STUDENT CONTRACTOR NEEDED
USGS PATUXENT WILDLIFE RESEARCH CENTER

The U.S. Geological Survey's Amphibian Research and Monitoring
Initiative Northeast program will be hiring 1 student
contractors/field technician in 2012/13. Student will conduct
amphibian surveys at National Parks and National Wildlife Refuges in
Maryland, Virginia and the District of Columbia (e.g. C&O Canal
National Historic Park, Patuxent Research Refuge, Prince William
Forest Park, Rock Creek Park, and Shenandoah National Park). Field
work involves identifying, catching, measuring, and marking
amphibians, and collecting water quality and environmental data. The
student 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.

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). Students 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. The student 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. The student must be
willing to go on overnight field trips, which may involve camping in
remote conditions to regional National Parks, which will typically
last 4-12 days at a time.

Student must be able to work at least 40 hours per week. Student is
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 students in
finding affordable housing in the area. Compensation is commensurate
with the level of education and experience, master’s degree
preferred ($12-14/hr).
Principal Duty Station:

USGS Patuxent Wildlife Research Center
12100 Beech Forest Road
Laurel, Maryland 20708-4038

To apply, send the following to Evan Grant via email
([log in to unmask]; subject: Amphibian Contractor Position) by 10 July 2013:
Letter of intent
Resume, including previous field experience, list of classes taken,
contact information, and two or three reference contacts
One piece of evidence of current or recent (within past 12 months)
enrollment in degree program (e.g., transcript, letter from
University admissions, a current registration card