Salary $1,600 - $2,240 per month depending on experience Description The Northern Idaho ground squirrel (Urocitellus brunneus) is federally threatened under ESA. We are using field experiments to test the effectiveness of two forest treatments (burning vs thinning) for improving demographic traits of Northern Idaho ground squirrel populations.
We capture and mark ground squirrels using PIT tags and ear tags from April through August. We compare demographic parameters among treatments, including capture-recapture analyses to assess population attributes (e.g., survival rates). We use radio-telemetry to locate hibernacula. We anesthetize small mammals (Columbian ground squirrels, northern Idaho ground squirrels, and chipmunks) and collect fleas to assess whether plague affects survival. Applicant will be expected to live in Moscow, Idaho from October through April to assist with: 1) data organization and analyses, 2) collect data from trail camera pictures, 3) preparations for the 2016 field season, and 4) other office tasks. The applicant will then work in the field as a field technician or crew leader for the 2016 field season (April – mid August). Housing will be provided for the applicant during the field season but housing is not provided from October – April in Moscow, ID. Field housing may be rustic and may be a camp trailer, a cabin, or a wall tent. Applicants must be willing to live for 5 months without daily phone and email access in fairly rustic accommodations. All applicants must be willing to work in an office setting for ~6 months (Oct-Apr) and in a field camp for ~5 months (Apr-Aug). Field work will include various types of weather conditions (rain, snow, and heat), long hours, odd schedules, and physical work. Minimum Qualifications • Education: B.S. degree in Natural Resources, Ecology, Conservation Biology, Environmental Science, or related field. • Previous experience: prior outdoor field work with vertebrates. • Good knowledge of database management: previous experience with excel. • Excellent skills in time and data organization/management. • Demonstrated oral and written communication skills. • Demonstrated ability to work independently. • Experience living/camping in remote locations for extended periods • Must be a US citizen or have a valid US green card or work visa to apply. Desired Qualifications • Previous small mammal trapping and handling experience. • Familiarity with program R, Access, and other database programs. **Employment is contingent upon satisfactory completion of a criminal background check and driving record check. Apply by sending cover letter, CV, copy of college transcripts, and the email and phone number for at least three references in one document (PDF or Word) to Amanda Goldberg ([email protected]). Please write "job application" in the subject line of the email.
