The U.S. Geological Survey?s Amphibian Research and Monitoring Initiative=20 Northeast program will be hiring 2 field technicians in 2008. One=20 technician is needed beginning in the spring (05 May) with the term=20 extending through July. One technician will be hired for the summer only=20 (early June through July 2008). There is a possibility of extension=20 through September. Technicians will conduct amphibian surveys at National =
Parks and National Wildlife Refuges in Maryland, Virginia and the District = of Columbia (e.g. C&O Canal National Historic Park, Patuxent Research=20 Refuge, Prince William Forest Park, Rock Creek Park, and Shenandoah=20 National Park). Field work involves identifying, catching, measuring, and=20 marking amphibians, and collecting water quality and environmental data.=20 The student will be required to conduct field surveys using techniques=20 including visual encounter surveys, dip netting, stream transect searches=20 and temporary removal sampling. Data entry into the National ARMI Database = is a required part of the position. All fieldwork will be conducted as=20 part of teams of 2-3 people, so a demonstrated ability and desire to work=20 effectively with a group is imperative. The position requires completion of academic coursework related to=20 wildlife biology. Previous field experience with amphibians common in the = Northeast US is highly recommended. The position requires the use of GPS=20 units, digital cameras, and computer software for data entry and=20 presentation (e.g. Microsoft Excel, Access). Students may also be asked=20 to mark amphibians with injectable florescent elastomer. Most of the work = is outdoors, sometimes under harsh or hot conditions or in rain. The=20 student needs to be in good physical condition, as the job requires long=20 hours in the field and hiking with up to 25 pounds of equipment. The=20 student must be willing to go on overnight field trips to Shenandoah=20 National Park, VA, which will typically last 4-6 days at a time.=20 Accommodations for the field work in Shenandoah National Park will be=20 provided.=20 Students must be able to work at least 40 hours per week. Students are=20 responsible for all costs of transportation to and from Patuxent.=20 Government vehicles are available for all field work initiated from=20 Patuxent. Housing costs are not included, but some housing may be=20 available on center. Every attempt will be made to assist students in=20 finding affordable housing in the area. Compensation is commensurate with=20 the level of education and experience (approximate wages are: $12-14/hour=20 for two or more years of college, $15-16/hour for completion of BA/BS=20 degree or higher). Principal Duty Station: USGS Patuxent Wildlife Research Center 12100 Beech Forest Road Laurel, Maryland 20708-4038 To apply, send the following to Sandra Mattfeldt at the above address or=20 via email ([EMAIL PROTECTED]) by Feb 22, 2008 (for spring-summer=20 technician) or March 14, 2008 (for summer only technician): 1) Letter of intent 2) Resume, including previous field experience, list of classes=20 taken, contact information, and two or three reference contacts=20 3) One piece of evidence of current or recent (within past 12 months) = enrollment in degree program (e.g., transcript, letter from University=20 admissions, a current registration card) Evan H. Campbell Grant NE Amphibian Research and Monitoring Initiative USGS Patuxent Wildlife Research Center 12100 Beech Forest Rd., Laurel, MD 20708 phone: 301.497.5842 fax: 301.497.5784 http://www.pwrc.usgs.gov/nearmi/
