Job Description: Our lab at Montana State University-Bozeman is looking to recruit one more volunteer interested in alpine research on mammalian responses to climate change! Our work is examining the American pika’s (Ochotona princeps) physiological and spatial responses to contemporary climate change using a space-for-time approach. We are seeking an enthusiastic student (or recent graduate) who is interested in working in an alpine setting for July and August (dates flexible) and is physically capable of hiking 15+ miles a day, 5-6 days a week.
This work is very strenuous due to high mileage out hiking and rough landscapes to navigate when trails/roads are not available, but if you love the mountains, then the payoff is huge! We are seeking three overarching traits in applicants: confidence in navigation experience on and off trails, great physical condition (15+ miles of hiking a day), and mental stamina under stressful conditions. We are requesting the student be available for fieldwork for at least the second half of July and August but this can be a bit flexible. This position will be based out of Bozeman, Montana when not in the field. Housing can be accommodated for the few days we are in town throughout the summer, but we hope you may be able to provide your own transportation to Bozeman. Required Qualifications: -Undergraduate student (or recent graduate) who has completed at least one year of his/her studies -Highly motivated individual -Must possess a current, valid U.S. driver’s license -Can work independently, as well as with a team of four -Great physical condition since this work will be in mountainous terrain (3 mph sustained pace) -Experience hiking/backpacking -Strong problem-solving skills -Most importantly, energetic and positive attitude under challenging conditions! Preferred Qualification: -Basic hiking gear such as your own overnight and day packs, water bladders, boots, etc. Payment: This position is currently listed as a volunteer position where we will be able to cover all your expenses throughout the summer. This position could turn into a paid position depending on our grant success but we believe it will remain a volunteer one at this point unfortunately. We do not expect you to cover any costs for gear, your own food, gasoline, or anything else throughout the two months. To Apply: Please send a current resume or CV, along with a cover letter describing your experience and research interests, as well as two references to peterbill...@ymail.com (that is ymail, not gmail). We request all interested applicants reach us by email with the above materials as soon as possible. For the two professional references, please include their names, your association to them, a phone number, and an email address. Feel free to ask any questions to Peter Billman at the above email address. Thank you for your interest and we look forward to reading through your materials! Short video about pikas: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cqtm9dkAu4o
