> Field technicians needed for work on wild horse and burro ecology, > March-September, 2017 > > The United States Geological Survey (USGS) and Colorado State University > (CSU) are conducting scientific research to assist the BLM in management of > free-roaming wild horses and burros on public lands. The research projects > are led by Dr. Kate Schoenecker (USGS/CSU) and Dr. Sarah King (CSU). We are > seeking field technicians for help with projects involving radio telemetry > and behavioral observations of wild horses and burros in remote sites in Utah > and Arizona. These positions provide a great opportunity to learn and polish > wildlife monitoring techniques and assist with research on wild horses and > burros. More information about our research projects can be found at > https://www.fort.usgs.gov/wildhorsepopulations > > Description: > Field work in 2017 will be part of a five-year study examining the demography > and behavioral ecology of wild horses and burros in three different Herd > Management Areas (HMAs) in Utah and one in Arizona. The successful applicants > will use radio telemetry to locate wild horses or burros to determine > demographic parameters, and/or to conduct behavioral observations. Positions > available will focus on behavior and demography of either wild horses or wild > burros. There is potential for exemplary field technicians to continue work > as graduate students at CSU, pending successful admittance to the university. > > Field work will be rigorous, requiring extended hiking across all terrains in > remote areas, frequently off-trail on high slopes. Work will be conducted > under variable weather conditions at elevations above 6,000 feet, with the > potential for both extreme heat and temperatures below freezing. Independence > and a tenacious work ethic are essential. Behavioral observations require a > great deal of patience and ability to spend many hours watching animals > simply graze or rest. The positions are located in remote field sites, > necessitating excellent teamwork and flexibility, good communication skills, > and a positive attitude. Housing will be provided at the field sites, and > will consist of shared trailers, or tents. No internet service is available > in the housing, and cell service is patchy in most locations. > > We have openings for up to 6 field technicians that can commit for the entire > field season: mid-March through September 2017. There may be some ability to > truncate the season, so please state your availability in your application, > as well as your desire to work with wild horses versus wild burros if you > have a preference. > > Field technicians will be employed by Colorado State University at a salary > of $14/hr. This is an hourly position based on a 40-hour work week, although > due to the nature of field work longer work hours may be incurred. No over > time compensation is provided, and the positions are not eligible for paid > sick leave, or paid vacation. > > Duties and responsibilities (depending on position): > Locating radio-collared or radio-tagged individual animals using radio > telemetry. > Collecting demographic data, recording data, and entering it in to a database. > Collection of behavioral data, recording data, and entering it in to a > database. > Maintaining databases and proofing data that has been entered. > Participation in related field research projects as needed (this may entail > travelling to a different herd area). > > Skills needed: > • Familiarity with use of GPS and/or map and compass. > • Maintaining and safeguarding personally assigned and project equipment. > • Assisting in routine maintenance of housing. > • Ability to drive 4WD vehicles across varied and rugged terrain. > • Completion of necessary CSU or USGS safety courses and certifications. > • Excellent communication skills required to remain in contact with remote > supervisor during protracted fieldwork. > > Minimum qualifications: > • One year of laboratory or field research, or any equivalent combination > of experience, training and/or education. > • A state driver’s license valid during period of employment (any US > state). > • Ability to hike in backcountry covering 4-5 miles each day while > carrying a 35lb pack. > > Preferred qualifications (in addition to above): > • Bachelors degree in wildlife science, biology or related discipline. > • Experience with radio telemetry in field conditions. > • Experience with behavioral observations of mammals under natural > conditions. > • Understanding of animal behavior and ecology. > • Ability to manage and maintain a computer database. > > To apply send both a letter of interest and resume with contact information > for two references to Sarah King at sarah.k...@colostate.edu. Clearly state > how your experience qualifies you for this position, and your availability. > > Deadline for receipt of applications is January 22, 2017. > > >
