06/01/2026
Two Seasonal Waterfowl Technicians
Agency – Tennessee Tech University
Location – Triplett, Missouri
Compensation – Stipend of $2,500 per month for 5 months, field housing, and field transportation provided.
Start date – 09/07/2026
End date – 01/29/2027
Last date to apply – 06/19/2026
We are looking to fill two technician positions to assist with waterfowl research in north-central Missouri. Research includes capturing and tracking waterfowl using GPS/GSM transmitters, assessing waterfowl habitat characteristics, measuring the impact of hunter disturbance, and investigating refuge use by migrating/wintering waterfowl. Primary technician duties include conducting vegetation surveys, deploying and maintaining Autonomous Recording Units (ARUs), flying Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) waterfowl surveys, setting and checking trail cameras, waterfowl trapping/handling, and data entry. Other duties may arise as needed.
Applicants must possess a valid driver’s license, must have a good attitude, must be able to handle inclement weather conditions, and must be willing to work long and irregular hours as needed. Applicants must also be in good physical condition and be able to lift/carry at least 50 pounds long distances through mud and marsh. Experience with a) waterfowl and wetland plant identification, b) Geographic Information Systems (GIS), c) UAV operation, and d) ATVs and boats equipped with standard outboard and/or surface drive motors is a plus but not explicitly required. Shared housing will be provided in Triplett, Missouri. Work schedule will be irregular with shifting days off and a significant portion of time spent working after dusk or before dawn.
Primary Responsibilities:
• Waterfowl surveys on land/water and using UAVs.
• Climbing trees to deploy and maintain ARU sites
• Conducting vegetation surveys
• Equipment maintenance
• Data entry and organization
• Waterfowl banding and handling including:
o Locating, baiting, and setting trap sites
o Identifying age and s*x of waterfowl
o Taking bird morphological measurements
o Taking biological samples
Minimum Qualifications:
• Bachelor’s degree in biology, ecology, wildlife management or related field.
• Must be able to navigate using a handheld GPS device
• Must possess a valid US driver’s license without restrictions
• Must have good communication skills with peers, agency staff, and private landowners
• Must be able to carry 50 lbs and traverse wetlands and muddy conditions in waders
• Must be able to maintain a positive attitude in adverse weather conditions and during periods when working long hours.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities (desired):
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Able to live and interact amicably with a diversity of people
• Experience with GIS and Excel
• Experience with data collection and entry
• Meticulous attention to detail
• Ability to operate 4x4 vehicles, boats, ATVs, etc.
• Experience identifying waterfowl in hand and from a distance
• Experience trapping waterfowl
• Experience using UAVs to survey wildlife
• Experience conducting vegetation surveys in wetlands
Apply by emailing a single pdf including a brief cover letter, CV/resume, and contact information for only three references to [email protected] with the subject line “Missouri Mallard Technician”.
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