Job Title: Research Technician Institution: Humboldt State University Sponsored Programs Foundation Location: Central Valley & Mojave Desert, California Closing date: Application review begins December 27, 2016. Position(s) will remain open until filled.
Job Summary: Nine (9) Research Technicians will be hired through a contract with Humboldt State University Sponsored Programs Foundation to support the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) “Terrestrial Species Stressor Monitoring” project. The goal of this project is to monitor terrestrial wildlife populations (including birds, mammals, reptiles, & amphibians) and their vulnerability to drought and other stressors. Under the general direction of CDFW Project Managers, technicians will work as part of a resource assessment team responsible for implementing field surveys at selected sites throughout the Great Valley and Mojave Desert Ecoregions of California. Training will take place in Sacramento, CA during late February/early March 2017. Field work will occur from March through June 2017, and may require working over 40 hours/week, Monday‐Friday, and will require extensive travel. Teams will be assigned to either the Great Valley or Mojave Desert for the duration of the field season. Duties: Typical duties include, but are not limited to, the following: • Test, calibrate, and maintain field sampling equipment, including infrared camera traps and digital acoustic recorders • Assess potential sampling sites for suitability and access • Safely perform strenuous field work, including driving and hiking long distances over rugged terrain in extreme weather conditions, carrying heavy equipment (up to 50 lbs), and operating hand tools • Set up, check, and take down camera stations and acoustic recorders, including following detailed protocols and troubleshooting sensitive electronic equipment in remote locations • Collect biological data using standardized inventory methods, including vegetation surveys, amphibian and reptile visual encounter surveys, and bird point count surveys • Legibly and accurately enter data on paper forms • Download electronic data, enter survey data into databases, and perform quality control checks of all data collected • Prepare monthly reports such as time sheets, travel expense claims, and mileage logs • Communicate regularly with CDFW Project Managers and field personnel regarding project logistics, completion status, equipment needs, personnel issues, and safety concerns • Communicate effectively and professionally with landowners, agency representatives, and the general public • Travel to study sites for up to a week at a time throughout the field season (March‐June), including camping in remote locations • Other related duties as assigned Minimum Qualifications: • Bachelor's degree in biological sciences or a closely-related field of study from an accredited four‐year college or university; OR • One to two years of experience and/or training in biological surveying, field sampling, studying/evaluating wildlife populations and habitats, or other related fields • Valid driver’s license and safe driving record Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: • Proven ability to accurately collect, record, and report data, and adhere to data collection and safety protocols in a field setting • Physical capability and endurance to safely and efficiently conduct field work in remote settings under inclement weather conditions, including the ability to hike off‐trail across steep and rough terrain, while carrying heavy equipment • Strong organizational skills and proficiency using common computer software programs (e.g., spreadsheets, word processing, databases, electronic mail) • Experience conducting camera trap surveys and interpreting camera trap data • Experience conducting bioacoustic monitoring • Experience performing vegetation surveys and/or plant identification. Familiarity with California Central Valley and/or Mojave Desert plant species is preferred. • Experience conducting avian point count surveys and/or identifying bird species by vocalizations. Familiarity with California Central Valley and/or Mojave Desert bird species is preferred. • Experience identifying reptile and amphibian species and/or conducting visual encounter surveys for these taxa. Familiarity with California Central Valley and/or Mojave Desert species is preferred. • Experience identifying terrestrial mammal and bat species and/or conducting surveys for these species. Familiarity with California Central Valley and/or Mojave Desert species is preferred. • Strong written and verbal communication skills • Ability to maintain professional working relationships with supervisors and peers • Ability and willingness to travel for up to a week at a time throughout the field season (March‐June), camping in remote areas • Proficiency navigating with maps and handheld GPS • Experience driving 4x4 vehicles in rugged terrain Wage: $15/hour, Non-Exempt. This is a temporary, full-time, benefited position. Anticipated start date is February 13, 2016. Application Instructions: To apply, submit a cover letter, CV/resume, and contact information for three (3) references, along with the HSU SPF Employee Information Form for Applicants (available at https://www2.humboldt.edu/forms/node/1084), to [email protected]. Please include your last name and the job title in the subject line. If you have any questions regarding this position, please call or email Misty Nelson at (916) 445-3635 or [email protected]. Application Deadline: Application review begins December 27, 2016. Position(s) will remain open until filled. Humboldt State University Sponsored Programs Foundation is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, age, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, medical condition, disability, marital status, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected status. More information about HSU SPF’s Equal Employment Opportunity hiring can be found at http://www2.humboldt.edu/hsuf/pdf%20forms/Employment%20Notices/HSU%20SPF%20Equal%20Opportunity%20Employment-Affirmative%20Action%20Policy.pdf. For assistance with the application process, please submit an Accommodation Request Form which can be found at http://www2.humboldt.edu/forms/node/336 or call the SPF Interim Compliance Support Coordinator at (707) 826-5159.
