Position Summary(Basic Job Function)
This is a temporary or an on-call position. Provides technical support. Responsibilities may include computer programming or operations; research support; medical patient care; technical equipment maintenance, repair, fabrication or operation; or other technical support functions.
Unit Position Summary
Experienced mist net assistant needed from 24 April to 22 May for spring migration research on Nearctic-Neotropical landbirds at the Michigan State Bird Observatory (MSBO) in mid-Michigan. The spring banding will take place at the Corey Marsh Ecological Research Center (Corey Marsh; https://www.canr.msu.edu/cmerc/). This station is 15 minutes from Michigan State University’s main campus in East Lansing, MI.
The station opens 30 minutes prior to sunrise to 5 hours post-sunrise, 5 days a week (Tuesday-Saturday), weather permitting. The site is operated with 1 bander, 2 mist net assistants and interns, 1 outreach specialist, and 1 data recorder.
Education and outreach are a key part of our mission; hence, the station is open to the public and will host virtual programs this spring. A reliable personal vehicle, valid driver''s license, and auto insurance are required. Hiring is contingent upon passing a background check and drug screen through Michigan State University. Salary negotiable up to $14 per hour based on experience.
Desired Qualifications
Mist Net Assistant must have experience extracting passerines from mist nets, safe extraction procedures and opening and closing mist nets. Although primary duties are mist-netting the Mist Net Assistant will also be responsible for:
- Recording data from the bander in charge.
- Communicating with visitors about how and why we band birds.
- Mist net repairs and site upkeep.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.
Required Application Materials
Letter of interest, résumé, and the names, phone numbers, and email addresses of 3 references familiar with your mist net extraction experience.
Work Hours
All the work will occur at our field station, Corey Marsh Ecological Research Center in Laingsburg, MI. The workdays are Tuesday – Saturday. Hours each day are 30 minutes prior to sunrise and end within 4 – 5 hours post-sunrise. There will be some computer work periodically during the 1 month field season.
Summary of Physical Demands
Walking in field under slippery and muddy conditions.