Field Coordinator – Vegetation and Invertebrate Sampling
We are recruiting for a dedicated individual to assist with an ongoing research
project focused on measuring and mapping invertebrate availability as a food
source for birds in Golden Valley and Musselshell Counties, MT. The selected
applicant will be responsible for coordination and conduct of fieldwork,
supervision of up to 3 other field technicians, and ensuring quality handling
and reporting of GPS surveys, vegetation sampling and insect collections. The
coordinator will synthesize data in progress reports and contribute to the
preparation of a final progress report for State of Montana Department of Fish,
Wildlife and Parks. The Field Coordinator may interact with private landowners
or other agency professionals during the regular course of field work and must
be comfortable with this.
Job Length: Full-time seasonal support is available for up to two field seasons
(4/1/2019 - 7/26/2019, 4/6/2020 - 7/24/2020). Two months/ year of flexible time
for data synthesis and report preparation with space provided on campus at
University of Montana.
Compensation: $16 - $20 per hour. Lodging, transportation and per diem provided
during the field effort.
Required Qualifications
• Bachelor’s degree in entomology, ecology or a related natural resources
field
• Excellent organizational and communication skills
• Attention to detail and ability to follow a detailed protocol
• Ability to carry up to 50 lbs across uneven ground
• Valid driver’s license with a good driving record
• Professionalism, flexibility, and a positive attitude
• Current first aid / CPR certification
Preferred Qualifications
• Previous field research experience, preferably in rangeland ecosystems
and on private lands
• Previous supervisory experience
• Prior experience identifying rangeland vegetation and insect species
• Prior experience with field techniques, including GPS operations,
transect sampling and vegetation cover estimation, and invertebrate
surveys
• Experience interacting with private landowners and agency professionals
The successful applicant must be able to work in remote locations and able to
live in a communal, rustic setting. If you do not have current First Aid/CPR
certification, you must become certified before arriving to begin work. The
work schedule is subject to the weather, which may cause unpredictable days
off—applicants must be willing to work when needed and take days off when the
opportunity arises. Applicants must enjoy working and living in a remote rural
area with a diverse group of people including private landowners and livestock
producers. Provided lodging will include up to 7 other people working on other
field projects. Conditions include extreme temperatures, rain, snow, “gumbo”
roads, wind, rattlesnakes, and abundant prickly pear. The rewards include the
endless vistas of central Montana, abundant recreation opportunities within a
short (1-2 hour) drive, calf branding and roadside chats with ranchers,
phenomenal wildlife viewing, and field research experience. A strong work
ethic, good physical condition, and sense of humor are a must. The position
will require hiking up to several miles each day through sagebrush, over uneven
terrain, and in very hot temperatures to reach some sampling sites; and driving
a few hours each day in trucks over low maintenance roads.
To apply, please send a current resume, 1-page cover letter, and names and
contact information for 3 references to Jessica Mitchell
(jessica.mitch...@mso.umt.edu) with the subject line “Field Coordinator -
Invertebrate Surveys”. Review of applications will begin February 26th, and
continue until a suitable applicant is found.
