Summer field assistant: trapping and sampling small rodents (non-target species of the oral sylvatic plague vaccine) in Utah, South Dakota or Montana.
The project: In 2013, efficacy trials of the oral sylvatic plague vaccine (SPV) for prairie dogs started in several US states. Annually, baits (vaccine laden or placebo) are distributed on paired sites (prairie dog colonies) and prairie dogs are trapped by the local agencies. This project traps and samples the non-target small rodents (e.g. mice, chipmunks, voles) to assess the impact of SPV on these species. Position Description: Field assistants are expected to set 2 x 100 traps in the evening (crew of 3), check the traps for nocturnal animals at sunrise and reset the traps for diurnal animal trapping (when weather allows). Captured animals will be brought to a central location, where they will be identified, anesthetized, eartagged and sampled (blood, hair, whiskers and fleas) by the field assistants. Afterwards animals will be released at the location of capture. Volunteers can expect full days, including trap sessions, data entry and a variety of other daily tasks, while camping at remote amazing locations. Qualifications: Previous fieldwork, rodent trapping and sampling experience are strongly preferred. Undergraduate or graduate qualified field courses and lab experience are valued. Applicant profile: - Preferably, you have small rodent handling and sampling experience - You are highly motivated, positive and willing to work in a team - You are in good physical and mental condition - Comfortable being away from home for a prolonged time and not afraid of mice or blood Compensation: Lodging and $20,- per diem. Term of appointment (depending on weather conditions): approximately early July late August, 6-8 weeks. Interested, or do you want more information? Please email Bieneke Bron, gb...@wisc.edu. For applications: please send your letter of motivation (including availability) and your resume with at least one reference or reference letter to gb...@wisc.edu. Thank you in advance for your interest! Bieneke Bron DVM, PhD candidate Comparative Biomedical Sciences at the University of Wisconsin and USGS-NWHC
