Natural Resources Technicians

West Virginia University seeks a Temporary Migratory Songbird Technician to assist in field data collection related to migratory songbirds. Responsibilities include mist netting, data entry, and vegetation sampling in rugged terrains. Candidates should have experience handling birds and identifying eastern forest trees. The position requires hiking with equipment and interacting with landowners. The role is based in Morgantown, WV, and involves full-time fieldwork for 2 months at a pay rate of $14/hr.
Temporary Migratory Songbird Technician - School of Natural Resources and the Environment West Virginia University United States, West Virginia, Morgantown 62 Morrill Way (Show on map) Mar 04, 2026 Description Davis College of Agriculture and Natural Resources is currently accepting applications for a Temporary Migratory Songbird Technician. The research technician will be responsible for assisting a graduate student with field data collection and data entry. Field data collection includes mist netting, catching, and extraction migrating songbirds during the spring and fall migrations. The person should have experience handling birds and extracting them from nets. Additionally, the person should be knowledgeable about eastern forest tree ID, and how to collect forest structure measurements. Technician will assist one graduate student gather data on stopover sites of migratory bird species in early-succession forests through mist-netting, vegetation sampling, and deployment of autonomous recording units (ARUs). Through collaboration with the Cornell Lab eBird Program and the National Council for Air and Stream Improvement (NCASI), this project aims to learn more about how passerines (songbirds) are using regenerating timber harvests as stopover sites during migration. Filling in the knowledge gaps of how migratory birds use forest harvested forest landscapes is important to identify potential best forestry practices. What You'll Do Expected duties include driving several hours each day, hiking long distances off trail in mountainous terrain while carrying field equipment to sites, and identifying avian species by sight and sound.
Other technician duties will include setting up and deploying ARUs for sites, setting up mist-nets, assisting in the banding/handling of live birds, and performing vegetation surveys. Interacting with private landowners and the public may be required.
Field sites are remote and rugged with limited cell reception, although comfortable modern field housing will be provided.
Field sites are close to the Monongahela National Forest as well as the River Gorge National Park.
Applicants should have a valid driver's license, clean driving record, and must be able to perform field work full time.
Applicants must be able to hike with up to 40 lbs. of gear, for several miles off trails to sites if needed and be able to work efficiently in typical Appalachian spring/summer conditions. Pay Grade:
10
Length of Assignment:
2 Months
Work Hours:
37.5 Hours per week Qualifications
Associates Degree
0-6 months experience identifying eastern songbirds by sight and sound, with emphasis on identification by songs and calls. High preference will be given to applicants with previous mist-netting experience and/or ability to reliably identify common regional species by song. Also preferred is experience with collecting structural habitat measurements (e.g., DBH, canopy cover, tree identification) but training will be provided.
Any equivalent combination of related education and/or experience will be considered.
All qualifications must be met by the time of employment. Send a cover letter, resume, and contact information for at least 3 references (must include email and phone number for each reference listed) by email to: cml0017@mail.wvu.edu Salary:
$14/hr @ 40hrs/wk (~$2,160/month) Shared housing and transportation to work is provided but technicians will need to have a vehicle for personal use. Start Date:
April 1, 2025" About WVU West Virginia University is a place of purpose and community. We take pride in our profound impact on the state of West Virginia and are committed to the personal and professional growth of our employees. From the groundbreaking R1 research at our flagship campus in Morgantown to the career-oriented programs at WVU Potomac State in Keyser, and the technology-intensive programs at WVU Tech in Beckley, the contributions of WVU employees resonate across the state, touching lives and shaping futures. At WVU, you will discover a supportive community that champions work-life balance and fosters a collaborative atmosphere. Our core values - service, curiosity, respect, accountability and appreciation - unite us as Mountaineers. Join us at West Virginia University, where your work will make a lasting impact. To learn more about WVU, visit wvu.edu. West Virginia University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We invite all qualified applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or Veteran status. Job Posting :
Mar 4, 2026
Posting Classification :
Temporary
Exemption Status :
Non-Exempt
Benefits Eligible :
No
Schedule :
Full-time