Job Title: Research Technician Location: Central Valley & Mojave Desert, California
Position Summary: Eight (8) Research Technicians will be hired through a contract with the California State University, Fresno Foundation to support California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s “Terrestrial Species Stressor Monitoring” project. As part of a resource assessment team, technicians will be responsible for implementing field surveys at selected sites throughout the Great Valley and Mojave Desert Ecoregions of California. The goal of this project is to monitor terrestrial wildlife populations (including birds, mammals, reptiles, & amphibians) and their vulnerability to drought and other stressors. Successful candidates will be responsible for deployment & retrieval of monitoring equipment, field data collection and management, and logistical coordination with other crews and CDFW staff. Specific data collection duties will include vegetation surveys and plant identification, avian point count surveys, visual encounter surveys for reptiles and amphibians, and opportunistic observations of other wildlife (e.g., scat, tracks, burrows, etc.). Field work will occur from mid‐March through July 2016, and may require up to 48 hours/week, Monday‐Friday. Teams will be assigned to either the Central Valley or Mojave Desert for the duration of the field season. Under the general direction of California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) Project Managers, the incumbent will be responsible for the following. Typical duties include, but are not limited to: -Extensive use of GPS and maps to navigate to individual study sites, both on foot and using 4‐wheel drive vehicles. -Set up, check, and take down camera stations and acoustic recorders, including following detailed protocols and troubleshooting sensitive electronic equipment in remote locations. -Collect biological data using standardized inventory methods, including vegetation surveys, amphibian and reptile visual encounter surveys, and bird point count surveys. Legibly and accurately enter data on paper forms. -Extensive travel to remote locations for up to a week at a time throughout the field season (March‐ July), including camping in remote locations. -Safely perform strenuous field work, including hiking long distances over rugged terrain in extreme weather conditions, carrying heavy equipment, and operating hand tools. -Communicate regularly with CDFW Field Coordinators and other teams regarding project logistics and completion status, equipment needs, personnel issues, and safety concerns. -Download electronic data, enter survey data into databases, and perform quality control checks of all data collected. -Prepare monthly reports such as time sheets, travel expense claims, and mileage logs. -Communicate effectively and professionally with landowners and the general public. -Other related duties as assigned. Requirements: -Bachelor's degree (B. A.) from four‐year college or university; or one to two years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience -Experience and/or educational background in biological surveying, field sampling, or studying/evaluating wildlife populations and habitats. -Proven ability to accurately collect, record, and report data, and adhere to data collection and safety protocols in a field setting. -Physical capability and endurance to safely and efficiently conduct field work in remote settings under inclement weather conditions, including the ability to hike off‐trail across steep, rough terrain, carrying heavy equipment. -Strong organizational skills and familiarity with common computer software programs (e.g., spreadsheets, word processing, databases, electronic mail). -Experience performing vegetation surveys and/or plant identification. Familiarity with California Central Valley and/or Mojave Desert plant species is preferred. -Experience conducting avian point count surveys and/or identifying bird species by vocalizations. Familiarity with California Central Valley and/or Mojave Desert bird species is preferred. -Experience identifying reptile and amphibian species and/or conducting visual encounter surveys for these taxa. Familiarity with California Central Valley and/or Mojave Desert species is preferred. -Experience interpreting camera trap photographic data is preferred. -Experience conducting bioacoustic monitoring is preferred. -Strong written and verbal communication skills. -Ability to maintain professional working relationships with supervisors and peers. -Ability and willingness to travel for up to a week at a time throughout the field season (March‐June), camping in remote areas. -Proficiency navigating with maps and handheld GPS. Familiarity with SPOT locators is preferred. -Valid driver’s license and safe driving record; 4‐wheel drive experience is preferred for Central Valley work, and is required for work in the Mojave Desert. Salary: $15.00 per hour. Benefits include vacation, sick, holiday pay, medical, dental, vision, and life insurance. Application review begins Friday, January 22, 2016. Position will remain open until filled. To apply, please visit the Human Resources page at www.auxiliary.com/auxhr/jobs.html for job announcement and application. Applications may be mailed, emailed, faxed or delivered in person to: California State University, Fresno Auxiliary Human Resources 2771 E. Shaw Ave. (there is no suite number) Fresno, CA 93710 Fax: (559) 278‐0988 E‐mail completed application & resume to: hr...@listserv.csufresno.edu
