The Aquatic Ecosystems Analysis Lab at the University of Nevada, Reno, is seeking two short-term, field assistants to help with Lahontan cutthroat trout conservation work in Summit Lake, Nevada. The goals of this project are to estimate the size of the fish population in Summit Lake and to describe the distribution and movement of fish within its tributary, Mahogany Creek. Assistants will gain valuable field experience capturing, handling, and tagging a threatened fish species. These skills are important for jobs in biology and natural resource fields. Successful applicants can expect to gain a detailed letter of recommendation.
Job Location: Summit Lake, Nevada. Transportation is provided to the site from Reno. Dates of Employment: April 1 - June 30 Pay: $10/hr for undergraduate students; $12.04/hr for post-graduates The field site is approximately a 4-hour drive from Reno. Therefore, crew members will be away from Reno and in the field for 5 days at a time. Work days are very long, often beginning early in the morning and extending late into the evening. Expect rugged field conditions including cold, hot, rainy, and snowy weather. Rustic housing accommodations will be provided at Summit Lake. Assistants will need to bring their own bedding and food. Amenities include shared kitchen areas, showers, scenic views, and many opportunities for wildlife watching! *Assistants will:* • Capture fish with trap nets from a boat in the lake • Hike the stream with a mobile PIT tag tracker to detect tagged fish • Assist with backpack electrofishing surveys in the stream • Carefully handle, anesthetize, and tag captured fish • Record data on captured fish • Help organize and maintain field equipment • Assist with data management and storage • Work closely, positively, and efficiently with co-workers and project leaders *Assistants should be able to:* • Live in remote areas with little access to internet, phones, and other normal commodities • Work long days in the field and remain positive and effective (you will be working in cold, heat, wind, and possibly rain or snow) • *Efficiently *and *accurately* collect data • *Write legibly* • Clearly communicate with others; speak up if a problem is noticed • Hike with a pack all day, sometimes up steep hills • Have some familiarity with biology or natural resource-related work If you are interested in this opportunity, please send a resume and two reference contacts to Teresa Campbell, [email protected]. Thank you for your interest!
