Agency: Washington State University Location: North Cascades National Park Complex (specific field sites will vary) Position Type: Volunteer (unpaid) Position Duration: 6/15/2018 - 9/15/2018 Application Deadline: 5/10/2018
Description: Drs. Daniel Thornton and Lisa Shipley of Washington State University are seeking an intrepid volunteer to act as a field research assistant. This is a 2-month position that will require extensive camping, backpacking, and data collection in the North Cascades National Park (NOCA). The field assistant will partner with an M.S. student investigating the potential relationship between predation and an apparent decline in NOCA’s hoary marmot population. 20+ marmot colonies will be monitored directly via point counts, behavioral surveys, and flight initiation distance tests. The potential predator activity will be monitored at these sites via camera trapping and genetic identification of carnivore scat and contents. Partners include the National Park Service and the Cascades Carnivore Project, each of whom will lead additional field crews for this project. This will be a challenging and incredibly rewarding experience; applicants will bolster their field research skills and professional network, as well as spend their summer living in some of the most impressive mountains in the contiguous United States. WSU students may also be eligible to apply this as experiential credit, but would need to speak with their academic advisor to confirm. Qualifications: A research background is not required for this position. Rather, applicants must have considerable backpacking experience and feel comfortable hiking over 20 miles on 3-5 day trips in difficult and rugged terrain at elevations up to 8,000 ft. carrying heavy packs. Applicants must be comfortable navigating and occasionally camping in snow and ice conditions. Applicants must have a valid driver’s license and willingness to drive on primitive roads. Applicants should have suitable backpacking gear, but can expect field housing when not in the backcountry. Preference will be given to applicants who can commit to the entire season. To apply, please send a brief cover letter, resume/CV, and contact for three references via email with the subject “NOCA Marmot Volunteer.” In your cover letter, please be sure to describe the extent of your backpacking experience and the duration of your commitment. Contact: Logan Whiles via [email protected] Thank you for your interest!
