Subject: IS/Sage Grouse Bird Diverter Internship (CLM Internship Program)
Location: Rock Springs, WY
Duration: 5 Months
Start date: June 1, 2010
Application Deadline: Friday, May 7th, 2010 12:00pm (noon) CST
Paid: $11,000.00 over 5 months
Project Description:
This project will monitor and analyze the effectiveness of bird
flight diverters (sage grouse) placed on fences during the 2009 field
season. In addition, other fences identified as potentially causing
mortalities to birds, specifically sensitive species, will be marked.
The Rock Springs Field Office covers over 5 million acres with most
of it open to grazing. Fences placed to divide grazing allotments
and to protect sensitive areas occur throughout the area. The bird
flight diverters are constructed from white vinyl trim cut into 3
inch pieces that easily snap onto a fence. Some have reflective
strips that also improve their visibility. A study was initiated
last year that placed these markers on fences that occur within 0.6
mile of sage-grouse leks. During last year's field work, these areas
were field checked and signs of strikes and mortalities were recorded
with a GPS handheld unit along with the fences
checked. A large number of strikes and mortalities were observed
within these areas and appear to be significant when expanded to the
other field
office fences. This year's study will be a continuation of last
years work. Fences that were marked last year will be revisited to
determine the
effectiveness of the markers in diverting bird mortalities. The
study will then be expanded into other areas to help determine
factors that cause a portion of the fence to be more hazardous to
grouse than others.
Self motivation as well as an ability to work well alone and with a
co-worker is needed. Work is performed in remote areas with regular
coordination between co-workers and supervisors needed for safety and
efficiency. Knowledge of GPS and GIS use is a plus. Simple functions
of taking points and line data can be learned on the job. A greater
knowledge would be an advantage in recording, downloading, correcting
and manipulating data for determination of study results. Expect four
out of five days to be spent in the field, with more office work to
finish preparing the results of the study.
Seeking applicants with the following experience: GIS, ornithology,
mammalogy and general interest in conservation and land management issues.
Experience in sagebrush, pinion/juniper habitats or arid regions of
the western US is beneficial but not mandatory.
If interested, please apply at
<http://clminternship.org/php/intern_app/2010app.php>http://clminternship.org/php/intern_app/2010app.php
by Friday, May 7th at Noon CST. Indicate in your cover letter that
you are applying for the GIS/Sage Grouse internship in Rock Springs,
WY and include contact information (email address & phone number) for
3 references in your resume.
Questions? Please email i...@clminternship.org
