Field Assistant – Warbler Mist-Netting Project - Toews Lab

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JOB

DESCRIPTION:

AND POSITION:

REQUIREMENTS:

Location: Adirondack Park, New York Duration: 1–20 June 2026 Job Type: Temporary / Seasonal

Compensation:

Depending on

Experience:

Application Deadline: March 15, 2026 Job

Description:

The Toews Lab at Pennsylvania State University seeks one highly motivated undergraduate field assistant to support mist-netting operations targeting wood-warblers in Adirondack Park, NY from 1–20 June 2026. The position will be supervised in the field by Dr. Luis Daniel Montalvo (Postdoctoral Researcher)

Primary

responsibilities:

include: Assisting with daily mist-net setup and takedown Monitoring mist nets under supervision Recording field data Organizing and transporting field equipment Supporting daily field logistics Maintaining strict adherence to field safety and research protocols This position does not require

experience:

in bird handling or banding, and this will not be expected, though training will be provided if requested. Field Conditions Fieldwork will take place on public lands in remote forest environments. Living accommodations will consist primarily of rustic camping (tents) at field sites, with limited amenities.

A small number of nights may be spent in indoor lodging. Applicants must be comfortable: Camping for extended periods Working in cold early mornings, rain, heat, and high humidity Dealing with biting insects (black flies and mosquitoes) Waking before sunrise daily Working long hours outdoors

Required Qualifications:

Valid driver’s license with clean driving record Excellent physical stamina and ability to: Walk several miles daily over uneven terrain Carry field equipment (20–40 lbs) Work extended hours outdoors in challenging conditions Ability to carefully follow detailed field protocols Strong attention to detail Reliability and professionalism Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States.

Preferred Qualifications:

(Not Required) Previous fieldwork

experience:

Prior camping

experience:

Experience:

hiking or backpacking Basic bird identification

skills:

Ideal Candidate We are seeking someone who: Is highly dependable Maintains a positive attitude under physically demanding and rustic conditions Works well in a small team setting Listens carefully and follows instructions precisely Has a strong interest in avian field research This position provides hands-on

experience:

in avian ecological research and exposure to professional mist-netting operations. BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies. CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR).

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opportunity:

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education:

al and institutional

benefits:

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