The U.S. Geological Survey?s Amphibian Research and Monitoring Initiative Northeast program will be hiring 2 student contractors/field technicians in 2009. Two technicians will be hired for the summer only (late May/early June through July 2009), with possibility of extension through September. Technicians will conduct amphibian surveys at National Parks and National Wildlife Refuges in Maryland, Virginia and the District of Columbia (e.g. C&O Canal National Historic Park, Patuxent Research Refuge, Prince William Forest Park, Rock Creek Park, and Shenandoah National Park). Field work involves identifying, catching, measuring, and marking amphibians, and collecting water quality and environmental data. The student will be required to conduct field surveys using techniques including visual encounter surveys, dip netting, stream transect searches, temporary removal sampling, and conducting a mark-recapture study using visual implant elastomer. All fieldwork will be conducted as part of teams of 2-3 people, so a demonstrated ability and desire to work effectively with a group is imperative. The position requires completion of academic coursework related to wildlife biology. Previous field experience with amphibians common in the Northeast US is highly recommended. The position requires the use of GPS units, digital cameras, and computer software for data entry and presentation (e.g. Microsoft Excel, Access). Students may also be asked to mark amphibians with injectable florescent elastomer. All of the work is outdoors, sometimes under harsh or hot conditions or in rain. 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. The student must be willing to go on overnight field trips to Prince William and Shenandoah National Parks, VA, which will typically last 4-12 days at a time. Accommodations for the field work in Prince William and Shenandoah National Parks will be provided. Students must be able to work at least 40 hours per week. Students are responsible for all costs of transportation to and from Patuxent. Government vehicles are available for all field work initiated from Patuxent. Housing costs are not included, but some housing may be available on center. Every attempt will be made to assist students in finding affordable housing in the area. Compensation is commensurate with the level of education and experience (approximate wages are: $12-14/hour for two or more years of college, $15-16/hour for completion of BA/BS degree or higher). Principal Duty Station: USGS Patuxent Wildlife Research Center 12100 Beech Forest Road Laurel, Maryland 20708-4038
To apply, send the following to Evan Grant at the above address or via email ([email protected]; preferred) by March 23, 2009: Letter of intent Resume, including previous field experience, list of classes taken, contact information, and two or three reference contacts 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) Evan H. Campbell Grant NE Amphibian Research and Monitoring Initiative USGS Patuxent Wildlife Research Center 12100 Beech Forest Rd., Laurel, MD 20708 phone: 301.497.5842 fax: 301.497.5784 http://www.pwrc.usgs.gov/nearmi/
