Agency: Idaho Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, University of Idaho
Location: Adams County, Idaho Salary: $45/day per diem plus free housing Expected start date: 5 April 2016 Last Date to Apply: 8 January 2016 Description The Northern Idaho ground squirrel (Urocitellus brunneus) is federally threatened under ESA. We are using field experiments to test the effectiveness of forest treatments (thin-and-burn) on demographic traits of Northern Idaho ground squirrel populations. We capture and mark ground squirrels using PIT tags and ear tags from April through August. We will compare demographic parameters among treatments, including capture-recapture analyses to assess population attributes (e.g., survival rates). We will collect data on vegetation to assess the changes that treatment has on food availability. We will use radio-telemetry to locate hibernacula. We will anesthetize small mammals (Columbian ground squirrels, northern Idaho ground squirrels, and chipmunks) and comb them for fleas as part of a project assessing whether plague is present and affecting northern Idaho ground squirrel survival. Housing will be provided for the applicant during the field. Field housing may be rustic and may be a camp trailer, a cabin, or a wall tent. Applicants must be willing to live for 5 months without daily phone and email access in fairly rustic accommodations. Field work will include various types of weather conditions (rain, snow, and heat), long hours, odd schedules, and physical work. Skills you will acquire: • Trapping, handling, and processing small mammals (northern Idaho ground squirrels, Columbian ground squirrels, and chipmunks) • Use of anesthesia in the field • Telemetry • Experience working with a federally listed Threatened species • Experience collecting vegetation data Qualifications Minimum Qualifications • Demonstrated oral and written communication skills • Demonstrated ability to work both independently and within a group setting • Previous experience hiking/camping. • Excellent skills in time and data organization/management • Must be in good physical condition and have the ability to walk on uneven terrain throughout the day and carry heavy traps for short distances. • Must have a valid US driving license • Must be a US citizen or possess a valid US green card • Must be available for employment by 5 April 2016 through 15 August 2016 **Employment may be contingent upon satisfactory completion of a criminal background and/or driving investigation.** Desirable Qualification • Experience handling small mammals • Demonstrated ability to be detail-oriented • Must be self-motivated Apply by sending cover letter, CV, copy of college transcripts, and the emails and phone numbers for at least three references in one document (PDF or Word) to Amanda Goldberg (nidgs.technic...@gmail.com). Please write "restoration volunteer" in the subject line of the email.
