*Student Contract Position-- Bird Phenology Program-- Computer Scientist* USGS/ Patuxent Wildlife Research Center Beltsville, MD
*Summary:* Widespread impacts of Global Climate Change are suspected for most plant and animal groups. However, in most cases past information on abundance and distribution of these groups is lacking and consequently, comparisons of current to past circumstances cannot be made. The USGS possesses 6 million cards collected by its agency predecessors since the 1880s on when birds arrive and depart in the spring and fall. These phenological measurements are unique in both their quantity, length of time, and geographical scope and are the best available dataset for analyzing changes in bird migration phenology in the world. Unfortunately, it exists, until recently only as paper copies in archived files. Recent work at Patuxent Wildlife Research Center has begun to develop scanning, processing, and entry procedures for these data using web interfaces and public data entry for what is now called the Bird Phenology Program (BPP), *www.pwrc.usgs.gov/bpp/*<http://www.pwrc.usgs.gov/bpp/> . *Statement of Work:* 1. Types of services required: Currently, volunteers from around the MD/DC/VA area come into the BPP office to sort migration cards and prepare them for scanning. Those cards are then boxed and shipped to a facility in Kentucky where they are scanned and returned. The scanned images are then loaded onto the web where volunteers online transcribe them and send them into a program database for analysis. Tasks will include but will not be limited to: track the number of cards scanned, run scanning scripts to upload cards to the development and production server, create charts and graphs for the BPP website, work on interface changes to the BPP website, and assist in database development. 2. Required expertise/skills: a. Applicants are required to have completed two years of undergraduate course work (student must be at least a second semester sophomore). b. Applicants must be majors in computer science, biology, environmental science or similar field. c. Applicants must be able to communicate effectively in English both verbally and in writing. d. Applicants must have knowledge of computer software used to summarize and visualize data (i.e. Excel, Access and SQL Server), have knowledge in HTML and PHP programming and it would be very useful to have a working knowledge in Adobe Illustrator, Dreamweaver, and Photoshop, with a strong interest in learning more. e. Knowledge of the distributions and natural histories of North American birds is not required, but considered a plus. 3. Eligibility requirements: To be eligible for a student contract position, applicants must be either a currently enrolled student or a recent graduate. To qualify as a student, the applicant must be enrolled at least half-time in a degree-seeking program at an accredited college or university. Former students who graduated more than 12 months ago or who left school without graduating are not eligible to work under these contracts. Applicants will be required to show proof of their student status (or recent graduation). USGS employees, their spouses, and children are not eligible to participate in this program. U.S. citizens are eligible. Non-U.S. citizens may be eligible to participate, depending on their immigration status and the applicable regulations of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (formerly Immigration and Naturalization Service). Foreign students in the U.S. under F-1 visas are usually not able to participate in this program, due to USCIS restrictions on off-campus work. 4. Description of working conditions: Work will be performed in an office environment located near the USGS Patuxent Wildlife Research Center campus in Beltsville, Maryland. Extended periods of computer use will be required. This is not a field or laboratory position. 5. Compensation: Commensurate with experience (no holiday or leave benefits). Student is responsible for all costs of transportation to and from the principal duty station location. The Government does not provide housing, meals or other living expenses while working at the principal duty station. Travel away from the duty station is not expected. 6. Principal Duty Station: Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Center Road, Building 308, Room 105. Student contractors may enter the building only during business hours or when project manager is present. 7. Additional information: Number of students required is one. Estimated number of hours for the position is 20 hours per week. The approximate start date is September 1, 2010. There is some flexibility in start and end dates to accommodate variations in academic calendars. 8. How to apply: Send resume and cover letter to Jessica Zelt via email (* [email protected]* ). Applications must be received on or before July 30, 2010. In your cover letter include an explanation of how you meet the eligibility requirements, your expected graduation date, and discuss your experience as related to sections 1 and 2 above.
