A partnership between Dartmouth College, Trout Unlimited and New Hampshire Fish and Game seeks a lead technician to play a key role with other members of the research team in designing, coordinating and implementing the partnership’s research plan. In this role you will lead fieldwork on the movement ecology of brook trout. This is an exceptional opportunity for someone with previous field experience seeking to advance their career in fisheries biology/freshwater ecology or build skills prior to enrolling in a graduate program.
The primary focus of the research is the partnership’s highly-ranked Embrace-a-Stream project focused on wild brook trout movement in a unique, intact watershed. Primary data collection activities center on an ongoing PIT tagging/tracking study. The lead technician will be responsible for capturing, tagging and monitoring brook trout throughout the watershed. Habitat and water quality data collection, macroinvertebrate community sampling, and documentation by still or video photography may also be required. To be successful in this position you will be expected to take a leadership role in refining the research plan, prioritizing fieldwork activities and supervising several interns and additional volunteers in coordination with other members of the research team. Fieldwork will be conducted in the upper Androscoggin River headwaters on the northern NH/western ME border, including the Dead Diamond River and its tributaries. This watershed is located within Dartmouth’s Second College Grant, a 27,000 acre working forest with extensive research activities. The lead technician will have the opportunity to interact with a diverse group of researchers at the site, including wildlife biologists, soil scientists, hydrologists, and forest ecologists working on the national, multi-institutional Adaptive Silviculture for Climate Change project. Opportunities for the design, maintenance and assessment of novel field equipment (e.g. mobile PIT antennas) and/or participation in drafting of peer-reviewed presentations and publications may also occur. The preferred candidate will be available to work from mid-May until early November 2018; some flexibility in scheduling during the spring or fall is possible; preference will be given to those applicants able to work the entire field season. Required Qualifications: • Field research experience in a similar environment • A displayed interest and understanding of freshwater ecology and fisheries • Willingness to work long hours outside in adverse conditions (extreme temperatures, biting insects, remote research sites) while maintaining a positive attitude • Proficiency with data entry, management and analysis • Ability to carry up to 70 lbs • Maturity and ability to work independently and in a team setting (other researchers, visitors, landowners) • Exceptional organizational and multi-tasking skills • Good communication skills • Valid drivers’ license • Ability to work legally in the United States Preferred Qualifications: • Experience with fisheries data collection techniques, including electrofishing, seining, fyke netting, habitat surveys, macroinvertebrate collection, data entry, and fish sample processing (tissue, fin clips, scales) • Experience with fish tracking techniques, especially use of PIT tags • GPS and field navigational skills • CPR, wilderness first aid/WFR training • Demonstrated leadership ability • Interest in interacting with and educating non-scientists regarding research Compensation A stipend of $2000-2600/month, based on level of experience will be provided assuming an anticipated effort of 40hrs/week. Housing is provided at the site’s off-grid field station (cabin with wood stove heat, solar electric supply, internet access and running water generally available dependent on season). A reliable personal vehicle suitable for travel on improved gravel roads is required (fuel reimbursement provided for approved, project-related travel). Application Details Applicants are encouraged to review a summary of the TU Embrace-A-Stream Androscoggin Headwaters: Young Trout, Young Science project prior to applying. https://www.ammotu.org/projects Send a cover letter explaining your interest in this position, your resume, and names and contact information of three current references to be contacted to: [email protected] . Please use “Young Trout. Young Science. Lead Tech” as the subject line of the email. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled. The final deadline for applications is Wednesday February 28, 2018.
