Organizational Background

The Vermont Center for Ecostudies (VCE) is a preeminent conservation organization in New England that strives to advance the conservation of wildlife and their habitats through research, monitoring, and community engagement. Our biologists investigate the intricate networks of ecological relationships across many scales from mercury pollution in songbirds to the migratory ecology of insects. VCE is located along the Connecticut River in the vibrant community of Hartford, Vermont. Our staff is committed to creating a compassionate and inclusive workplace culture that values the physical and emotional well-being of all employees. 

Position Summary

VCE seeks to hire a seasonal bander to conduct field work in Northern Vermont. This is a 13-week position that is expected to run from mid-April to mid-July.

This position will work as an avian ecology technician on two VCE projects: 1) Migratory Connectivity of Rusty Blackbirds and 2) Assessment of Blackpoll Warbler and Bicknell’s Thrush vulnerabilities to offshore wind. This position will be focused primarily on the targeted capture of birds for nanotag and geolocator deployment and recovery. For Rusty Blackbirds, field work will involve conducting systematic surveys for blackbird occupancy across wetlands in the northeast kingdom (April to May), capturing adults to apply nanotags and occasional nest searching. For Blackpoll Warblers and Bicknell’s Thrush, this position will assist weekly banding operations and conduct independent target netting (mid-May to June) on Mt. Mansfield as part of a long-term bird monitoring effort in the high-elevation spruce-fir zone. Opportunities may also include assisting with Eastern Whip-poor-will and butterfly surveys in one of Vermont’s most remote and beautiful areas. The technician will work closely with Drs. Michael Hallworth and Desirée Narango on both research projects. 

Responsibilities

Research (85%), blog post writing (3%), data entry and logistics (12%)

Minimum Qualifications

• Educational background in wildlife biology, ecology, or a related field
• Excellent bird-identification skills 
• High competency at independent mist-netting, banding, and tagging of passerines; experience with deploying Motus tags and target netting is a plus
• Ability to assist with banding station operations and interact professionally with visitors of all ages
• Experience with nest searching is desired but not required. 

Successful candidates must possess strong mist-netting and banding skills, as well as a desire and enthusiasm for contributing to active and rugged fieldwork. Candidates should have experience working independently and demonstrate their ability to communicate effectively with a remote team. This position requires early mornings, flexible schedules, and fieldwork in challenging conditions.

Compensation

$19-21/hour depending on experience. Seasonal, nonexempt. Hours are variable, averaging 35-40 hours/week for ~13 weeks (mid-April to mid-July, start and end date is flexible and negotiable for the right candidate). Housing provided, with occasional camping required for some field work. Mileage is provided at the federal rate for occasional required long-distance travel.