David Tilson Email & Phone Number

Athens, Ga, Us

Athens, Georgia, United States

I am a research coordinator for the University of Georgia in collaboration with Quail Forever. I coordinate and provide support for 60+ Farm Bill Biologists and technicians in conducting outcomes assessments on private lands under the Working Lands for Wildlife's (WLFW) Northern Bobwhite, Grasslands, and Savannas Framework. My primary duties are field protocol development, field training, scheduling & technical support, research collaboration, and data management.

Athens, Georgia, United States

 Captured, banded, transmittered, and collected morphological data from King, Virginia, and Black Rails. Deployed the first ever multilateration-based automated radio-telemetry system (ARTS) to be applied to these species. Researched methods and applications of ARTS to marshbird research.  Developed a computer-automated classifier, using the Animal Sound Identifier (ASI) framework, for the identification of Black Rail vocalizations within audio files collected by autonomous recording units (ARUs). Trained and supervised 2 field technicians over two 6-month field seasons.

Eastern North Carolina

 Conducted point-count surveys for secretive marshbirds and vegetation surveys in salt and freshwater marshes according to USFWS protocol. Collected water and soil samples to test methods of marshbird detection using environmental-DNA (eDNA). Deployed autonomous recording units (ARUs) and camera traps to test methods of remotely detecting Black Rails (Threatened). Wrote and edited standard operating procedures for ARU and camera trap studies. Organized and scheduled surveys at 13 different National Wildlife Refuges, 2 National Seashores, and 1 state holding. Acted as field supervisor, in charge of communication and daily scheduling for two field technicians.

 Assisted in the collection, care, and release of captive-reared Reticulated Flatwoods Salamanders (Endangered) according to Virginia Tech and USFWS protocol. Monitored drift fences around two ephemeral wetlands and collected species and morphological data on herpetofauna entering and leaving the wetlands. Conducted dip-net surveys of larval amphibians in 20 ephemeral wetlands. Injected passive integrated transponder (PIT) tags and visible implant elastomers (VIE) to track population abundance and survivorship of flatwoods salamanders. Mapped and collected bathymetric data of two ephemeral wetlands. Conducted burrow surveys for Gopher Tortoises. Monitored Red-cockaded Woodpecker (Endangered) nesting and roosting cavities. Monitored individual Red-cockaded Woodpeckers via colored leg bands.

 Daily checked and maintained 100 Sherman Live traps in 4 separate grids.  Trapped and processed over 150 small mammals. Took basic measurements, ear tagged, and recorded data. Conducted vegetation surveys of northern hardwood forests in quadrats.

Eastern North Carolina

 Conducted point count surveys for secretive marshbirds and vegetation surveys in salt, brackish, and freshwater marshes. Collected water and soil samples to test methods of marshbird detection using environmental-DNA (eDNA).  Deployed Autonomous Recording Units (ARUs) to test methods of remotely detecting black rails. Organized and scheduled surveys and acted as contact connecting 5 different National Wildlife Refuges, 1 National Park, USFWS Inventory & Monitoring, and East Carolina University.

Plush, Or

 Regularly tracked and located collared Greater Sage-grouse via VHF radio telemetry.  Trapped, collared, and took basic measurements on sage-grouse. Conducted Juniper Succession Assessment Surveys and Aspen Inventory & Monitoring Surveys according to USFWS protocol.

Northern Florida

 Conducted point count surveys for secretive marshbirds and vegetation surveys in salt, brackish, and freshwater marshes according to USFWS protocol.  Organized and scheduled surveys and acted as contact connecting 7 different National Wildlife Refuges, USFWS Inventory and Monitoring, and East Carolina University.

Eastern North Carolina

 Conducted bi-weekly bird use surveys for waterbirds in 2,500 acres of refuge impoundments according to Integrated Waterbird Monitoring and Management (IWMM) protocol.  Maintained and calibrated water-quality and hydrologic equipment used to monitor lake, estuarine, and canal health.  Ensured that water quality samples and field data were sampled and submitted according to NC Standard Operation Procedures and entered into appropriate databases. Fed, watered, and provided daily care to four captive-breeding red wolves according to USFWS protocol.  Monitored and managed invasive species such as Phragmites, alligator weed, and Johnson grass.  Patrolled beach for sea turtle crawls by ATV, collected turtle nest data, and relocated nests when necessary according to USFWS protocol.  Handled and banded Brown Pelicans, Mourning Doves, and tern species. Collected, entered, and managed data related to other refuge biological programs according to refuge, regional, or national protocols.

Blacksburg, Va

 Instructed around 15 students in physiology, taxonomy, and natural history of herpetofauna and evaluated their knowledge via lab practicals and quizzes.  Lead field excursions to instruct on safe methods of capturing and handling wild herps.  Organized preserved specimens within the lab's collection.

Alton, Il

 Deployed camera traps to investigate the effects of agriculture and riparian zones on mammal populations in Charles County, MO. Presented my findings in a scientific report, professional poster, and presentation given at a professional symposium. Collected and identified larval amphibians and aquatic macroinvertebrates to assess colonization of created wetlands.

Lyndhurst, Va

 Operated the entrance gatehouse at Sherando Lake Recreation Area.  Created and presented wildlife interpretive programs 3 times a week at Sherando Lake's amphitheater.  Maintained campground by trash removal, cleaning bathrooms, trail maintenance, etc.  Managed for "pest" animals (i.e. venomous snake relocations & bear deterrence) according to USFS and VDGIF protocols. Collected American Eels via electro-fishing to take measurements and inject PIT tags for individual identification.

Bachelor Of Science - Bs, Wildlife Conservation

Master Of Science - Ms, Forestry & Natural Resources

 Student in the USGS Georgia Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit.  Deployed the first ever multilateration-based automated.