Description: In cooperation with the University of Nevada Reno, Department of Biology, (UNR), the Great Basin Institute is recruiting up to four Herpetological Field Technicians to assist with field projects in the Mojave Desert related to chuckwallas (Sauromalus ater) and desert tortoises (Gopherus agassizii). Working with a graduate student and Postdoctoral researcher, technicians will assist in collecting data to evaluate the genetic diversity and the homing behavior of chuckwallas by capturing lizards, attaching radio transmitters, implanting pit tags, collecting blood samples, and tracking these individuals throughout the activity season. Similarly, technicians will assist another Postdoctoral researcher with a survey of disease (upper respiratory tract disease) and immunology in wild desert tortoise populations. Technicians will assist with handling, measuring, and sampling adult desert tortoises, as well as learn techniques to sample small volumes of blood and nasal flushes (for evaluation of bacteria) and to visually examine tortoises for signs of disease. Field Technicians should be capable of working long-hours, in rugged, dry, uneven desert terrain in which temperatures may reach as high as 110° F, for up to 6 days per week. Primitive field camping up to 3 nights per week may be required. Housing with full kitchen and laundry facilities will be provided.
Timeline: o March 29 June 25, 2010 Compensation: o $3,250 Living Stipend o $1,247 AmeriCorps Education Award* o Student loan forbearance* o $10 daily field per diem Location: Housing will be located in Bullhead City, AZ for the chuckwalla project and Henderson, NV for the tortoise project. Field project sites will occur throughout Clark County, including the extreme southern parts of the County near Laughlin, NV, and just across the California border. Qualifications: Technical requirements: o Previous field experience that included: o adhering to field data collection protocols, o accurately collecting and recording field data, o Ability to learn and safely implement blood sampling techniques; and o Ability to use or learn how to use a GPS unit and radio telemetry equipment. Additional requirements: o Possess a valid, state-issued drivers license and clean driving record; o Ability to work productively as part of a team to accomplish mutual goals; o Possess good organizational skills; o Ability to work in harsh and rapidly changing environments, work in all types of weather conditions, traverse uneven terrain, carry upwards of 20 pounds in a backpack, and otherwise maintain good physical condition; o Willingness to camp, often in remote areas, up to three night per week; and o Meet AmeriCorps eligibility requirements: (1) U.S. citizenship or legal resident alien status, and (2) eligible to receive an AmeriCorps Education Award (limit of two in a lifetime, regardless of award amount). o All offers of employment are conditional upon completion of an acceptable check of the National Sex Offender Public Registry. For a complete position description and application instructions please visit our website at www.TheGreatBasinInstitute.org. How to Apply: Qualified and interested applicants should forward a cover letter, their résumé, and a list of three professional references to Bridget Walden, at [email protected] include where you found this position posted. This program is available to all, without regard to race, color, national origin, disability, age, sex, sexual orientation, political affiliation, or religion. Persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
