Temporary Wildlife Research Technician - Wildlife and Fisheries Resources Department

The Wildlife and Fisheries Resources Department at West Virginia University is currently accepting applications for a (Remote) Temporary Wildlife Research Technician. The Lituma Lab at West Virginia University is seeking 3 technicians to assist graduate student gathering data on ruffed grouse and songbirds for a six-month period throughout West Virginia. Specifically, we are looking to answer where they can be found, what habitats are preferred, what the habitat composition is and if mosquitoes are accounting for ruffed grouse decline.

What You'll Do

• 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. 
• Interacting with private landowners and public may be required. 
• Technician duties will include setting up and deploying ARUs for sites, performing early morning point count surveys, performing vegetation surveys, capturing mosquitos through passive traps. 
• Field sites are remote  and rugged with limited cell reception, although comfortable modern field housing will be provided.

The project will be completed in three phases throughout the year.

Late March-April: Monitor ruffed grouse population through roadside point count surveys and deploying autonomous recording units (ARUs)

May-June: Songbird roadside point counts

July-August: Mosquito trapping/Vegetation surveys

Work is full time, 5-6 days/week. Daily working schedule is dependent on month. March-June is expected early mornings and early afternoons July-August is expected early afternoons through early nights.

Pay Grade: 10 Length of Assignment: Approximately 5 Months Work Hours: 37.5 Hours per week

• Associates Degree in Wildlife Ecology, Conservation Biology, Environmental biology or a related field. 
• 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 20 lbs. of gear, for several miles off trails to sites if needed and be able to work efficiently in typical Appalachian summer conditions. 
• Experience identifying eastern songbirds by sight and sound. Preference will be given to applicants with previous point count experience or grouse experience. 
• Experience with collecting invertebrates and vegetation surveys preferred (e.g., DBH, canopy cover, tree  identification) but training will be provided. 
• A strong work ethic, positive attitude, and attention to detail are essential.
• Any equivalent combination of related education and/or experience will be considered.
• All qualifications must be met by the time of employment.

Don’t be afraid to apply if you don’t have all the preferred qualifications.

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: [email protected]

• Valid driver's license.

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.