Black Belt Prairie Avian Survey Technician
The Berigan lab at Auburn University College of Forestry, Wildlife and
Environment is hiring an avian survey technician to evaluate grassland
habitat throughout Alabama’s Black Belt Prairie region. These surveys
will be used to set baselines for grassland bird populations prior to
implementation of NRCS conservation practices as a part of Alabama’s
Black Belt Prairie Initiative.
Essential functions: The employee’s duties will include, but not be limited to: identification of breeding birds during avian transect surveys, identifying plant species and quantifying vegetative structure during habitat surveys, use of GPS systems, data entry using Google Sheets, and working with private landowners and collaborators to coordinate access to private land
Minimum qualifications:
- Ability to identify common breeding birds in Alabama by sight and
sound.
- Possess a valid driver’s license
- Ability to conduct moderate physical labor (walk >5 miles per day
carrying light field equipment)
- Willingness to work closely with and foster positive relationships
with private landowners
Compensation: $15 per hour at 40 hours per week. Housing and field vehicle are provided.
Estimated start and end dates: May 15th – July 15th (open to negotiation)
How to apply: Please apply at https://www.auemployment.com/postings/57689, and submit a cover letter, resume or CV, and contact information for 3 professional references. Applications will be reviewed as they are received. Questions about the position can be directed to Dr. Liam Berigan (lib0016@auburn.edu).
I am a faculty member in Auburn’s College of Forestry, Wildlife, and Environment, which offers M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Wildlife Sciences. Graduate positions in my lab are fully funded (covering tuition and stipend), but availability is limited. Funding typically comes through two main pathways:
Project-specific funding. Most wildlife graduate positions are tied to externally funded research projects. In these cases, collaborators provide funding to support a graduate student who will lead fieldwork and conduct data analysis on an established research question. When available, these opportunities will be posted here and on Texas A&M’s Natural Resources Job Board and the Ornithology Exchange.
Student-specific funding. Some competitive fellowships provide funding directly to students, offering greater flexibility in research topics. The most notable of these is the NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program. These fellowships are highly competitive, but I’m happy to collaborate with prospective students on applications when our research interests align.