SUMMER 2008- FRESHWATER MUSSEL TECHNICIAN POSITION
The Virginia Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit,
Department of Fisheries and Wildlife Sciences is looking to hire a summer
technician from early May 2008 to late August, to help conduct freshwater
mussel surveys and collect water quality data on the Powell and Clinch
Rivers, TN/VA. Other duties may include aiding in the propagation and
culture of endangered freshwater mussels at the Freshwater Mollusk
Conservation Center, Virginia Tech Aquaculture Center.
Employee hired for the position would perform a variety of
tasks, to include the following:
1) Conduct snorkel surveys on the Powell and Clinch Rivers in
Tennessee and Virginia.
2) Collect water quality data from the Powell River
3) Collect host fish and mussels for fish host testing.
4) Culture juvenile mussels in recirculating aquaculture systems at
the VT FMCC.
The applicant must be able to work 40 hours a week, have reliable
transportation, a valid driver's license, and be willing to travel to TN
and VA to do field work. Frequent overnight stays at a research facility
near Tazewell, TN are required. The applicant must be a good swimmer and
feel comfortable working in rivers collecting fish and freshwater mussels.
Applicants should have coursework and experience in fisheries, aquatic
science, or a related field of study. Undergraduates are encouraged to
apply.
Ideally, applicants should have experience in collection of fish using
electro-fishing equipment, identification of freshwater fish, data
collection and analysis using computer software, writing reports of
project data, and be able to work effectively as part of a team. This is
an excellent opportunity to gain hands-on experience in identifying
freshwater mussels and non-game fish, learning conservation aquaculture,
and working in some of the most biologically diverse rivers in North
America.
Pay: $8-$10 depending on experience. Applicants should provide a cover
letter and resume by Feb 29th to:
Matthew Johnson
149 Cheatham Hall
Virginia Tech
Blacksburg, VA 24061-0321
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
