Student Contractors Needed USGS Patuxent Wildlife Research Center The U.S. Geological Survey's Amphibian Research and Monitoring Initiative Northeast program needs two field technicians: one technician will be part-time student contractor (March-May 2006) with possible extension to full-time during the summer; the second technician will be full-time summer only (June ? mid-August 2006). Technicians will conduct amphibian surveys at National Parks and National Wildlife Refuges in Maryland, Virginia and the District of Columbia (e.g. Patuxent Research Refuge, C&O Canal National Historic Park, Rock Creek Park, Shenandoah National Park, and Prince William Forest Park). Field work involves identifying, catching, and measuring amphibians and some reptiles, collecting water quality and environmental data, and sampling for available pond habitats. The student will be required to conduct field surveys using techniques including visual encounter and coverboard surveys, dip netting, calling surveys, stream transect searches and temporary removal sampling. Data may be entered onto palm pilots in the field and later downloaded to computers for proofing. Data entry into the National ARMI Database is a required part of the position. The position requires completion of academic coursework related to wildlife biology. Previous field experience with amphibians and/or reptiles is highly recommended. The position requires the use of GPS units, palm pilots, digital cameras, and computer software for data entry and presentation (e.g. Microsoft Excel, Access). Knowledge of GIS is preferred but not required. Most of the work is outdoors, sometimes under harsh or hot conditions. The student needs to be in good physical condition, as the job requires long hours in the field (including some night-time surveys) and hiking with up to 25 pounds of equipment. Students may also be asked to mark amphibians with florescent elastomer. Students applying for the part-time spring technician must be willing to work during the day, at least 3 days a week. Students applying for summer technicians must be able to work 40 hours per week from early June ? mid August 2006. Students are responsible for all costs of transportation to and from Patuxent. Government vehicles are available for all field work initiated from Patuxent. Compensation is commensurate with the level of education and experience (approximate wages are: $12.43/hour for two or more years of college, $13.91/hour for completion of BA/BS degree, $17.22 for completion of BA/BS plus one year of graduate school).
Principle duty Station: USGS Patuxent Wildlife Research Center 12100 Beech Forest Rd. Laurel, MD 20708-4038 To apply, send the following to Sandra Mattfeldt at the above address or via email ([EMAIL PROTECTED]) or FAX (301.497.5784) by Feb 10, 2006 (for spring technician) or April 14, 2006 (for summer only technician): 1) Letter of intent 2) Resume, including previous field experience, list of classes taken, contact information, social security #, and two or three reference contacts 3) One piece of evidence of current or recent (within past 12 months) enrollment in degree program (e.g., transcript, letter from University admissions, a current registration card)
