Temporary Research Assistant - Avian Ecology

About the Job

The Natural Resources Research Institute (NRRI) is seeking a temporary research assistant to contribute to ongoing avian ecology research projects in Minnesota. The successful applicant will primarily support field-based data collection focused on bird populations and their habitats. This position will work on projects related to avian research in Minnesota, with primary tasks related to ongoing studies on forest bird ecology.

Job duties will primarily include field work including conducting point counts, nest searching, telemetry, vegetation plots, or a combination of activities. Data entry and GIS work to support ongoing projects will also be required. Depending on student interests, the position may also include helping prepare equipment and supplies for field work, analyzing trail camera images, and processing field samples in the lab.

Job Duties:

80%: The role also involves accurate and timely data entry and management. Efficiently and reliably collect field data for a variety of research projects from April through August, as determined by the project portfolio. Responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, point count surveys, migration surveys, telemetry tracking, nest searching, vegetation surveys, and deployment of camera traps and autonomous recording units (ARUs).

Applicants must be comfortable working independently in remote, off-trail environments (i.e., bushwhacking) and capable of navigating rugged terrain. Field conditions may include prolonged exposure to wet, cold, and occasionally hot weather, as well as extremely high densities of biting insects.

20%: Accurately enter and manage field-collected data in accordance with established data management protocols. This includes bird observation data, vegetation measurements, and spatial (e.g., GPS) data. Office responsibilities will include GIS work to support ongoing projects, such as analyzing spatial data and creating maps under the direction of the Principal Investigator, permanent lab staff, and graduate students. Additional tasks may include trail camera image analysis, preparing supplies and equipment for fieldwork, and entering or organizing various datasets.

The employee will be trained in multiple procedures to assist with the entry, management, and analysis of critical field data supporting wildlife research projects in Minnesota. Strict adherence to all data management standards is required to ensure the integrity and reliability of scientific data.

Required Qualifications:

• BS/BA degree program in ecology, biological sciences, or a related environmental science field or a combination of education and relevant work experience to equal at least four years.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Demonstrated interest and developing field skills in bird identification, particularly breeding birds in the upper Midwestern United States. Familiarity with visual and auditory ; willingness to learn and pass a bird song identification test (85 species at 85% accuracy).
• Basic understanding of land management practices and their relevance to wildlife habitat and breeding bird ecology, gained through coursework or field experience.
• Introductory experience working with ecological datasets and conducting analysis using statistical (e.g., R, Excel) and/or geographic (e.g., ArcGIS or QGIS) tools in class projects, research labs, or internships.

Physical/Environmental Demands

• Office environment / no specific or unusual physical or environmental demands.
• Fieldwork will often occur in remote, rugged environments and may require working independently under challenging conditions, including variable weather and high densities of biting insects.

About NRRI:

The Natural Resources Research Institute was established by the Minnesota legislature in 1983 as an applied science and engineering research organization to inform state citizens and decision-makers while leveraging the power of the University of Minnesota. NRRI is guided by the forward‑looking charter provided by the Legislature to foster the economic development of Minnesota's natural resources in an environmentally sound manner to promote private sector…