Title: Wildlife Research Technician Agency: Purdue University Location: South-central Indiana
Job Description: One industrious field technician is needed from early-May through late-August to assist in a research project addressing the post- release survival of captive-reared Allegheny woodrats, the numeric response of supplemented populations, patterns of woodrat habitat use and movement on the landscape, and seed preferences of the larger granivore community. The project will incorporate a number of field techniques including radio- telemetry, live-trapping/handling, habitat sampling, and the deployment of camera-traps. Allegheny woodrats are listed as a state endangered species in Indiana and a species of conservation concern throughout much of their range. All woodrat populations in the study are restricted to the cliff/bluff habitats overlooking the Ohio River in extreme southern Indiana, near the town of Corydon. Occupied habitats are very steep; applicants should be comfortable and confident working at heights, and rock climbing and rope experience are a strong benefit. Duties will be partitioned seasonally, transitioning from woodrat husbandry and telemetry to live- trapping to the maintenance of camera-traps placed over seed trays. Telemetry will include both diurnal and nocturnal work and will require scrambling throughout the cliff environment to identify occupied den sites. Live trapping will require setting traps throughout the study areas and processing captured individuals (sex, age, weight, collecting DNA samples). Camera-traps will be maintained throughout large stretches of intact forest surrounding woodrat habitats. A bachelors degree in a natural resources or related field or equivalent experience is desired but not required. Prior experience with radio- telemetry, trapping and handling mammals, and/or the use of camera-traps is preferred. Applicants must be willing and capable of walking several miles a day in variable weather conditions, possess the ability to work independently as well as in a team, and live in close quarters. Pay rate is $9.00/hour, and field housing will be provided. Applicants must have a valid drivers license and good driving record. To apply: Send via e-mail a letter of interest, resume, and the contact information for 3 references to Rita Blythe ([email protected]). Additionally, a second year-long position is offered; please indicate if interested. The closing date for both positions is April 2, 2012.
