The University of California Sierra Nevada Aquatic Research Laboratory and University of Hawaii will be hiring a field assistant for the Summer 2017 field season. Successful applicants will work on restoration efforts for endangered amphibians, and collect microbial samples to understand the stability of skin-associated microbial communities (the microbiome). The incumbent will work as part of a team to restore populations of the endangered mountain yellow-legged frog in the presence of the amphibian chytrid fungus, a widespread amphibian pathogen. Aims of the work are two-fold: (1) immediate restoration efforts and (2) understanding symbiotic microbial communities, which may influence these frogs’ response to pathogen infection. During the summer we will be conducting frog translocations, reintroductions of captive-reared frogs, capture-mark-recapture surveys to assess the status of frog populations established via translocation/reintroduction in previous years, visual encounter surveys, collection of skin swabs from frog populations to assess pathogen loads and symbiotic microbial communities, and collection of environmental microbial samples. The research will take place primarily at remote backcountry locations in Yosemite, Kings Canyon, and Sequoia National Parks. This research is part of a multi-year project funded by the National Park Service and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
To be considered for this position, you MUST have extensive backpacking experience at high elevations (>10,000 feet; this is not negotiable), be able to navigate across difficult trail-less terrain, be comfortable working alone in remote areas for hours at a time, and have a passion for conducting field research. Previous employees have typically been advanced undergraduates pursuing degrees in ecology or wildlife biology, or those having finished undergraduate or master's degrees in these fields. Assistants will be paid up to $18/hr depending on experience. Housing is provided at the Sierra Nevada Aquatic Research Laboratory near the resort town of Mammoth Lakes, California. When in the backcountry (which will be most of the time), assistants are also provided $30 per diem to cover food expenses and replacement of personal backpacking gear, and are reimbursed for use of a personal vehicle. The field season is expected to run from approximately mid-June to mid-September. The ideal candidate will have extensive backpacking experience in mountain environments, demonstrated leadership skills and experience working both as part of a group and individually, and previous experience conducting field research in remote locations. Previous experience in microbiology or microbial ecology is highly desirable. In addition, experience capturing and handling amphibians, inserting PIT tags, and conducting visual encounter surveys are all important skills relevant to these positions. The application period is December 22, 2016-January 20, 2017. Applications should include (1) a cover letter that details your backpacking and research experience (both field and laboratory) and states why you are interested in the position and would be an asset to the project, (2) a resume that includes contact information (email addresses and phone numbers) for three references who are familiar with your research and/or backpacking experience, and (3) transcripts from undergraduate and graduate (if applicable) institutions. Unofficial copies of transcripts are acceptable. To apply, email applications (formatted as a single PDF document, if possible) to Andrea Jani (amphibian.micro...@gmail.com) by January 20, 2017. Hiring will be completed by mid February.
