Temporary Avian Acoustics Expert

University of Minnesota; Minneapolis (MN); On-site; USD 34,000 - 41,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Retirement plan options

Job summary

The University of Minnesota is seeking an Avian Acoustics Expert to assist with avian ecology research in the West Lab, Hodson Hall, St. Paul. Part-time role supporting passive acoustic monitoring projects led by Dr. Elena West, with training provided and a remote option for qualified applicants.

Responsibilities include validating BirdNET detections, managing data workflows, and organizing datasets. Candidates with Midwest bird identification experience are encouraged to apply.

Qualifications

• High school Diploma.
• At least 1 year of demonstrated professional experience in bird identification using acoustic data.
• Ability to work independently or with a team and adjust to a flexible schedule.

Responsibilities

• Data Entry and Management (100%). Validate bird identification results produced by BirdNET using audio processing software and online sound reference libraries.
• Assist in implementing data processing workflows and tracking data analysis progress.
• Assist with data organization.

Skills

Bird identification

Acoustic data

Education

High school Diploma

Tools

BirdNET

Raven Pro

Kaleidoscope

Audacity

Job description

Job Details

Job ID: 375239

Location: Twin Cities

Job Family: Supplemental Employee

Full/Part Time: Part-Time

Regular/Temporary: Regular

Job Code: 0006

Employee Class: Civil Service

Applicant Pool Notice

This is a continuous job opening. This posting is used to establish a pool of applicants for potential openings. Applications will be retained for consideration should openings occur. Applications will not be individually acknowledged upon receipt. Appointments may be renewable based on need, funding availability, and satisfactory performance.

The primary duties of this position include assisting with avian ecology research as part of ongoing passive acoustic monitoring projects in Dr. Elena West's lab. These include:

1. A large-scale citizen science project, Sounds of Nature Minnesota, which is assessing avian diversity across Minnesota on public and private lands;
2. A study examining use of wetland habitats by rare and declining wetland bird species;
3. An Urban Green Space project which seeks to explore avian species richness across the Twin Cities Metro urbanization gradient.

The Avian Acoustics Expert will assist with organization and validation of individual bird species detections for these projects from the machine learning classifier, BirdNET. Individuals with strong backgrounds in bird vocalization identification, especially with Midwest species, are encouraged to apply. Training and guidance will be provided regardless of experience level.

Work is based in the West Lab in Hodson Hall on the St. Paul campus, with a remote option available for qualified applicants.

Job Responsibilities

Data Entry and Management (100%)

• Validate bird identification results produced by BirdNET using audio processing software and online sound reference libraries
• Assist in implementing data processing workflows and tracking data analysis progress
• Assist with data organization

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• High school Diploma
• At least 1 year of demonstrated professional experience in bird identification using acoustic data
• A strong work ethic and attention to detail, the ability to work alone or collaboratively with a team, willingness to adjust to a flexible schedule

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with BirdNET or other automated acoustic classifiers, including reviewing/validating machine learning-generated species detections
• Familiarity with bioacoustic analysis software (e.g., Raven Pro, Kaleidoscope, Audacity) for reviewing spectrograms and audio clips
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage repetitive, detail-oriented tasks accurately over extended periods

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $25.00 to $30.00 a hour; depending on education/qualifications/experience.

• Retirement plan options are available for Civil Service, Faculty, Labor-Represented, Professional & Administrative, and Temp Casual classifications. Learn more about retirement plans.

Diversity

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Employment Requirements

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

About University of Minnesota

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.