Dear Colleagues,
The Institute for Wildlife Studies is seeking technicians for the
upcoming field season. Please share with any interested and qualified
people. The job description and contact information follow.
Thank you,
Nathan Gregory
Field Technicians for desert tortoise monitoring program
Institute for Wildlife Studies
Description:
The desert tortoise monitoring program is part of the USFWS initiative
for the recovery and monitoring of the endangered desert tortoise. Data
collected through distance sampling is used to estimate population size
and density. Field technicians are needed to fill positions related to
distance sampling.
Field technicians will work in pairs, walk pre-defined transects to
collect information on desert tortoises, and drive long distances
through the desert on dirt roads to travel between daily transects.
Field training will be provided, but applicants should have previous
experience with wilderness field skills and the ability to use a GPS and
topographic maps for navigation. Technicians must be able to walk ≥12 km
per day in challenging and uneven terrain, carrying personal gear and
field equipment. Technicians also must be prepared for temperature and
weather conditions that can change rapidly and without warning, able to
operate a 4WD vehicle, and willing to camp in the desert backcountry for
≥3 consecutive nights. Previous tortoise survey experience is a plus.
-Preference will be given to applicants with previous desert tortoise
experience.
-Technicians must have a positive attitude and be capable of working
closely with others.
-Exact start and end dates are to be determined, but expect to start the
second week of March and work until the 3rd week of May.
-Technicians will be expected to work 5 consecutive days per week, with
the understanding that 2 days off may vary.
-The position requires long hours, early morning start times, and
camping in the field.
-Compensation: Approximately $2,500/month (based on an hourly wage),
plus housing will be provided during the training (2 weeks in March) and
available on the weekends throughout the field season.
Location:
Mojave Desert, California and Nevada
Qualified applicants should send a cover letter, resume, and contact
information for 3 references to Dr. Nathan Gregory: [email protected]
--
Nathan Gregory, PhD
Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
Princeton University
(609) 865-1976
[email protected]
