STUDENT CONTRACTORS NEEDED USGS PATUXENT WILDLIFE RESEARCH CENTER The U.S. Geological Survey?s Amphibian Research and Monitoring Initiative Northeast program will be hiring 6-8 student contractors/field technicians in 2011. Two technicians will be hired for the spring (late March through May 2011), with possibility of extension through September. An additional (4-6) technicians will be hired for the summer (late May through August 2011), with possibility of extension through September. All technicians will conduct amphibian surveys at National Parks and National Wildlife Refuges in Maryland, Virginia and the District of Columbia. Field work involves identifying, catching, measuring, and marking amphibians, and collecting water quality and environmental data. The students will be required to conduct field surveys using techniques including visual encounter surveys, dip netting, stream transect searches, temporary removal sampling, and conducting a mark-recapture study using visual implant elastomer. All 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. Additional assistance conducting surveys and experiments involving the federally endangered Shenandoah salamander may also be required. The position requires completion of academic coursework related to wildlife biology. Previous field experience with amphibians common in the Northeast US is highly recommended. The position requires the use of GPS units, digital cameras, and computer software for data entry and presentation (e.g. Microsoft Excel, Access). Students may also be asked to mark amphibians with injectable florescent elastomer. All of the work is outdoors, sometimes under harsh or hot conditions or in rain/snow. The student needs to be in good physical condition, as the job requires long hours in the field (including some night-time surveys) and hiking with up to 25 pounds of equipment for extended periods of time. The student must be willing to go on overnight field trips to Shenandoah National Park, VA, which will typically last 4-12 days at a time. Accommodations for the overnight field work will be provided. Students must be able to work at least 40 hours per week. Students are responsible for all costs of transportation to and from Patuxent. Government vehicles are available for all field work initiated from Patuxent. Housing costs are not included, but some housing may be available on center. Every attempt will be made to assist students in finding affordable housing in the area. Compensation is commensurate with the level of education and experience (approximate wages are $12-16/hour). Applicants must be current or recent students (within last 12 months of start date) to be eligible for employment.
Principal Duty Station: USGS Patuxent Wildlife Research Center 12100 Beech Forest Road Laurel, Maryland 20708-4038 To apply, send the following to Adrianne Brand at the above address or via email ([email protected]; preferred) by January 7, 2011: 1) Letter of intent (please specify whether you are available for work in the spring, summer, or both) 2) Resume, including previous field experience, list of classes taken, contact information, and two or 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)
