Agency Idaho Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, Department of Fish & Wildlife Sciences, University of Idaho
Location Adams County, Idaho Job Category Temporary/Seasonal Positions Salary $2000 - $2400/month plus free field lodging Start Date 4/16/2018 Last Date to Apply 1/21/2018 Description The northern Idaho ground squirrel (Urocitellus brunneus) is federally threatened under the ESA. We are conducting a series of field experiments to test the effectiveness of forest restoration treatments (thinning and burning) as a management action to increase populations of northern Idaho ground squirrels. This is the 5th year of a 10-year project. We will have 2 field crews and have 1 field crew leader opening for the 2018 field season. The crew leader will supervise 2 technicians. We will trap and mark 3 ground squirrel species (northern Idaho ground squirrels, Columbian ground squirrels, and yellow-pine chipmunks) with ear tags and PIT tags from April through August to document ground squirrel demographic responses to forest treatments. We will fit a subset of squirrels with radio-collars and geolocators so we can track the squirrels to their hibernacula via radio-telemetry and document their daily activity and energy budgets. We will also conduct vegetation surveys to document the effects of the restoration treatments on vegetation composition and structure. The crew leader will supervise 2 technicians in the field and will be responsible for: 1) following field protocols, 2) animal and technician safety, 3) checking entered data, and 4) regular communication within their crew and with project supervisors (grad student and faculty PI). Field work will include long, physically demanding days in a beautiful mountain setting and may take place during all weather conditions (rain, snow, and heat). Some of the field sites are remote and the terrain steep and rugged. Field work may involve odd hours and variable scheduling to ensure we complete all field work on time. Field lodging will be provided during the field season. The field housing will be relatively remote and rustic: a camp trailer or cabin. The field crew will coexist in close quarters. Successful applicants should be prepared to live without daily access to phone service and internet (one crew will live in a small town and the other will live ~45 minutes from the nearest small town). Qualifications Minimum Qualifications: • Education: B.S. degree in Natural Resources, Wildlife Management, Ecology, Conservation Biology, Environmental Science, or related field • At least 1 prior season conducting field work involving trapping and handling animals in a professional setting • Previous experience living/camping in remote locations for extended periods • Demonstrated leadership skills • Demonstrated time and data management/organization skills • Must be detail-oriented and self-motivated • Must be in excellent physical condition and be able to traverse steep, rugged terrain throughout the day and carry heavy equipment for up to 10 consecutive days • Must have a valid U.S. driver’s license • Must be a U.S. citizen or possess a valid U.S. work visa • Must be available for employment from approximately 16 April 2018 through 10 August 2018 Desirable Qualifications: • Previous radio-telemetry experience • Previous experience conducting vegetation surveys or grass and forb identification • Previous experience in a supervisory role Employment is contingent upon satisfactory completion of a criminal background and/or driving investigation. Apply by sending a cover letter, resume, contact information for ≥3 references, and a copy of college transcripts (unofficial are OK) in a single PDF document to Austin Allison ([email protected]) and Dr. Courtney Conway ([email protected]). Please write "NIDGS Crew Leader" in the subject line of the email. We will review applications as they arrive. The job will remain open until 21 January 2018 or until the position is filled.
