Description
The USGS Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center is seeking biological technicians (GS-4/5) and full-time volunteers for the summer to assist in research on American pikas and marmots. Bio-techs and a team of volunteers will be stationed at North Cascades National Park to survey pikas and marmots for the summer, while another group of volunteers will travel to remote locations across the West to survey pikas, retrieve microclimatic sensors, and survey microtopography for validation of LiDAR-based talus maps. Focused research for the latter group will occur within the Sapphire Mountains near Missoula, MT for about half of the field season. Work will involve frequent camping and strenuous hiking on rocky talus slopes throughout Montana, Idaho, Washington, and Oregon. Although breathtakingly scenic, accessing these locations is physically demanding, often requiring sustained hiking in remote, rocky, high-elevation locations. In particular, logistics involve navigating a 4WD vehicle on unmarked dirt roads, and then using map, compass, and GPS to day-hike or backpack off-trail to unmarked locations 1-12 miles from the vehicle. Some sites may require hikes that ascend upwards of 900 m in elevation. Assistants stationed at North Cascades will need to camp in the backcountry most weeks. Vehicles, equipment, and instruction in field techniques and safety practices will be provided. Volunteers will receive per diem and reimbursement of eligible expenses. Per diem rates generally range from $23 to $60/day depending on travel status (i.e. camping or not) and location. Field work will likely start in late June and extend through September (North Cascades) or mid-October (all others). Start and end dates may be negotiated to accommodate specific needs such as student volunteers resuming school in September. Because field-work will require extensive training in methods of data collection, we prefer that volunteers commit at least 2.5-3 months to the project. Students wishing to develop senior theses or earn academic credit for their volunteer efforts are encouraged to make arrangements with their University.
This solicitation aims to recruit volunteers and notify potential applicants that USGS will soon advertise for the bio-tech positions. If interested, please email a Word document or pdf that includes your resume, cover letter, and contact information for 3 or more references to Dr. Aaron Johnston (USGS Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center; ajohnston@usgs.gov (406) 994-7158) by 20 April 2016. Please include your dates of availability in the cover letter and indicate whether you wish to be considered for bio-tech or volunteer positions (or both). The bio-tech positions will be posted by USGS for a very short time after April 20, and the PIs will inform (in advance) all whom have expressed interest when and how to meet that narrow application window. Applications may be accepted after this date if positions remain unfilled.
Requirements
Requirements:
•Ability to hike on rockslides with a moderately heavy backpack in rugged, high-elevation areas.
•Familiar with navigation by maps, compass, and GPS
•Comfortable working and camping in remote, backcountry locations
•Critical-thinking skills, attention to detail, and positive attitude
•Valid driver’s license with a good driving record.
Desirable qualifications:
- Experience in backcountry navigation, GPS, and collection of field data.
- Interest in ecology, wildlife, climate, physical geography, and scientific research
- Plant ID skills
Job Information
Location:
Bozeman, Montana, 59715, United States
Job ID:
27762649
Posted:
April 5, 2016
Position Title:
Alpine mammal field assistants
Company Name:
USGS
Industry:
Ecology & Conservation of Mammals
Job Function:
Field Technician
Entry Level:
Yes
Job Type:
Temporary
Job Duration:
3-6 Months
Min Education:
H.S. Diploma/Equivalent
Min Experience:
None
Required Travel:
75-100%
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