Field Technician

University of East Anglia; Norwich; On-site; GBP 22,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

A UK University is seeking a Field Technician to join its research team. The role involves monitoring great tits and blue tits, ringing birds, and collecting data in various woodland sites. Applicants must hold a valid British Trust for Ornithology ringing permit and possess strong data entry skills. Flexibility in working hours is encouraged, and the university supports various flexible working patterns. The position is based at the university and contributes to important ecological research.

Benefits

Flexible working options

Qualifications

• A valid British Trust for Ornithology ringing permit that covers ringing full grown and pullus great tits and blue tits.
• Experience monitoring bird nests and using mist-nets for passerine birds is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Monitor nestbox populations of great tits and blue tits.
• Ring full grown and nestling birds and collect faecal samples.
• Manage field equipment and data entry.

Skills

Data entry skills

Teamwork

Flexibility in working hours

Education

Bird ringing permit holder

Job description

Are you a bird ringing permit holder keen to work in a collaborative environment? Do you have experience monitoring cavity nesting birds? An exciting opportunity is available to join the Davidson Lab at the School of Biological Sciences as a Field Technician. Our research explores the evolutionary ecology of the gut microbiome and bird behaviour in natural environments. You will monitor nestbox populations of great tits and blue tits, ring full grown and nestling birds, and collect faecal samples during the pre-breeding and breeding season. As a Field Technician you will be associated with a NERC Pushing the Frontiers grant to PI Dr Gabrielle Davidson. In this role you will be based at UEA, and perform bird monitoring and ringing at up to three woodland sites (Charter Woods Norwich, Madingley Woods Cambridge, University of Cambridge). You will collect and record data, work with a team of researchers, and attend group meetings. You will manage field equipment and data entry. If you hold a clean driving license, there will be an opportunity to work at a Cambridge field site, and a hire vehicle would be provided.

• A valid British Trust for Ornithology ringing permit that covers ringing full grown and pullus great tits and blue tits at the nest box.
• Excellent data entry and database management skills.
• Experience working in a team.
• Flexibility in working hours to accommodate ringing priorities.
• A mist-net endorsement for passerine birds and experience monitoring bird nests would be advantageous.

The University holds an Athena Swan Silver Institutional Award in recognition of our advancement towards gender equality.

UEA offers a variety of flexible working options and although this role is advertised on a full-time basis, we encourage applications from individuals who would prefer a flexible working pattern including annualised hours, compressed working hours or part time. Details of preferred hours should be stated in the personal statement and will be discussed further at interview.