FIELD TECHNICIANS (2) needed to assist with a research project in Southern Iowa evaluating Greater Prairie Chicken habitat suitability and genetic diversity. Positions start April 15, 2014 and end July 31, 2014.
These positions will play a primary role in evaluating efforts to restore native Greater Prairie Chickens to Iowa. Duties include conducting Prairie Chicken lek surveys, conducting habitat evaluations via vegetation surveys, contacting landowners, ground truthing aerial photographs, and data entry. Technicians will also assist in translocation efforts as needed and with locating transmitters in the event of bird mortalities. Field work will be conducted in grasslands and applicants must have the physical ability to work long hours outdoors and walk through thick vegetation and uneven terrain. Applicants must be willing to tolerate a variety of weather conditions. Qualified applicants must have the ability to work independently or as part of a team and have a strong work ethic. Applicants must have a valid driver’s license and clean driving record. Additional desired skills include: experience identifying native prairie plants and agricultural weeds. The pay rate is $12 per hour/approximately 40 hours per week. Shared housing and vehicles for project-related travel will be provided. Some flexibility in start or end dates may be possible. Please send a cover letter, resume, and the names and contact information of three references to Jennifer Vogel, Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology, 253 Bessey Hall, Ames, Iowa 50011 or via email to jenvo...@iastate.edu. Complete application materials must be submitted by January 23, 2014. For more information about Prairie Chickens in Iowa: http://www.iowadnr.gov/Environment/WildlifeStewardship/NonGameWildlife/DiversityProjects/PrairieChickenProject.aspx http://www.iptv.org/iowaoutdoors/story.cfm/story/2865/iao_20110407_103_prairie_chickens/video
