BLACK KINGSNAKE POSITION Job Number: 24578 (Classification: Temporary/Seasonal Positions) Title: Research Technician Studying Effects of Fire on Reptile Community Agency: Ohio University Location: Land-Between-The-Lakes National Recreational Area
Last date to apply will be 28 February 2011. Job Description: As part of a dissertation project through Ohio University, I am investigating the effects of prescribed fire on the energetics of Black Kingsnakes (Lampropeltis nigra). I will not only determine energetics for snakes within the field, but I will be correlating energetic responses to habitat selection, prey densities, predation intensity, vegetative structure, and competition. I will determine the fitness and body condition of radio-transmittered Black Kingsnakes and other snake species found within the study sites. Using mark-recapture techniques, I am also measuring population characteristics of all reptile, amphibian, and small mammal populations. Results from this study will assist forest managers in understanding how prescribed burning directly and indirectly affects reptile species. The technician will assist in radio tracking Black Kingsnakes, checking drift fences and processing captured reptiles, amphibians, and small mammals, conducting vegetation transects, and data entry. Additionally, technician will assist in the deployment and collection of copper models throughout each study site. Technician should be in great physical condition and be able to hike about 8-15 miles a day in various weather conditions with about 10 - 20 pounds of gear. Technician should also be tolerant of ticks, spiders, and insects. Technician should have previous radio telemetry experience. Technician should be able to navigate using a compass and topographic map, operate a GPS device, ability to identify and handle reptiles, amphibians, and small mammals (on job training will be expected, but prior knowledge would be beneficial). Venomous snakes will be encountered during this job; however, the technician will be trained in properly handling and processing venomous snakes. Housing will be provided for the technician at the Hancock Biological Station, Murray State University; student cabins (http://www.murraystate.edu/qacd/cos/hbs/hbs.htm). Technician may be required to use their own personal vehicle for job related travel; gas will be reimbursed. Technician position will begin 1 April and end 31 August 2011. Technician will work 5 days a week and have weekends free. Timeline: 1 April 2011 to 31 August 2011. Dates are slightly flexible, but position will last only 5 months. Stipend: Technician will be paid a stipend of $1,200/month. Technician will be paid at the end of each month. Gas will be reimbursed for all job-related travel. Location: This project will be conducted at the Land-Between-The-Lakes National Recreational Area (LBL), Kentucky. Study sites will be located within the Franklin Oak-prairie Restoration burn sites and neighboring control sites. LBL offers a multitude of different outdoor activities and sightseeing that can be viewed at: http://www.lbl.org/Home.html LBL is located about 2 hours from Nashville, TN and about 3.5 hours from St. Louis, Missouri and Memphis, Tennessee. For more info, please contact Chris Howey at [email protected] Qualifications: Radio telemetry skills are strongly desired. Ability to accurately collect data, and strictly adhere to protocol, and work independently and in a group. Ability to hike 8-15 miles/day in various weather conditions with about 15 pounds of gear. Ability to comfortably handle reptiles, turtles, amphibians, and small mammals. Ability to learn how to identify reptiles, turtles, amphibians, and small mammals. Ability to learn how to identify local flora. Basic knowledge of GPS units and navigation using only a map and compass. Ability to live in rustic conditions. Additional Requirements: Possess a valid drivers license and able to use their own vehicle for travel on dirt roads. Possess good organizational skills. Ability to work in various weather conditions and uneven terrain. Ability to maintain a positive attitude and sense of humor throughout long, tiring days of field work. Previous experience using spherical crown densiometers, Daubenmire frames, temperature-sensitive radio transmitters, and yagi antennas. Previous experience in handling, measuring, and marking reptiles, turtles, amphibians, and small mammals. For more information or to apply, please contact Chris Howey at [email protected]
