Biologist (student services contract) for data analysis work. Project description: The project is an evaluation of factors influencing the distribution and abundance of bird species, particularly yellow rails, Le Conte?s sparrows, and sedge wrens, and associated habitat characteristics, in sedge meadows, and responses of bird and plant species to summer prescribed burning. Related to this study is work evaluating the use of automatic digital audio recorders to evaluate detectability and calling patterns of rails and other wetland birds.
Work period: 2 Nov 2009? approx 1 May 2010. Type of services required: The individual provides technical support to the project scientist in preparing data for publication. Principal duties include: ? Error-check and summarize data for use in analyses, reports, and publications. ? Use GIS to extract spatial data and develop maps for publication and presentations. ? Develop statistical models for analyses relating bird responses to habitat variables. ? Evaluate detectability in double-observer data. ? Describe plant community and evaluate changes relative to fire treatments. ? Describe and evaluate changes in other habitat metrics, such as shrub cover and vertical cover measures. ? Summarize and evaluate annual and daily weather data for fire-related component. ? Evaluate SongMeter audio recordings to determine pattern of calling and factors affecting calls; develop new song recognizers for additional bird species. ? Aid the scientist in other aspects of data analysis and manuscript preparation. ? Maintain weekly communications with the supervisor as to progress, problems, and data, and complete tasks in a timely manner. Required skills and experience?The individual must have a B.S. or B.A. degree in wildlife or a natural resources field with a minimum of one year of graduate coursework in ecology. The individual must be currently a student or have been a student within 12 months of 2 Nov 2009. The individual must demonstrate sound organizational skills, a solid background in field ecological studies in avian and/or plant ecology. The individual must have skills and experience in use of Excel, R or SAS statistical software, and ArcGIS/ArcInfo. Good writing skills also are desired. Compensation is $19.64/hour; this rate includes an amount for self-employment taxes. The individual is expected to work, on average, a 40-hour week. Although pay will cover all hours worked, the individual will not receive a premium rate for work beyond 8 hours/day or 40 hours/week. The individual also will be eligible for Workers Compensation at government expense the same as a federal employee. The individual is responsible for all costs of other transportation to and from Northern Prairie Wildlife Research and for personal transportation at the study area; a federal vehicle will be provided for transportation around the study area. The Government does not provide housing, meals, or other living expenses. Individuals that are married to or have parents who are employed by USGS are not eligible. To apply, please send electronically 1) a complete resume, 2) list of references, 3) copy of transcripts, and 4) proof of B.S./B.A. degree (copies ok); deadline of 12 October. Please send electronically (preferred) or via surface mail to: Jane Austin US Geological Survey Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center 8711 37th Street SE Jamestown, ND 58401 Phone: 701-253-5510 Fax: 701-253-5553 Email: [email protected] *************************************************** When we talk among ourselves, all we get back are echoes. But when we talk with others of a different mind, we are made to think. And it is in thinking that we learn, and in learning that we grow. Romeo LeBlanc, Governor General of Canada
