safety policies and practices; and 4) Property and equipment care: participate in proper use, care, and maintenance of the Reserve’s property and equipment, including boats, bikes, handtools, and electronics.
Knowledge and background desired: Experience with biological monitoring and knowledge of shorebirds natural history and nesting is REQUIRED. Experience with maintaining Excel databases and photo databases is preferred. General skills and capabilities desired: Attention to detail, ability and willingness to work in difficult and physically challenging field conditions, ability to walk up to 9 miles with a backpack, comfortable with solo field work, and ability to lift 40 lbs. Small boat handling skills preferred. Minimum acceptable education is senior standing or recent graduate from an accredited university in a related field such as biology, marine biology, conservation biology, or ecology. Graduate level education preferred. Experience with GPS and GIS is preferred.
The SMT will work part-time (approx. 28 hours per week), beginning March 14, 2022 or when funding becomes available and ending August 31, 2022. Rate of pay is $13-14, depending on
experience. Hours of work will vary due to tides and weather. Early morning hours will be required. This position includes significant independent work in a remote environment.
Due to COVID-19 protocols, virtual meetings and activities will be required and all state and local guidelines will be adhered to.
To apply, please send letter of interest and resume, with references, to suttonh@uncw.edu by 11:59 pm February 14, 2022.
Field Technician
The Field Technician’s (FT) primary responsibility will be supporting biological monitoring programs at the Masonboro Island component of the N.C. National Estuarine Research Reserve.
The FT will be a key member of the field team, providing transport and logistical support for a variety of species of concern monitoring activities and site management activities, as needed.
The FT will be based out of the Reserve’s Southern Sites office at the University of North Carolina at Wilmington Center for Marine Science. Actual work site will be based on Covid guidance, but the Southern Sites office will be the meeting location for field activities multiple days per week. The BMT’s responsibilities include: 1) Field activities: operating boats to provide transport for field staff; installation and maintenance of nest protection structures; completion of species of concern monitoring activities; and various site maintenance activities such as sign and trail marker installation; 2) Data collection following specified protocols; data management and quality control; and submission of data to appropriate databases; 3) Adherence to safety policies and practices; and 4) Property and equipment care: participate in proper use and maintenance of the Reserve’s property/equipment, including boats, handtools, and electronics.
Knowledge and background requirements: Small boat handling skills; Experience with biological monitoring and knowledge of coastal species natural history; Experience with maintaining Excel
databases and photo databases. General skills and capabilities desired: Attention to detail, strong written and spoken communication skills, ability and willingness to work in difficult and physically challenging field conditions, ability to walk up to 9 miles with a pack, comfortable with solo field work, and ability to lift 40 lbs. Minimum acceptable education is senior standing or recent graduate from an accredited university in a related field such as biology, marine biology, conservation biology, or ecology. Graduate level education preferred. Experience with GPS and GIS (Arc GIS Online, Survey 1,2,3, ArcMap) preferred.
The FT will work approximately 30 hours per week but will vary throughout the season. The position will begin March 14, 2022, or when funding becomes available and end October 28, 2022. Rate of pay is $13-$15/hour depending on experience. Hours of work will vary due to tides and weather. Early morning hours will be required. This position includes significant independent work in a remote environment.
Due to COVID-19 protocols, virtual meetings and activities will be required and all state and local guidelines will be adhered to.
To apply, please send letter of interest and resume, with references, to suttonh@uncw.edu by 11:59 pm February 14, 2022.