Avian Ecologist is being recruited to study bird-habitat relationships in aspen woodlands of the northern Nevada mountains as part of a collaborative project on the effects of climate change on aspen and aspen- associated avian species. Opportunity for involvement in all stages of research including planning and logistics, data management and queries, advanced analyses and model building, presentations, and writing publications. The position is located in Boise, ID and is part of the USGS, Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center, Snake River Field Station. Applicant should have substantial experience in identifying western songbirds by ear, working in remote environments, and using GPS and topo maps for navigation. Desired experience includes the use of geographic information systems (GIS), advanced statistical software (e.g., SAS), and database applications (e.g., ACCESS). Also desired is an understanding of bird-habitat models that include both GIS-based and field- based explanatory variables, various general linear modeling techniques (e.g., negative binomial distributions, zero-inflated models, mixed models), avian detection analyses (e.g., program Distance, Presence), and model-selection using AIC. Applicant should be willing to spend much of the field season (late May through August) in the field, including 8-10 day stretches of camping at remote sites. Experience with ATVs is a plus. The ecologist will be responsible for field-season logistics, conducting point counts and vegetation sampling, and overseeing the work of up to 8 field technicians doing the same.
Qualifications: Minimum qualification is a M.Sc. or equivalent in ecology, wildlife biology, or related field and at least 3 months of job- related field experience in identifying songbirds by ear, and experience with data management, interpretation, and analysis as indicated above. The position is open to U.S. citizens; veteran’s preferences apply. Salary: Approximate monthly salary is $3900. Expected Start Date: late March 2010 Length of Position: One year initial appointment, plus probable extension of 6 months; possibility of further extension of another 4-6 months dependent on funding. How to apply: Please send early inquiry to Dr. Susan Earnst at [email protected] so that I can keep you apprised of the application process. Applicants must apply via the www.usajobs.gov website when the position officially opens (in early January). Application deadline is unknown at this point but will be approx. 3 weeks after position opens.
