Seasonal Job Opportunities: Sedge meadow bird/plant study in northern=20
Michigan
Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center seeks to contract with 3 current =
or recently graduated students for this summer for field work at Seney=20
National Wildlife Refuge in the upper peninsula of Michigan. The study=20
examines habitat and landscape factors influencing the distribution and=20
abundance of breeding birds, including yellow rails, in sedge meadows and=20
the response of these birds and vegetation to prescribed burning. Seney=20
NWR is well known for its extensive sedge meadows and bogs, avian=20
community, and long history of research.=20
We are seeking 3 individuals for the following positions (details below):=20
a lead biologist to lead nocturnal rail surveys, related habitat surveys,=20
and focused vegetation sampling, an assistant biologist to assist in the=20
same work, and a bird biologist to conduct breeding bird surveys and=20
related habitat surveys. The positions require individuals to work with=20
minimal supervision, function as a team to execute field work, and=20
integrate into a busy refuge. All must be willing to work long hours,=20
including nighttime and early mornings as needed, be in very good physical =
condition for lots of walking, and be able to deal with variable=20
temperatures and high densities of black flies, mosquitoes, and deer and=20
horse flies. Housing is available on the refuge. These positions are=20
student services contracts; hence each applicant must be a student or have =
been a student within the past 12 months as of the start date (below). Pay =
rate includes an amount for self-employment taxes. Ability to start work=20
as scheduled is important ?spring doesn?t wait!
Lead biologist: Work period 5 May-24 October (total 1130 hrs); estimated=20
pay rate $15.25/hr. Position requires a B.S. or B.A. degree in wildlife,=20
natural resources, botany, or related field and field experience.=20
Vegetation work requires experience and abilities to identify plant=20
species in the field (including grasses and sedges), accurately key out=20
plants, and collect and archive voucher specimens. Some training on=20
regional species will be provided, but previous experience and=20
demonstrated botanical abilities are critical. Bird knowledge and=20
experience desirable; must have good hearing. Must demonstrate skills and =
experience in collecting accurate and complete data under field=20
conditions, ability to work independently in remote field conditions=20
(including at night), and ability to lead 1 to several individuals in the=20
field. Should also be able to drive 4WD vehicles and use computers=20
(specifically Windows operating system, Excel, and Word). Must have a=20
valid driver?s license for operation of federal vehicles.=20
Bird biologist: Work period 12 May-22 August (total 675 hrs); estimated=20
pay rate $15.25/hr. Position requires a B.S. or B.A. degree in wildlife,=20
natural resources, or related field and field experience. Excellent=20
hearing is required for bird surveys. Must demonstrate skills and=20
experience in identifying breeding passerines and other birds, collecting=20
accurate and complete data under field conditions, and ability to work=20
independently in remote field conditions. Must have a valid driver?s=20
license for operation of federal vehicle.=20
=20
Assistant biologist: Work period 5 May-29 August (total 765 hrs);=20
estimated pay rate $13.62/hr. Requires at least 2 years of college=20
coursework in wildlife, natural resources, or related field. Experience=20
with field data collection and bird surveys desirable. Must have good=20
hearing and have a valid driver?s license for operation of federal=20
vehicle. Prescribed burning experience, S-190 & 192 fire training=20
courses, and a Red Card are a plus but not necessary.
For complete details about these positions, please contact Jane Austin via =
email or phone:=20
Jane Austin
US Geological Survey
Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center
8711 37th Street SE
Jamestown, ND 58401
Phone: 701-253-5510
Fax: 701-253-5553
Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
***************************************************
When we talk among ourselves, all we get back are echoes.=20
But when we talk with others of a different mind, we are made to think.=20
And it is in thinking that we learn, and in learning that we grow.
Romeo LeBlanc, Governor General of Canada
