Job Title: Salamander Field Technicians (2 positions)
Job Type: Seasonal
Location: Shenandoah National Park, Virginia
Closing date: March 1, 2009
Opportunity Description: Student Field Technicians: Salamander surveys in
Shenandoah National Park
The U.S. Geological Survey?s Amphibian Research and Monitoring
Initiative Northeast program will be hiring 2 student field technicians in
2009. One technician is needed beginning in the spring (01 May) through
mid-August. Another technician will be hired for the summer from mid-June
through mid-August. Both positions could be extended for 4-6 weeks in
September and October, pending funding.
Technicians are primarily responsible for conducting salamander
surveys in Shenandoah National Park (Virginia). Major duties involve
terrestrial salamander surveys that include: active sampling for
salamanders during the day by lifting of cover objects; passive sampling
at night during and after rain events; capturing, measuring, weighing and
possibly marking salamanders with elastomer; collecting tail tips for
genetic analyses; and conducting habitat assessments. Technicians may also
participate in a stream salamander surveys as well.
The position requires completion of academic coursework in wildlife
biology or related fields. Previous field experience with salamander
surveys and the catching, handling, measuring and marking of amphibians is
preferable. Students must be willing to work independently but most
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. Work will be conducted on steep, rocky terrain during varying
weather conditions. Students need to be in good physical condition and
comfort and competence with outdoor work.
Students must possess a valid driver?s license and be able to work at
least 40 hours per week under a flexible schedule (including early
morning, nighttime and weekend work). Students are responsible for all
costs of transportation to and from Shenandoah National Park. Housing
accommodations are provided while in Shenandoah National Park in a
facility shared with other research technicians and staff. Compensation
is commensurate with the level of education and experience (approximate
wages are: $14-15/hour for two or more years of college, $16-18/hour for
completion of BA/BS degree or higher).
To apply, send the following to Jennifer Sevin via email ([email protected])
and copy to [email protected] by March 1, 2009 (for spring-summer
technician) or April 1, 2009 (for summer only technician):
1.) Cover Letter
2.) Resume, including previous field experience, list of classes
taken, contact information, and 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)
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/
