JOB TITLE: Seasonal Grassland Bird and Butterfly Field Technician LOCATION: Geary and Woodson Counties, Kansas
COMPENSATION: $12.00 - $12.50/hr DESCRIPTION One seasonal field technician position is available with Kansas State University. The technician will assist a graduate student with field work related to a research project investigating the response of bird and butterfly communities to grassland restoration with prescribed fire and livestock grazing. Field work will take place in Geary and Woodson Counties in the Flint Hills of Kansas, which contains the largest remaining tract of tall-grass prairie in the world. The tall-grass prairie is critical habitat for grassland birds, which are the fastest declining group of birds in North America, and for butterflies, which are experiencing global population declines. As a technician on this research project, you will be assisting with the conservation of the unique tall-grass prairie habitat and its wildlife species. Work will involve point count surveys for grassland birds, transect surveys for butterflies, rope-dragging for grassland bird nests, nest monitoring, and some vegetation measurements. Data entry, field equipment maintenance, and other various tasks will be assigned as they are necessary. Work days will begin at or before sunrise, may last longer than 8 hours, and could occur under harsh conditions (heat, wind, cold). Some overnight camping will be required. Housing is not provided and ideal applicant will already have housing in or near Manhattan, KS. The field season will be part-time starting ASAP until mid-May and full time from mid-May through July, with the possibility to extend through August. QUALIFICATIONS The ideal applicant will be able to identify grassland birds and/or butterflies but a demonstrated ability to study and learn quickly is acceptable. The technician must be comfortable driving 4WD vehicles on dirt roads and two-tracks and walking several miles per day in cattle pastures. The technician must also have enthusiasm for working outdoors and for wildlife research, be able to maintain a positive attitude during challenging situations, and have exceptional attention to detail. ? To apply, please send a cover letter, resume, and contact information for three references to Sarah Ogden ([email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>) ASAP. Interviews will be conducted as applications are received.
