2 field ornithology assistants (Kansas, USA)

Title: Henslow’s Sparrow Point-Count Technicians (2)

Organizations: Kansas State University and U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
Location: Flint Hills, Kansas
Salary: $1,600–2,000/month
Term: 1 April–31 July 2016
Application Deadline: 15 Feb 2016

Description:
Kansas State University and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service are seeking two seasonal research technicians to join a project investigating breeding habitat associations of an enigmatic, highly mobile, and declining grassland specialist—the Henslow’s Sparrow—throughout the Flint Hills and neighboring ecoregions of eastern Kansas. The Flint Hills contain ~80% of North America’s remaining tallgrass prairie and represent a critical landscape for the long-term viability of grassland birds in the Great Plains. The results of this study will help to improve our understanding of critical thresholds associated with species responses to habitat loss and fragmentation and to guide conservation efforts aimed at protecting natural resources under pressure from agricultural development and intensified rangeland management practices.

This position provides an excellent opportunity to gain valuable field experience while working in a beautiful tallgrass prairie landscape with a species recognized as a bird of National Conservation Concern. The field season will run from 1 April to 31 July 2016. The project will pay $1,600–2,000 per month, provide a project vehicle, and cover accommodation costs while traveling. If needed, we can provide temporary housing at Konza Prairie Biological Station near Manhattan, Kansas. Technician duties are as follows: (1) conduct daily point-count surveys for Henslow’s Sparrows and several other grassland species from roadside transects in a study area encompassing the entire eastern one-third of Kansas; (2) drive long distances and navigate remote areas while working long and irregular hours that include weekends; (3) sleep at campsites, field stations, and/or motels for a significant portion of the field season; (4) enter and manage data; and (5) assist the project leader as needed.

Qualifications:
We are seeking highly skilled birders with experience conducting point-count surveys and a demonstrated ability to identify grassland birds by sight and sound. The primary objective of our field work is to detect the presence of Henslow’s Sparrows which are exceptionally cryptic with a short, insect-like song; therefore, the applicant must have excellent hearing and vision, and great attention to detail. Qualified applicants must (1) be independently motivated and capable of waking several hours before sunrise daily without direct supervision; (2) have excellent organization and written and verbal communication skills; (3) maintain a safe and positive attitude; and (4) be comfortable tent camping, driving and maintaining 4WD trucks, and navigating remote areas in the dark with a GPS, compass, and maps.

Successful applicants will have a strong work ethic, a desire to be involved in avian ecology and grassland management research, and a valid U.S. driver’s license with a clean driving record. We will give preference to excellent birders, as well as applicants who have completed or are working towards a Bachelor of Science in Biology, Wildlife Ecology, or other related field.

To apply:
Please submit a cover letter, CV, and contact information for 3 references in one file with your name and ‘Research Technician’ in the title and subject line to mrherse@ksu.edu (Mark Herse). Applications may be submitted until Feb 15. We will begin selecting applicants for interviews in mid-January, so applicants are encouraged to apply early.

Mark Herse, 116 Ackert, Division of Biology, K-State, Manhattan, KS 66506
Mobile: 630-229-3624
Email: mrherse@ksu.edu