USGS PATUXENT WILDLIFE RESEARCH CENTER
Amphibian Research Technicians Needed ­


 
The U.S. Geological Survey’s Amphibian Research and Monitoring Initiative
Northeast program will be hiring 6 student contractors for field research
in 2013. Two student contractors will be hired for the spring (late March
through May 2012), with possibility of extension through September. An
additional 4 student contractors will be hired for the summer (late April
through July 2013), with possibility of extension through September. All
technicians will conduct amphibian surveys at National Parks and National
Wildlife Refuges in Maryland, Virginia and the District of Columbia.
Technicians will work on one of two teams; the first will focus on
amphibians in several National Parks in the Mid-Atlantic region, including
work in high-elevation habitats of Shenandoah National Park. The second
team will focus on stream salamanders and will work in National Parks and
other protected areas in the northeastern United States. Field work
involves identifying, catching, measuring, and marking amphibians, as well
as collecting water quality and environmental data. The students will be
required to conduct field surveys using techniques including visual
encounter surveys, dip netting, stream transect searches, temporary
removal sampling, and conducting a mark-recapture study using visual
implant elastomer. All fieldwork will be conducted as part of teams of 2-3
people, so a demonstrated ability and desire to work effectively with a
group is imperative. Additional assistance conducting surveys and
experiments involving the federally endangered  Shenandoah salamander may
also be required.

 
The position requires completion of academic coursework related to
wildlife biology. Previous field experience with amphibians common in the
Northeast US is highly recommended. The position requires the use of GPS
units, digital cameras, and computer software for data entry and
presentation (e.g. Microsoft Excel, Access). Technicians may also be asked
to mark amphibians with injectable florescent elastomer. All of the work
is outdoors, sometimes under harsh or hot conditions or in rain/snow. The
technician needs to be in good physical condition, as the job requires
long hours in the field (including some night-time surveys) and hiking
with up to 25 pounds of equipment for extended periods of time on rocky,
steep terrain. The technician must be willing to go on overnight field
trips to Shenandoah National Park, VA, and other parks throughout the
northeastern US, which will typically last 4-12 days at a time.
Accommodations for overnight field work will be provided. Technicians must
be able to work at least 40 hours per week. Technicians are responsible
for all costs of transportation to and from Patuxent. Government vehicles
are available for all field work initiated from Patuxent. Housing costs
are not included, but some housing may be available on center. Every
attempt will be made to assist technicians in finding affordable housing
in the area. Compensation is commensurate with the level of education and
experience (approximate wages are $10-16/hour).
 

Only applicants who are current or recent students (graduated within 12
months of start date) are eligible for these positions.
 

Principal Duty Station:
USGS Patuxent Wildlife Research Center
12100 Beech Forest Road
Laurel, Maryland 20708-4038

To apply, send the following two documents to Will Fields at
the above address or via email ([log in to unmask]; preferred) by
December 20, 2012:
1) Letter of intent (please specify whether you are available for work in
the spring, summer, or both) and resume, including previous field
experience, list of classes taken, contact information, and contact
information for three references
2) One piece of evidence of current or recent (within past 12 months)
enrollment in degree program (e.g., unofficial transcript, enrollment
verification, a current registration card).

 
Evan H. Campbell Grant, PhD
NE Amphibian Research and Monitoring Initiative
USGS Patuxent Wildlife Research Center
 
NOTE NEW ADDRESS and PHONE:
Conte Anadromous Fish Laboratory, 1 Migratory Way, Turners
Falls MA 01376
phone: 413.863.3854 fax: 413.863.9810
 
http://profile.usgs.gov/professional/mypage.php?name=ehgrant