Painted Bunting Field Technician – Georgia Coast

Overview:

The University of Georgia’s (UGA) Rushing Population Ecology Lab is seeking 1 field technician to assist with research on Painted Bunting (Passerina ciris) migration and resource use ecology at Wormsloe in Savannah, Georgia. The technician will work full-time at UGA’s Center for Research and Education at Wormsloe independently and serve as the point person for work at the site. The technician will work remotely alongside a PhD student (who is primarily located 2 hours away) and assist with all aspects of fieldwork. 

Primary fieldwork responsibilities include: 

• Catching and banding birds using baited traps and mist nets
• Removing pressure geolocator tags from birds
• Possibly applying fixed loop geolocator tags on birds
• Collecting and storing fecal samples from birds
• Conducting avian point counts
• Inputting and proofing data

Secondary responsibilities may include: 

• Tracking birds using handheld radio telemetry
• Outreach to the public
• Assisting with other ongoing research at site (including but not limited to: archaeology, bat movement ecology, native plant gardening, etc.)

Daily monitoring activities may include transporting field equipment in summer heat, humidity, wind, rain, and buggy conditions. Successful applicants will be experienced bird banders and be able to make good decisions/ adapt on the fly. Successful applicants will also have an interest in avian ecology, strong work ethic, eagerness to learn and help, positive attitude, effective communication skills, and a willingness to work in harsh field conditions.

This position provides exciting opportunities to learn new skills and collaborate with conservation professionals on the Georgia Coast while advancing the candidate’s career goals. The technician will reside at UGA’s Center for Research and Education at Wormsloe outside of Savannah, Georgia (accessible by car). UGA’s Center for Research and Education at Wormsloe has an active interdisciplinary research program (especially with bat ecology and archaeology) with graduate researchers and UGA classes cycling through the site throughout the summer. Successful applicants will have strong interpersonal skills and a curiosity for all facets of research at the site. Preference will be given to applicants with passerine banding, handling, and tagging experience. Shared, on-site housing is provided.

Deadline: Applications will be reviewed as received so please apply as soon as possible; deadline 12/06/2026 (or until filled)

Dates: April 12 – June 18 (start and end dates flexible; move-in date 1-2 days before start date)

Pay: $16/hour, 40 hours/week for 10 weeks