Position: Herpetological Field Technician Compensation: Room and board, and field transportation provided Location: Virginia, USA Date: 1 March through 31 May (exact dates to be confirmed later)
Volunteer field technicians are needed to assist in a herpetofaunal inventory project in southeast Virginia. Preference will be given to mid-career undergraduates or recent graduates with some field experience and an interest to gain exposure to multiple herpetofaunal survey and mark-and-recapture methods in forests and wetlands. No prior experience with herpetofauna is required, however, technicians must be able to tolerate long field days with inclement weather and uncomfortable situations with ticks and biting insects. Field work will include hiking and carrying gear up to 50 lbs. Technicians must be willing to assist in handling venomous snakes and large snapping turtles (with training and under supervision). Duties include trapping turtles in wetlands, checking coverboards, dip-netting, performing transect surveys, and frog call, egg mass and amphibian larvae surveys. There are also be opportunities to be involved in research projects. Technicians must be able to handle a variable work schedule, including long hours at night and on weekends, and averaging 40 hours per week. Housing and chores will be shared. Housing provided in or near Williamsburg, VA. Meals and transportation to and from the field site are provided. Technicians will need to arrange for their own travel to Virginia. Skills needed: Field and camping experience, high level of physical fitness, ability to work long hours, strong work ethic and good attitude, compliant with all safety rules, valid driver’s license, a sense of humor. Preferred skills: fire-building, cooking, vehicle maintenance, first aid/CPR certification Please include a cover letter detailing your interest in this position and contact information (email, phone) for three references in the same pdf document as your resume. Label the document with “yourname_Virginia2014.pdf” and send the document to [email protected]. I am happy to answer any queries at this email: [email protected]. Anne Devan-Song Department of Natural Resources Science University of Rhode Island
