Apologies for the re-post. The text did not come through before. Field technicians needed for work on wild horses and burros
The United States Geological Survey (USGS) and Colorado State University (CSU) are conducting scientific research to assist the BLM in management of free-roaming wild horses and burros on public lands. The research projects are led by Dr. Kate Schoenecker (USGS) and Dr. Sarah King (CSU). We are seeking field technicians for help with projects involving radio telemetry and behavioral observations of wild horses and burros in remote sites in central or western Utah and one site in Arizona. These positions provide a great opportunity to learn and polish wildlife monitoring techniques and assist with research on wild horses and burros. More information about our research projects can be found at https://www.fort.usgs.gov/wildhorsepopulations Description: These are temporary positions starting in mid-March 2016 through to mid-September 2016. Individuals must be able to commit to the full 6-month duration. We are commencing a five-year study to examine the demography and behavioral ecology of wild horses and burros in three different Herd Management Areas (HMAs) in Utah and one in Arizona. The successful applicants will use radio telemetry to locate wild horses or burros to determine demographic parameters, and/or to conduct behavioral observations. Positions available will focus either on behavior or demography of wild horses, or behavior and demography of wild burros. There is potential for exemplary field technicians to continue work as graduate students at CSU in fall 2016. Field work will be rigorous, and conducted under all weather conditions from summer heat to monsoon rains to winter snow, at elevations above 6,000 feet, frequently on high slopes. Field technicians must be able to hike in backcountry covering 4-5 miles each day while carrying a 35lb pack. Independence and a tenacious work ethic are required. Behavioral observations require a great deal of patience and ability to spend many hours watching animals simply graze and rest (i.e. apparently do nothing). The positions are located in remote field sites, necessitating excellent teamwork and flexibility. Housing will be provided at field sites, and will consist of shared trailers, or tents. Cell service is patchy or non-existent in most locations; no internet service is available in the housing. Field technicians will be employed through Colorado State University at a salary of $10-$12/hr depending on experience and qualifications. This is an hourly position based on a 40-hour work week, although longer work hours may be required. No travel per diem or over time is provided, and no benefits, paid sick leave, or paid vacation. Duties and responsibilities (depending on position offered): Locating radio-collared or radio-tagged individual animals using radio telemetry Collecting demographic data, recording data, and entering data in to a database Collection of behavioral data, recording data, and entering data in to a database Maintaining databases and proofing data that has been entered Participation in related field research projects as needed (this may entail travelling to a different herd area) Skills needed • Familiarity with use of GPS and/or map and compass • Maintaining and safeguarding personally assigned and project equipment • Assisting in routine maintenance of housing • Completion of necessary CSU or USGS safety courses and certifications • Excellent communication skills required to remain in contact with remote supervisor during protracted fieldwork. Minimum qualifications: • One year of laboratory or field research, or any equivalent combination of experience, training and/or education. • A valid state driver’s license during period of employment (any US state). Preferred qualifications (in addition to above): • Bachelors degree in wildlife science, biology or related discipline. • Experience with radio telemetry in field conditions. • Experience with behavioral observation of mammals under natural conditions. • Ability to manage and maintain a computer database. To apply send both a letter of interest and resume with contact information for two references to Sarah King at [email protected] Clearly state how your experience qualifies you for this position and whether you prefer to work on wild burro demography, wild horse demography, or wild horse behavior projects. Review of applicants is on-going and will continue until posts are filled. Start date is expected to be March 14, 2016. Sarah R. B. King, Ph.D. NREL, Warner College of Natural Resources, Department of Ecosystem Science & Sustainability, A242 NESB - Campus Delivery 1499, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523 USA [email protected] +1 (720) 587-9890
