Position Title: Field Technician/Wildlife Employment Agency: University of Colorado-Boulder Dates of Employment: July 11 through September 2, 2011 Pay Rate: $4,000.00 stipend plus modest food allowance Locations: Rocky Mountain National Park, Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve Materials Required: Resume, Detailed Cover Letter & 3 Job References Apply To: [email protected] (electronic submissions only) Last Date to Apply: April 18, 2010
JOB DESCRIPTION The University of Colorado-Boulder is hiring two field technicians to implement a survey of the American pika within Rocky Mountain National Park and Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve (Colorado). Technicians will use GPS units, compass and topographic maps to locate remote study plots scattered in rugged terrain, and will record data on pika presence/absence and habitat characteristics within each plot. Training will be provided. These are temporary positions anticipated to begin July 11 and end September 2 (2011), including all weekdays and most weekends during this period. Applicants must be available for the entire period. RESPONSIBILITIES Learn and implement National Park Service protocols for pika habitat occupancy surveys, including the following activities. Field data collection (90% of time, essential): Document and map detection/non- detection of pikas by sight and sound, as well as detection of pika fecal pellets and pika food stores. Record data on habitat characteristics including the relative cover of different classes of vegetation. Collect pika fecal pellet samples within plots and enroute between plots. Field work will be conducted in remote locations, and technicians will work alone for some portion of almost every day. Accessing research plots will require extensive travel time, including travel by car and on foot over rugged terrain. Data processing and equipment maintenance (10% of time, essential): Enter raw data into electronic spreadsheets for subsequent analysis. Assist with equipment maintenance and mapping projects. Coordinate field work and data entry with co-worker(s). Perform additional duties as assigned. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Ability and willingness to camp and work in remote wilderness locations for days at a time, back-packing long distances daily, primarily off-trail in rough terrain, in daily contact with a co-worker but often alone. Education and/or experience directly relating to wildlife ecology/conservation or natural resource management practices, methods, and procedures. Experience working alone as well as working with others in remote locations and adverse field conditions. Experience finding routes via topo map and compass. Willingness to handle and examine pika fecal pellets as part of data collection responsibilities. Willingness and ability to drive long distances within and between parks, work long hours and weekends, and make daily decisions without direct supervision. Strong interpersonal skills, organizational skills, attention to detail and communication skills (verbal and written). Must possess a valid driver’s license, pass a driving record check, and have experience operating a 4WD SUV with automatic transmission. Employment may be contingent upon satisfactory completion of a criminal background check. DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS • Computer proficiency and experience with Microsoft Excel and/or Access • Experience identifying animals and their sign in the field • Experience with GPS units and GIS software • Basic First Aid and CPR certification • Familiarity with leave-no-trace methods BACKGROUND AND RELATIONSHIP TO PROJECT OBJECTIVES The American pika is considered an indicator species for detecting ecological effects of climate change. Recent studies implicate climate as a driver of pika losses. The National Park Service has a unique opportunity to assess the pika’s vulnerability to climate change, and to predict effects of climate on pikas over time. Parks in the Rocky Mountain Network encompass a variety of pika habitats and are among eight NPS units included in a three-year "Multi-Regional Vulnerability Assessment" the species. Vulnerability will be assessed by determining which habitats pikas prefer, how frequently they move through different habitats, and how the distribution and connectivity of preferred habitats is expected to change in a changing climate. Duties of the field technicians hired for this specific position are associated with documenting patterns of pika occurrence and habitat preferences only within Rocky Mountain National Park and Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve. COMPENSATION Stipend of $4,000.00 (USD) plus modest food allowance. APPLICATION PROCESS Apply electronically before April 18, 2011, by sending the following materials to [email protected]: 1) Resume including contact information for at least three previous or current supervisors (letters of recommendation preferred but not required), and 2) Cover letter detailing your qualifications and explaining how this employment opportunity will advance your educational and/or career goals. Applicants will be notified by email regarding the status of their applications. Positions will be filled by May 9.
