Subject: Amphibian Research Technicians Needed
Description:
Amphibian Research Technicians Needed
USGS PATUXENT WILDLIFE RESEARCH CENTER
The U.S. Geological Survey's Amphibian Research and Monitoring
Initiative Northeast program will be hiring 2-4 student
contractors/field technicians in 2015. These technicians will be hired
for the spring/summer period (early March through July 2015), with
possibility of extension through October 2015.
These technicians will conduct amphibian surveys in Maryland, Virginia
and the District of Columbia. The technicians will work on a team that
focuses on amphibians within National Parks and National Wildlife
Refuges in the Mid-Atlantic region, including work in high-elevation
habitats of Shenandoah National Park. Surveys will include wetland-
associated amphibians as well as stream salamander and terrestrial
salamander populations. 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 2-4 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 and take
voucher specimens related to amphibian disease studies. All of the work
is outdoors, sometimes under harsh or hot conditions or in rain/snow.
The technicians 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 technicians 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 to Andrew Dietrich at the above address or
via email ([log in to unmask]; preferred) by January 31st, 2015:
1) Letter of intent (please specify the time period in which you will be
able to commit to this position)
2) Resume, including previous field experience, list of classes taken,
contact information, and two or three reference contacts
3) 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). Candidates who graduated
prior to July 2014 are ineligible.
If you have questions, feel free to contact Andrew at 301-497-5842.
Evan H. Campbell Grant, PhD
NE Amphibian Research and Monitoring Initiative: USGS Patuxent Wildlife
Research Center
Conte Anadromous Fish Laboratory, 1 Migratory Way, Turners Falls MA
01376
phone: 413.863.2462 fax: 413-863-9810
http://profile.usgs.gov/professional/mypage.php?name=ehgrant
Contact Person: Andrew Dietrich
Contact Email: [log in to unmask]
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