Experienced technician needed for fawn survival study in WA Dates: mid-May through August 2017 (~3.5 months)
Location: northeastern Washington, near Spokane Description: An experienced technician is needed to lead deer fawn collaring efforts as part of an exciting new study examining interactions among carnivores and ungulates in northern Washington. This is a large collaborative multi-predator (wolves, cougars, coyotes, bobcats), multi- prey (white-tailed deer, mule deer, elk) study beginning in 2017. Wolves recolonized Washington starting in 2008, and the primary goal of the study is to assess their impacts on ungulates. The technician will be based in northeastern Washington and employed by the School of Environmental and Forest Sciences at the University of Washington. They will work on a team with other technicians, volunteers, PhD students, professors (Laura Prugh), and WDFW biologists. Duties: The primary duty of the technician will be to lead white-tailed deer fawn capture and collaring efforts. The technician will monitor collared does with VIT transmitter implants, search for fawns, collar fawns, and perform necropsies on mortalities. The technician may also assist with monitoring collared adult deer, elk, wolves, and cougars, investigating adult deer mortalities, and investigating location clusters from collared wolves and cougars. Other duties will include data entry and equipment maintenance. Qualifications: Applicants must have substantial previous experience collaring neonatal ungulates and be comfortable leading efforts with little to no training. The technician will work closely with an experienced technician who is familiar with the study area but who has not collared neonates. Applicants must have a bachelor’s or MS degree in wildlife ecology or a related field. In exceptional cases (e.g., two full seasons of experience), applicants who are currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree will be considered. Adaptability, a strong work ethic, excellent problem solving skills, attention to detail, and a positive attitude are highly desired characteristics. Ability to drive 4-WD vehicles on logging roads, hike long distances off trail and in rugged terrain, and to carry heavy (>30 lbs) packs is required. Compensation: $17 per hour To apply: Please send a cover letter, CV, and contact information for 3 references as a single PDF document to Carmen Vanbianchi (cvanbian...@gmail.com). To ensure full consideration, submit your materials by March 19, 2017.
