BIOLOGICAL SCIENCE TECHNICIANS for GRASSLAND BIRD STUDIES (Vacancy No. NPWRC-LDI-05/07-2008): Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center (Jamestown, ND) is seeking four (4) Biological Science Technicians (Wildlife) for the 2008 summer field season for two (2) grassland bird studies in the northern Great Plains. Vacancies include three GG-05 ($14.24/hour) crew-member positions and one GG-07 ($17.64/hour) crew-leader positions. The studies are 1) an evaluation of breeding bird use in Conservation Reserve Program grassland fields (one GG-05 position) and 2) an evaluation of the impact of wind turbines on breeding birds in native grasslands (two GG-05 positions and one GG-07 position). Field work for both studies will encompass censusing breeding bird populations (including songbirds, waterfowl, shorebirds, and other birds) in grasslands and associated wetlands using an established monitoring protocol.
Qualified applicants should be able to identify birds that breed in the Great Plains by sight and sound, be familiar with survey and monitoring techniques, and possess good auditory and visual acuity. Applicants must possess good communication and organizational skills. Applicants must be in excellent physical condition. During the field season, the incumbent spends considerable time outdoors, where the incumbent may encounter variable weather conditions and exposure to insects. Field work is extensive, and may require long hours walking through uplands and wetlands and walking over rough terrain to conduct breeding bird censuses in grassland or wetland habitats. The ability to work both independently and with others is essential. The crew leaders will supervise, organize, and coordinate the activities of field crews, including training technician(s) in the correct use of field forms and techniques, organizing field equipment, confirming quality and accuracy of data, and alerting project leaders to procedural, technical, and logistical problems. Applicants with demonstrable strengths in leading field research projects and with a working knowledge of GPS and ArcMap are especially encouraged to apply. Students and recent graduates also are encouraged to apply. Work locations and dates depend on both the position and the study. The CRP study is based out of Jamestown, North Dakota, with extensive travel within North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana, and Minnesota. The wind study will be based out of central South Dakota. The CRP crew-member position typically starts in mid-May and ends in mid-to-late August. The crew-leader position on the wind study starts in late March/early April and ends in late August. One crew-member position on the wind study starts in late March/early April and ends in early August, and the second crew-member position on the wind study starts in mid-May and ends in early August. For questions related to the CRP study, contact Lawrence Igl at [EMAIL PROTECTED] For questions related to the wind-turbine study, contact Jill Shaffer at [EMAIL PROTECTED] Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of this announcement. For more information concerning qualifications, please see full announcement on USAJobs ( http://jobsearch.usajobs.gov/getjob.asp?JobID=68760683). Applications will be accepted from February 19 to 29 February, 2008. Additional applications received by Friday, March 14, 2008 will be evaluated for positions that were not filled since the first closing date. The announcement will be closed once all positions have been filled. Applications must be received in the Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center Office by the respective closing dates of the announcement to be considered by those dates. Applications will be accepted by e-mail, fax, or mail. If e-mailing or faxing, please include the vacancy number (NPWRC-LDI-05/07-2008) in the subject line. SEND APPLICATIONS TO: Jennifer Kapp Human Resources Contact U.S. Geological Survey-BRD Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center 8711 37th St. SE, Jamestown, ND 58401 Fax: 701-253-5553 [EMAIL PROTECTED]
