Job opportunities: Tree Swallow Nest Box Project Coordinator & Songbird Banding Field Crew Leader (Summer/Fall), University of Montana Bird Ecology Lab (UMBEL)

The University of Montana Bird Ecology Lab (UMBEL) contributes to knowledge of avian ecology through a combination of original research, long-term and ecological effects monitoring, education, and community engagement.

They are currently hiring for the following positions:

Tree Swallow Nest Box Project Coordinator

POSITION DESCRIPTION:

We are recruiting an experienced avian biologist to coordinate our Tree Swallow Nest Box Project. Tasks will include (but are not limited to): communication with project directors and partners; scheduling technicians and collaborators to effectively monitor nest boxes; provide training and leadership in safe ethical practices (in both nest monitoring and bird handling); and collection of brachial blood/fecal samples from nestlings. Ideally, this candidate will stay with UMBEL into the fall season, working on our fall migration banding project as well, although it is not required. This position offers an incredible opportunity to see Montana’s wild landscapes and contribute to research on riparian nesting populations in some of the most diverse and beautiful habitat in the West. 

REQUIRED SKILLS & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Identify bird species and color banded individuals using binoculars

• Organize and maintain up-to-date nest box monitoring schedule

• Conduct behavioral observations

• Capture, handle, and band songbirds

• Measure morphological and other phenotypic traits

• Collect blood (brachial) and fecal samples from nestlings

• Coordinate sample preservation and delivery to campus labs

• Work closely with principal investigator on all aspects of the project as required

• Collect and organize data, manage data, and document summaries from respective project areas 

• Train and monitor new personnel to ensure compliance with policies and procedures

• Ability and willingness to spend long days in the field with varying weather conditions

• Willingness to potentially camp if needed and work in remote areas with wildlife

• Ability to communicate well with the public, have enthusiasm for field studies, and a strong work ethic

• A valid driver’s license, clean driving record, and ability to safely drive a 4WD vehicle

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Strong background in project and data management and familiarity of database management, R, ArcOnline, MS Excel, or other software

• Knowledge of constant-effort banding protocols

• Knowledge of molt including Humphrey-Parkes and WRP molt terminology.

Songbird Banding Field Crew Leader (Summer/Fall)

POSITION DESCRIPTION: We are hiring a songbird banding Crew Leader to work across both the breeding and fall seasons. The position will entail roughly 70% banding field work and community outreach, 30% various reporting, data entry and management, and office tasks. During the summer, the successful candidate will run our summer bird banding stations (MAPS), manage and train the banding crew, provide visitors with an excellent educational program, coordinate and communicate with partners and the public to schedule groups and visitors, and oversee data entry/proofing tasks. With any remaining time, they will assist on a nest box study by monitoring boxes and bleeding nestlings (primarily Tree Swallows). In the fall season, the primary job is to run all field aspects of the banding station.

The ideal candidate will enjoy working in a number of diverse roles. Job duties include field work, education and outreach, data entry/management, reports and writing (both scientific and blog-style writing), and administrative tasks. The position is highly collaborative and includes working with a large number of partner organizations (Clark Fork Coalition, Montana Natural History Center, Clark Fork Watershed Education Program, Five Valleys Land Trust, US Forest Service, Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks, MPG Ranch, local Audubon groups, etc) in conjunction with UMBEL’s program directors to develop a cohesive and dynamic outreach program.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• B.S. degree in ornithology, natural resources, wildlife science, biological sciences, or comparable field

• Strong interest and expertise in ornithology, applied ecological research and avian conservation.

• Demonstrated experience with avian fieldwork is required.

• Extensive songbird banding/handling experience is required, including the ability to lead a crew of varied experience levels in all aspects of station operation.

• North American Banding Council (NABC) Certification as Bander or Trainer is preferred but not required.

• Experience operating MAPS stations, including data entry/submission through MAPSPROG, is highly desired but not required.

• A strong sense of ethics and knowledge of safety practices for mist-netting/banding songbirds is required.

• Experience collecting brachial blood samples, fitting/deploying tracking units using a leg-loop harness, and application of color-bands is preferred but not required.

• Experience teaching and public speaking to a varied audience from youth to adults is required.

• Experience with banding demonstrations, outdoor classroom/environmental education is preferable.

• Demonstrated experience working collaboratively with partner groups/agencies toward common conservation goals.

• Excellent inter-personal communication skills and the ability to foster a positive team dynamic to work together toward common goals.

• Excellent critical thinking and writing skills.

• Microsoft Office experience is required.

• Highly desirable skills include database management and analytical skills using R.

• Possess a valid driver’s license.

Both of these positions are advertised as short-term/temporary jobs, but they have the potential to turn into something more long-term (including great benefits!).