Job Details

  

 
Avian Behavior Field Technician
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Job ID 6020
Job Type On-Campus Jobs (FWS) Tier 1
Employer Ecology & Evolutionary Biology
Date Posted Dec 10, 2024
Category Laboratory/Research
Job Description

We are seeking motivated undergraduates to participate in research on wild birds! Our lab investigates the potential for behavior to shield animals, specifically songbirds, from heat stress. This position builds hands-on training in handling wild birds and data collection, which are useful skills for careers in research and are excellent for graduate school applications (including med school). Our field team oversees 100+ pairs of breeding tree swallows at a field site near campus. Work may include:

  • Checking nest boxes for eggs & chicks
  • Assisting with field experiments
  • Banding, trapping, and collecting blood samples from wild birds
  • Processing DNA samples in the lab
  • Analyzing behavior from recorded videos
  • Communicating with the general public about science and conservation
  • Long-term technicians may also manage teams of other undergraduates or pursue independent research in the lab, if appropriate.
Job Requirements

No research experience is necessary for this position!

We ask that all applicants:

  • Be motivated and willing to learn!
  • Have reliable transportation to and from our field site (does not require off-roading, less than 10 min drive from campus)
  • Are comfortable being in the field for up to 3-4 hours at a time, sometimes in hot or rainy conditions or on uneven terrain
  • Are comfortable being alone at the field site (which is on UT property) for 1-2 hours at a time 
  • Are comfortable around wild animals (birds and non-venomous snakes), though no handling experience is required
  • Are comfortable working in a team

We prefer applicants who are:

  • STEM majors, or interested in careers in science or conservation
  • Eager to learn about the scientific method and experimental design
  • Detail-oriented and organized

 
Evaluation Procedure

The student will be evaluated once per semester and receive feedback on strengths and potential areas of improvement. The primary areas the student will be evaluated on will be punctuality, consistency and attention to detail, completing tasks in a timely manner, contributing to a positive, safe, and inclusive work environment, and asking relevant questions about the research being done. 
Available Openings 3
Hours 10.0 to 20.0 hours per week
Hourly Rate $11.00/hour
Time Frame All Year
Contact Name Sasha Ewing
Contact Email sewing@utk.edu
Work Location Austin Peay 401E
Phone 585-397-8915
Fax N/A
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