PROJECT OVERVIEW 

The research and extension technician will support research and extension programs related to wildlife management with the University of Maryland Extension.  The technician may assist with various aspects of research and extension including: 1)  data collection in the field, 2) organizing, cleaning, and analysis of data for developing educational content, publications, and presentations, 3) development and implementation of social media content and strategies including YouTube, X, and LinkedIn, 4) assist with implementation of online course hosted on Skool platform, 5) assisting with organizing educational workshops and marketing them, Publishing fact sheets on topics related to wildlife in Maryland are a priority.  Specific duties can vary widely or be focused on a particular topic as the applicant prefers. Duties can be tailored to the technician’s preferences and strengths.  

 ABOUT THE PROJECT 

This position encourages students to choose a topic of interest and run with it. Guidance via weekly meetings is the primary form of interaction, with email, phone and text correspondence as needed to enhance completion of work.  This project is ideal for independent and entrepreneurial-minded students who like freedom to pursue weekly objectives and can conduct background research to solve problems and issues that arise, while being confident and comfortable to reach out for assistance when stuck. 

  • Analyze data from acoustic monitoring devices to quantify presence of bird species. Advance development of machine learning algorithms. Assist with development of training datasets for enhanced predictive capability. 
  • Assist with deployment and recovery of acoustic recording devices at various locations across Maryland to identify bobwhite quail presence or absence. 
  • Assist with development of research and education programs at the 1000-acre Point Pleasant Farm (https://www.pointpleasantfoundation.org/), including deployment of trail, cameras, acoustic recording devices, planting research plots, education and application of prescribed burns and herbicide to manage vegetation for bobwhite quail, organizing and marketing workshops, and development of educational content. 
  • Assist with writing fact sheets on topics related to wildlife management in Maryland. 
  • Conduct GIS analysis of the land cover represented in protected areas in Maryland and the surrounding area land cover, summarize data, create figures, tables, and write up results 
  • Assist with analysis and publication of large landowner survey including organizing data, performing GIS analysis of land cover by landowner, and data cleaning and analysis tasks. 
  • Perform duties of grant-funded research and education projects. Two potential projects include 1) research on wildlife response to forest management at Point Pleasant Farm, and 2) planning & technical assistance for Southern Maryland landowners for bobwhite quail habitat. 

IDEAL CANDIDATE 

Students with an interest in natural resources. The ability to independently advance projects and solve problems is ideal. 

PROJECT LOCATION 

Most of the work is remote. Occasional field work or workshop attendance (up to 2x a month). Occasional in-person meetings (~1x/month). 

PROJECT LEAD/PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR 

Luke Macaulay, PhD, Wildlife Management Specialist, Wye Research and Education Center, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Maryland, College Park

Bio: Luke Macaulay | College of Agriculture & Natural Resources at UMD  

Email: lukemac@umd.edu 

APPLY HERE

The deadline for Summer 2025 applications will be 11:59 pm on Sunday, February 23, 2025.