Field Assistant I, Avian Research assists Powdermill’s avian research efforts including long-term bird banding, surveying birds by sight and sound, and/or tracking birds using digitally coded transmitters and automated receiving stations (i.e. Motus). 

This is a temporary, full time position expected to run from March 30, 2026, to May 30, 2026.

QUALIFICATIONS:

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Applicants should have a high school degree, or equivalent.
• In addition to at least 3 months of field experience banding birds.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Applicants must have 3 months experience with extracting, handling, and banding songbirds.
• The successful applicant will be able to work well both independently and as part of a team. 
• The ability to identify eastern birds by sight and sound, interact with the public and other visitors, attach transmitters to birds, track birds via radio telemetry, and collect blood, fecal, and feather samples from birds are desirable.   

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• The position requires extended periods of walking and standing.
• Must be able to walk 6 to 10 miles per day on uneven or muddy terrain sometimes in inclement weather (e.g. hot, cold, rain). 

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• The principal responsibility of this position is assisting the Banding Manager and Avian Research Scientist with Powdermill’s avian research efforts. 

This includes:

• • Extracting birds from mist nets.
  • Banding and collecting data from birds {may also include collecting blood, feather and fecal samples from birds}.
  • Outreach and interacting with the public and visitors.
  • Attaching transmitters to birds, tracking birds via radio telemetry, surveying birds by sight and sound (i.e. point counts).
  • Repairing nets, trimming vegetation around net lanes.
  • Recording and proofing data. 

Please see the full list of requirements on the Carnegie Museums' careers page

This Temporary position is eligible for the Carnegie Museums' many benefits