The Department of Fish and Wildlife Conservation at Virginia Tech is accepting applications for three seasonal field technicians to assist with a large interdisciplinary study of freshwater turtles. Research will focus on the reproductive effects of bioaccumulative trace elements in several species of turtles. The positions will involve documentation of the spatial and temporal extent of contamination from the fly ash spill in Kingston, TN using nondestructive sampling of adult turtles, studies of maternal transfer and the influence of contamination on embryonic development. Techniques employed include turtle trapping, marking, blood and egg collection. BS in biology or related field required. Prior field research experience, attention to detail, ability to work well as a team, and enthusiasm for long hours of field work in variable weather and insect conditions required. Prior experience with boat operations and research on amphibians or reptiles desired. Positions will start mid-February 2011 and finish early fall (August/September). Possible extension of employment for up to three years is possible based on availability of funds and performance. Shared housing at the field research site is provided.
Principle investigator and project leader, Dr. William A. Hopkins (http://www.ecophys.fishwild.vt.edu/BHopkins.htm), directs the Wildlife Ecotoxicology and Physiological Ecology Program (http://www.ecophys.fishwild.vt.edu/index.htm) at Virginia Tech. If interested, please apply by sending a cover letter and resume (with your current contact information) as a single Word document to the following email address: [email protected]. Include contact information for at least three professional references. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until all positions are filled. Contact information: Jean Favara, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Department of Fish and Wildlife Conservation, phone number: 540-231-2932.
