Employment Opportunity: Research technicians for Cornell Moose
Project in Adirondacks, NY
Body:
Field Research Technicians Cornell Moose Project in Adirondacks of New York
Summary: Three (3) research technician positions are available to
assist in a research study to estimate the density of moose in the
Adirondacks of New York. The methods employed involve the
acquisition of moose scat from the landscape using detection dogs for
subsequent individual identification by genetic analysis. Secondary
sampling efforts will be undertaken to assess aspects of moose
disease ecology. This is a collaborative study among the New York
Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit at Cornell University,
the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, and the
Wildlife Conservation Society.
Job Description: Primary responsibilities include assisting the
researchers and detection dog handlers in the collection of moose and
deer scats, and measuring environmental/habitat characteristics along
line transects. Secondary responsibilities include cataloguing the
diversity & density of several gastropod species on plots on each
transect, and performing laboratory diagnostic procedures to detect
moose parasites within deer scats and gastropods. Working days will
begin before dawn, and include vehicle travel & hiking to study
sites. Technicians will join a research crew of up to seven people
for the field season during June August 2016.
Qualifications: Ideal candidates are diligent, meticulous, observant,
and have excellent communication skills. Candidates should be
comfortable navigating with map and compass and GPS, hiking long
hours in wilderness conditions, and managing elevated temperatures,
biting insects, ticks, dense vegetation, and elevation. Ideal
candidates will have a disciplined work ethic both during independent
tasks and as a team-member.
Applicants who have completed or are pursuing a B.S. degree in
biology, natural resources, environmental studies or related field
are preferred. Previous research, laboratory, and/or field experience
will be beneficial to the applicant, but is not necessary. Preference
will be given to applicants with a familiarity in differentiating
deer, moose, and carnivore scats, and/or differentiating gastropod
species. Applicants must be available for the full season from June
through August; a valid driver's license is required.
Salary: $10-11 per hour, commensurate with experience. Field housing
will be provided.
To Apply: Applicants should send a cover letter indicating their
qualifications, a resume/CV, and contact information of 3 references
to Alec Wong at <mailto:aw...@cornell.edu>aw...@cornell.edu. Review
of applications will begin on March 14, 2016.
______________________________________________
Alec Wong
PhD Student
New York Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit
Department of Natural Resources
302 Fernow Hall, Cornell University
Ithaca, NY 14853
