Subject: Avian Research Tech– Ecology, Distribution Modeling, and Disease

Description:
Recent Undergraduate (class of May 2013 or later): Avian Research Tech–
Ecology, Distribution Modeling, and Disease

Summary:
The USGS Patuxent Wildlife Research Center is searching for a highly
motivated and talented research technician to work on a suite of ecology,
spatial modeling, and avian disease research.  This student contract position
is currently funded for 1120 hours with the possibility of extension (see
details under Compensation below).
Statement of Work
Types of services required:  Examples of working tasks include conducting
waterbird surveys for a land-use change project in the Chesapeake Bay,
banding/resighting of terns on a local habitat restoration island, sampling
waterfowl for avian influenza, modeling waterfowl distributions using ArcGIS,
and assisting in related duties including data entry, analysis, writing, and
editing of research papers.  Knowledge of ArcGIS , Microsoft Office, and
statistical software such as R is beneficial. The candidate must be willing
to assist with various projects other than those mentioned previously.

Required expertise/skills:
The ideal candidate has a degree in Ecology, Wildlife Biology, Natural
Resources, or a related field and has previous GIS modeling, avian influenza
sampling and banding/resighting experience.  Must be highly motivated and
able to work independently. Other desired skills include previous experience
in banding and resighting birds, sampling for avian influenza, writing or
editing scientific papers, and running basic statistics.
Eligibility requirements:  To be eligible for a student contract position,
applicants must be either a currently enrolled student or a recent graduate.
To qualify as a student, the applicant must be enrolled at least half-time in
a degree-seeking program at an accredited college or university.  To qualify
as a recent graduate, the applicant must have graduated less than one year
ago. Applicants will be required to show proof of their student status or
recent graduation including official transcripts.  USGS employees, their
spouses, and children are not eligible to participate in this program.

Description of working conditions:  Work will be performed both in the office
environment located in Beltsville, Maryland and in the field. Field work is
often conducted from a boat.  Extreme weather (hot summers, cold winters,
high winds) and uncomfortable environments (biting insects) may be
encountered.  Extended periods of computer use will be required when not
conducting field work.

Compensation:  Hourly rate for this position is $17.56.  Student contractors
are paid only for hours worked (no holiday or leave benefits).  Rates for
students include cost of self-employment taxes for social security and
Medicare.  Student is responsible for all costs of transportation to and from
the principal duty station location.  The Government does not provide
housing, meals or other living expenses while working at the principal duty
station.

Approximate start date for the position is mid-November.  Initial contract
will include 1120 hours, with additional hours possible contingent on
funding.  The initial period of performance will be one year, with
possibility of renew for an additional year if funding allows.

Principal Duty Station:  USGS Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, 308 Center
Road, Beltsville, MD 20705.
How to apply:   To apply, send the following to
[log in to unmask] by November 1:
1)	Cover letter, resume and 3 references in a SINGLE Word or PDF document
titled with your name (eg. JohnDoe.doc or JaneSmith.pdf).


Contact Person: Patuxent Wildlife Reseach Center
Contact Email: [log in to unmask]