A field technician is needed to assist in the capture and identification of plethodontid stream salamanders in southeastern Kentucky for a graduate student's thesis. The project will focus on determining the specific effects of mountaintop removal mining on plethodontid stream salamander occupancy and diet in SE Kentucky. The technician may also assist with other amphibian and reptile studies in Kentucky.
Pay is $11/hr, housing included. Hours per week is variable, will average around 25-30. Technician will be needed from April 1-July 31, 2017. The sampling sites and lodging area are in a remote area of southeastern Kentucky, often without access to cell service, though the station and cabins have WiFi. Minimum Qualifications: 1. Previous amphibian or stream fieldwork/research experience 2. Ability to identify adult and larval Central Appalachian plethodontid salamanders 3. Experience capturing stream salamanders 4. Applicants should be able to hike up to 6 miles a day in various weather conditions with about 30-40 pounds of gear, and should be aware of ticks and other biting insects Additional Qualifications: 1. Completion or significant progress towards a Bachelor’s degree in biology or a related field 2. Family and genera level aquatic invertebrate identification skills are also preferred, but not necessary 3. Attention to detail and strong work ethic Please email a CV with names and contact information of 3 references and a cover letter in a single PDF document to UK graduate student, Jake Hutton, [email protected]. Application review will begin by 14 February.
