Amphibian Research Technicians 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 2012. 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 2012), 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. Technicians will work on one of two teams; the first will focus on amphibians in several National Parks in the Mid-Atlantic region, including work in high-elevation habitats of Shenandoah National Park. The second team will focus on stream salamanders and will work in National Parks and other protected areas in the Northeastern United States. 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). Technicians 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 technician 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 on rocky, steep terrain. The technician must be willing to go on overnight field trips to Shenandoah National Park, VA, and other parks throughout the northeastern US, which will typically last 4-12 days at a time. Accommodations for the overnight field work will be provided. Technicians must be able to work at least 40 hours per week. Technicians 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 technicians in finding affordable housing in the area. Compensation is commensurate with the level of education and experience (approximate wages are $12-16/hour). Preference will be given to applicants who are current or recent students (within last 12 months of start date), but others are 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 15, 2012: 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., unofficial transcript, enrollment verification, a current registration card) Evan H. Campbell Grant, PhD NE Amphibian Research and Monitoring Initiative USGS Patuxent Wildlife Research Center 12100 Beech Forest Rd., Laurel, MD 20708 phone: 301.497.5842 fax: 301.497.5784 http://profile.usgs.gov/professional/mypage.php?name=ehgrant
