Pay Rate: $1528 bi-weekly
Duration: April 29 - July 3, 2024 (start date now flexible - could be early or mid-May instead)
Primary Location: Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument near Ashland, OR

DESCRIPTION: Klamath Bird Observatory (www.klamathbird.org) is still seeking to fill a Field Technician position in our Oregon Vesper Sparrow research program for the 2024 field season. We are conducting an inventory of the size and distribution of Vesper Sparrow populations in the Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument, to assess population status and potential conservation actions for this imperiled subspecies.

Full info: https://klamathbird.org/about-kbo/careers-and-opportunities/

The Velotta Lab in the Department of Biological Sciences is seeking to hire one seasonal field technician to assist with research on the ecology of deer mice (Peromyscus maniculatus) in Colorado and in collaboration with Nathan Senner’s lab at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. The project is focused on understanding how deer mouse physiology and population dynamics are influenced by parasites and environmental variation. The field technician will assist with all aspects of fieldwork, with opportunities for learning research skills throughout the season.

The position will run from May 15, 2024 - October 15, 2024. Airfare, shared field housing, food, all necessary equipment, and a stipend of $18.50/hour will be provided.

Apply by May 1st.

Full info: https://jobs.du.edu/en-us/job/497191/field-technician-velotta-lab

Description: We are seeking field technicians to assist in a project analyzing the effects of wetland management regimes on mosquito control, moist-soil seed production, and wetland bird diets at Bird Haven Ranch in Butte City, CA during summer 2024. The technician would work with a highly interdisciplinary team of UC Davis ecologists and entomologists (John Veon [Graduate Student]; John Eadie, Daniel Karp, and Sharon Lawler [Professors]) as well as wetland managers and practitioners. Field responsibilities will include collecting and helping to analyze samples of aquatic macroinvertebrates, water quality measurements, moist-soil seed abundance and biomass, fecal matter from waterfowl and flycatchers for eDNA diet assessments, as well as conducting wetland vegetation assessments. After a training period, the technician will learn to identify macroinvertebrates accurately to family (genus and species when possible) and sort them appropriately; identify moist-soil seeds to family (genus and species when possible) and sort them appropriately and help to derive biomass estimates; enter data into spreadsheets and develop protocol write-ups as needed.

Fieldwork will begin approximately in mid- to late May. However, the arrival date for the successful applicant is somewhat flexible (early to late May), but early May is preferred. The technician will work within a consistent daily schedule as deemed by the project team, although some days may be longer or shorter, but averaging a 40-hour work week. The technician will be provided with accommodation at no charge at Bird Haven Ranch in Butte City, CA (no rent or associated bills to pay). The housing facility has cell reception with most providers, cable TV, and Wi-Fi internet access. The technician will share the lodge with other university researchers. No pets. All work will be completed on the ranch and ATVs will be provided.

Qualifications: Applicants must have a positive attitude and be able to work with farmers, ranchers, hunters (the ranch is a hunting property), members of the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, and members of the Mosquito Vector and Control Association of California. Applicants, at times, must be capable of working alone with little supervision. A valid driver's license is necessary and experience driving a 4x4 vehicle is a plus. Preference will be given to those who can participate in all aspects of field collections, those that have prior field experience and experience identifying macroinvertebrates, and those that have an ability to work in heat (as deemed safe by university standards).

Project Dates: The successful applicant will report in early to late May 2024 and will work through late September 2024. There may be some down time before the project gets started. However, we will involve the technician in project preparation.

Salary: Approximately $19-$26 per hour (based on experience), housing is provided but field crews purchase and prepare their own food.

Application Materials: Please e-mail a single PDF of a cover letter, CV/resume, and contact information for three references to John Veon at jtveon@ucdavis.edu. The subject header of the e-mail should read "Integrated Wetland Management Technician Application".  The initial review date is April 11th, 2024. However, we will begin the interview process as applications are received and the application period will remain open until the position is filled. At present, two technicians are needed, but three applicants will possibly be hired.

Fire Ecology Internship - currently recruiting a seasonal technician-level position to support a research project about the influence of burn season and climate on fire-caused tree mortality. The focus is on smaller trees to help inform decisions about prescribed burning in the western US. This opportunity is located in Missoula, Montana at the US Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station Fire Sciences Laboratory. For more details and to apply see:  https://zintellect.com/Opportunity/Details/USDA-USFS-RMRS-2024-0070

The Abella Conservation Ecology lab (Dr. Scott Abella, Associate Professor, School of Life Sciences) at the University of Nevada Las Vegas is hiring several field and lab positions for summer 2024. Please check out https://abellaappliedecologylab.wordpress.com/about-us/opportunities/

We are taking applications throughout March and anticipate beginning interviews late March into early April. Open positions are listed by project type or location and the open positions available for that project.

California/Nevada, Dryland soils/soil ecology (1 project, 2-3 positions):

• Soil sampling and laboratory processing (stationed in Las Vegas (UNLV); in collaboration with Dr. Nicole Pietrasiak's lab at UNLV). Interviews are anticipated to occur Monday, April 1 in the afternoon, Tuesday, April 1 in the afternoon, and Thursday, April 4 in the morning.
• 1-2 Field and laboratory technician(s) (must meet minimum qualifications; see below), $3,500-$3,800/mo, 2-6 mo June - July 2024, possibility of extension after review and depending on funding
• 1 Early career field and laboratory technician, $20/hr, up to 400 hrs, July-August 2024

Plants/plant ecology (2 projects, up to 8 positions):

Grand Canyon (2 locations, North and South rims)

• Grand Canyon, North Rim rare plant surveys (stationed at North Rim; NPS housing/camping)
• 2 Field technicians positions (must meet minimum qualifications; see below), $3,700-$3,900/mo, 3 mo, June - August 2024

Grand Canyon, South Rim rare plant surveys (stationed in Las Vegas; camping)

• 2 Field technician positions (must meet minimum qualifications; see below), $3,700-$3,900/mo, 2 mo, June - July 2024       
• 1 Early career greenhouse/laboratory technician, $20/hr, up to 400 hrs, July - August 2024

Southwestern Utah, pinyon-juniper plant community surveys (stationed in Las Vegas):

• 1 Project Manager, $4,500-$4,700/mo, 4 mo to start (June - September 2024) and up to 12 mo; possibility of extension to up to 24 mo after review and depending on funding
• 1 Botanist/Field technician position, $4,000-$4,100/mo, 4 mo, June - September 2024  
• 1 Field technician (plants), starting $3,500-$3,600/mo, 4-6 mo, June - September (November) 2024

Activities and responsibilities differ among available positions.

Minimum qualifications for all field positions:

• -A current and valid U.S. state driver's license and no personal at-fault accidents during the last 3-5 years
• -For full-time monthly salaried positions, a Bachelor's degree in the sciences, biology, ecology, environmental science, microbiology, or a related degree. If a degree is in another field but you have outdoor or biology fieldwork experience, please inquire before applying. Individuals working to complete a Bachelor's will be considered for full-time hourly wage positions
• -Outdoor experience hiking off trail cross country across uneven terrain; field navigation using map, compass, GPS, or other navigation software; hiking and camping potentially in adverse weather conditions
• -Field work experience such as data or sample collection in a field/outdoor setting (1 year)
• -Some plant identification (plant guides, online resources), soil survey or assessments, OR soil microbial ecology experience, depending on the position applying to
• -Some science laboratory experience (academic, professional)
• -Computer experience, including data entry using data management programs (e.g., Microsoft Office, Open Office, Google products, etc.)

Preferred qualifications differ for each position. Please review on website.

To submit applications: Please provide a resume or CV and a brief letter of interest highlighting your relevant background and skills as they pertain to the position(s) of interest. Please note to which position(s) you are applying in your letter. Please do not include references. References will be requested if your application is selected for further review. Applications from applicants meeting the minimum requirements will be shared with Project PIs.

Email applications to lindsay.chiquoine@unlv.edu. Include in the subject line Research Assistant spring/summer 2024 for field technician positions, Botanist/Field technician 2024 for the Utah Botanist positions, or Project Manager 2024 for the Utah Project Manager position, otherwise your email will be missed.

Full-time positions are either hourly without benefits or temporary-limited Letter of Appointment salaried positions with benefits that include healthcare. All positions require mandatory participation in the FICA Alternative Plan, as per the university policies. Please review these before applying on the UNLV website.

For all positions, the applicant must be willing to be in email or phone communication sometime during the last two weeks of May 2024 to initiate the contract process. For all positions, the applicant must report to campus on or before Monday, June 3, 2024 on a business day to present personal identification in person following the Federal I-9 form to complete contract initiation.

Before applying, review climate conditions for the region of interest: southern NV, southeastern CA, southwestern UT, or northwestern AZ. We strongly encourage reviewing rental availability or investigating living situations for the Las Vegas area before applying to positions stationed in Las Vegas. We cannot guarantee a schedule that accommodates individuals desiring to be stationed out of town.  Visits to UNLV and the lab will be required for personnel.

The University of Nevada, Reno is seeking one field technician to assist in collecting data to estimate densities and site occupancy of two woodrat species along a secondary contact zone. The technician will primarily be working directly with the PhD student assisting with trapping woodrats and entering data; however, some independent work may be required.

Weather permitting, traps will be opened at dusk and checked approximately six hours later with the setting of traps occurring during the day. Technicians must be flexible to last minute schedule changes and exhibit a positive attitude. This is not a Monday-Friday, 9-5 job. Work will largely occur at night and hours will vary day to day - whatever is required to finish the work accurately. Technicians should generally expect to work a 6 days on/1 day off schedule, though off days may not occur on the same day each week.

The technician will be required to carry traps, navigate and geolocate through dense brush, handle woodrats, take morphometric measurements, take non-invasive genetic samples, collect fecal samples, collect fleas and ticks, and take accurate notes while processing animals. Finally, the technician must be observant and must be able to identify woodrats and distinguish their middens or be able to pick up these skills quickly. Excellent verbal communication skills are required as is a positive attitude towards supporting the team to achieve maximum project outcomes.

Project will run from early/mid-May through the end of August 2024, with a possible multi-week long break in June. Shared housing will be provided. Salary is $2,800/month.

Qualifications:

• Applicants must have a valid driver's license and ideally their own vehicle for personal use.
• Technician will ideally
• Have small mammal trapping experience (woodrat experience is a plus)
• Possess knowledge and ability to identify small mammals
• Be able to maintain detailed, organized notes
• Be able to maintain communication to support team morale and shared achievements
• Be able to navigate to dense vegetation and mark waypoints with a GPS unit
• Be physically fit enough to walk multiple miles a day, sometimes while heavy bags of traps and other supplies, and the ability to remain on their feet for most the day
• Be observant, a quick learner, and have an interest in small mammals/wildlife
• Be able to deal with temperature extremes (both hot and cold)
• Adaptable to an extremely varied sleep schedule

Please submit a cover letter, CV, and contact information for three references (phone and email) by email to Anita Montero (amontero@unr.edu) and Marjorie Matocq (mmatocq@unr.edu).  We will begin reviewing applications on March 15 and continue until the position is filled.

Maine Department of Marine Resources/Maine Coastal Mapping Initiative seeks multiple full-time contracted wildlife observers/sonar technicians to collect marine mammal and seabird observation data and assist with seafloor sonar mapping during the 2024 survey season.

The wildlife observer/sonar technicians will be responsible for collecting observational data on marine mammals and seabirds encountered during daylight-hour sonar surveys in the Gulf of Maine, and will also contribute to continuous vessel operations on multi-day trips by assisting a hydrographer (the on-vessel team leader) in running a multibeam echosounder (MBES) sonar system. Wildlife observations are required for vessel observations in federal waters.

The wildlife observer/sonar technicians will be responsible for entering marine mammal and seabird sightings data into an electronic data collection platform. The observers/technicians will also assist the hydrographer in collecting seafloor sonar and backscatter data in our offshore priority mapping areas to allow for continuous vessel operations. Between survey trips, the wildlife observer/sonar technicians will perform QA/QC on seabird and marine mammal data; run R scripts to analyze the data; and may also assist with sample preparation and processing in the benthic ecology laboratory.

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES:

• seabird and/or marine mammal identification
• vessel-based experience, especially in offshore environments
• knowledge of physical oceanography, marine science, marine ecology, or similar competencies that relate to the tasks and descriptions above
• field data collection experience
• prior experience with sonar operations is a plus

LOCATION WHERE THE WORK WILL BE PERFORMED: Maine Department of Marine Resources (Boothbay Harbor), and on contracted vessels operating in offshore waters in the Gulf of Maine.

APPLICATION DEADLINE AND PROCEDURE: Rolling deadline; application review begins March 1, 2024.  Please submit a cover letter, a resume (no length restriction) outlining your experiences and how you meet the knowledge, skills, and abilities listed above, and contact information for at least two references to: recruiter@tristatestaffing.com with the subject line of "DMR – Wildlife Observer/Sonar Tech".

COMPENSATION AND HOURS:

• Pay rate: $16.54/hour.
• Estimated 40-hour average work week although this may be highly variable. Most vessel excursions will be 4-5 days at up to 12 hours/day, but with time off in between trips.

CONTACT INFORMATION: Jesse Minor, PhD., Program Lead, Maine Coastal Mapping Initiative, 207-350-7816, jesse.minor@maine.gov

The Gratton Lab at UW-Madison is currently hiring for summer 2024 field assistants, and we're looking for outstanding undergrads and college graduates who might like to apply. Multiple positions are available to work with beneficial insects in agricultural landscapes. To apply, please visit our website: https://gratton.entomology.wisc.edu/2024/02/07/we-are-hiring-for-summer-2024/. 

Summer Research Assistant: Grassland Insect Ecology, Dave Branson Lab

The USDA, Agricultural Research Service, Northern Plains Agricultural Research Laboratory in Sidney, MT is seeking an enthusiastic and hard-working individual to assist with summer research.  Our research examines the effects of fire and livestock grazing on grasshoppers and other insect populations, as well as defining biotic and climatic factors that influence grasshopper outbreaks and how changing climate affects these cycles.  Additionally, we are interested in how grasshoppers influence grassland health, grazing system sustainability and nutrient cycling relationships between grasshoppers and their environment.

Duties:  This position will involve a mix of field and laboratory work including sampling and catching grasshoppers and other insects, sampling vegetation and soils, field site setup, and potential cage study manipulations.  Laboratory duties may include sorting and processing insect and plant or soil samples, as well as data entry.  These duties can require extended periods of standing or sitting while performing detailed tasks, as well as long days in the field.  Most of our field work will be conducted in the Little Missouri National Grassland in Eastern North Dakota as well as on field sites associated with ARS labs in Miles City, Montana and Mandan, North Dakota, and across Eastern Montana.  Overnight travel to field sites may be required, with government vehicles provided.

Qualifications:  The candidate must be a US citizen, with a valid driver's license.  The candidate should be physically fit and comfortable spending long hours outside in field conditions, including dealing with heat and changing weather conditions, potential biting insects, and the stray cactus.  This position requires being able to walk rapidly over rangeland while sweeping for insects.  Willingness to work long days and the occasional weekend is a must.  Undergraduate coursework in ecology, entomology, or range science, and previous field research experience is preferred but not required.

Pay:  Full time, GS2-GS3 ($13.84-$15.10 per hour) dependent on experience and education.  The candidate will receive overtime pay when working more than 40 hours per week.  

Dates:  May through September, depending on candidate's availability.  Please specify your available start and end dates in your application.

How to Apply: Please email a cover letter with availability for start and end dates; resume; college transcript (unofficial is fine); and the names and contact information of two references to nicole.davidson@usda.gov.  For more information about the research program visit:  https://www.ars.usda.gov/plains-area/sidney-mt/northern-plains-agricultural-research-laboratory/ or contact Nicole directly.  Evaluation of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

Title: Biological Science Aide
Series: 0404  Grade: GS2 or GS3
Vacancy Announcement Number: Seasonal L/A
Location: USDA-ARS Northern Plains Agricultural Research Lab, Sidney, Montana

Job Title: Seasonal Fisheries Intern and Technicians (field and laboratory)

Location: Center for Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, Eastern Illinois University, Charleston, IL

When: April/May through August of 2024, contract may be extended depending on performance.

Salary $15 per hour for technicians (~$2400 per month), $1200 per month stipend for interns

Description: The Center for Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences at Eastern Illinois University is seeking several seasonal fisheries interns and technicians to assist with general field and laboratory work associated with graduate research projects. Current projects include invasive carp reproductive ecology, stream fish community monitoring, and sportfish population dynamics on the Wabash River. Field work duties will include assisting graduate students with a variety of fisheries surveys, recording biological and environmental data, and maintaining field equipment. Fisheries surveys will be conducted on a variety of streams, rivers (Wabash and Illinois Rivers), and reservoirs throughout Central Illinois. Surveys will include barge electrofishing, electric seining, larval fish sampling, boat electrofishing, hoop netting, collection of water quality samples, and macroinvertebrate sampling. Laboratory work will include processing larval fish samples, assisting with water quality measurements, assisting with stream fish identification, assisting with fish aging techniques, and maintaining a clean and organized lab space.

Qualifications: Progress toward, or completion of a Bachelor of Science degree in biology or closely related field is preferred for intern. Previous experience with fisheries field or laboratory work is preferred for intern positions and required for technician positions. Must be willing to work extended hours in the field or lab, occasionally in inclement weather or conditions. Must be able to carry 40 pounds of gear into and out of sampling locations. Will include occasional overnight travel during multiple day surveys.

To Apply: For full consideration please apply by March 31st, 2024, however additional applicants may be considered until all positions are filled. Using subject line EIU Technician, Last Name, please email cover letter, CV or resume, and contact information for three professional references to:

Dan Roth
Fisheries Researcher and Laboratory Manager
Center for Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
Department of Biological Sciences
drroth@eiu.edu
217-581-3100

Forest pollinator field assistants – Blue Mountains, Oregon

Field assistants (3) needed from approximately May 13 - August 9, 2024 to assist with data collection for a large-scale field project evaluating the response of native bee communities to forest restoration treatments in eastern Oregon. This research project is evaluating how native bee communities respond to forest restoration treatments, including mechanical thinning and prescribed fire, undertaken to reduce fire risk in dry conifer forests. The project is being led by Dr. Jim Rivers in the Forest Animal Ecology Laboratory at Oregon State University, with field work taking place on the Malheur National Forest in the rugged and scenic Blue Mountains. Pay rate is based on previous research experience with a range of $600-$660/week; field assistants receive free housing and have free project-related transportation for the duration of the position. This project provides an excellent opportunity for highly motivated individuals interested in getting involved with applied field research on native pollinators.

Position description: Crew members will use insect sampling, vegetation sampling, and other survey techniques to collect data for evaluating how forest restoration treatments influence native bee communities and the resources upon which they depend. The crew will be stationed in shared field housing and will use university-provided vehicles for all work activities. This position may require camping, and field assistants need to provide their own camping gear. Field work will consist of physically demanding work in challenging field conditions (heat, cold, sun, steep slopes, loose rock, logging slash, stinging insects, hazardous plants); driving on secondary roads in remote areas; and navigating through difficult terrain. Working hours are variable and include some weekends depending on project needs, with an average of 40 hours per week.

Application information: Successful applicants will be self-motivated, have a strong work ethic, work safely at all times, be able to carry heavy gear (25+ lbs) on uneven terrain, work harmoniously in a group living situation, and maintain a positive disposition under challenging field conditions. They will also have a valid driver’s license and clean driving record, as well as a proven track record of working cooperatively in a team setting. Upon completion of this position, field assistants will attain proficiency in sampling native bee communities using passive (traps) and active bee capture methods (netting), measuring floral resources, quantifying habitat variables, undertaking data entry and data management, and working safely in a remote field setting.

Required qualifications:

• detail oriented with strong time-management skills
• comfortable conducting field research in remote locations
• ability to work long hours in all types of weather and field conditions
• ability to carry heavy gear (25+ lbs) on steep and uneven slopes
• ability to work harmoniously in a group living situation
• valid driver’s license and clean driving record

Preferred qualifications:

• 1+ years of experience conducting field research (1 seasonal position = 1 year of experience)
• experience measuring flowering plant communities, especially in dry conifer forests
• experience sampling insects in a field setting, especially native bees

Application Instructions: Applicants must submit a single PDF that contains all of the following elements - a cover letter that (1) provides evidence of the applicant’s qualifications for the position and (2) describes how this position fits into the applicant’s long-term career goals, a full-length curriculum vitae or resume, and the names, email, telephone, and mailing address of 3 professional references.  This single document should be emailed to OSUBeePositions@gmail.com with “Forest Pollinator Crew Application” in the subject line. Applications that are incomplete or that consist of multiple documents will not be considered. Review of applications will occur as they are received, and positions will remain open until suitable candidates have been selected.

Dates: May - September 2024 (~4-month appointment).  Please specify your available start and end dates in your application.

Job Description/Duties: The USDA, Agriculture Research Service, Northern Plains Agriculture Research Laboratory in Sidney, Montana is seeking an enthusiastic and hard-working individual to serve as a biological science aide for a project examining how semi-natural landscapes influence pest insects and their natural enemies (primarily parasitoid wasps) in both wheat and alfalfa systems. Research is focused on developing ecologically based, sustainable and environmentally friendly approaches to pest management. This position involves a mixture of field work (~75%), and greenhouse and lab work (~25%). Some regional travel (*following USDA COVID guidelines) is required. The successful candidate will gain hands on experience with insect and plant field sampling methods, set up and maintenance of experiments and insect rearing and identification, and the chance to work with the diverse fauna associated with diverse agricultural systems in a team-oriented research environment.

Salary: $16.68-$17.01 per hour (GS-2 or 3) depending on experience and education. The candidate will receive overtime pay when working above the base work schedule of 40 hours a week. On-job travel expenses are reimbursed. Housing not provided.

Qualifications: Candidate must be a US citizen, with a valid driver's license.  Additionally, candidate should be physically fit, and comfortable spending time outside in uncomfortable field conditions (hot, biting insects etc.). Willingness to work long days, and weekends when necessary is also a must. Undergraduate course work in ecology or entomology, and previous field and lab work experience is preferred but not required.

Application process: Please send cover letter, resume and names and contact information of two-three references (electronically) in a single file to Dr. Judith Herreid (judith.herreid@usda.gov) and Dr. Tatyana Rand (tatyana.rand@usda.gov).

Open Period: Evaluation of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. For more information on our research program visit our website at https://www.ars.usda.gov/plains-area/sidney-mt/northern-plains-agricultural-research-laboratory/ or contact us via e-mail.

Title: Biological Science Aide
Series: 0404  Grade: GS2 or GS3

• Job: Summer Research Assistant - Plant Ecology
• Hours of work: 40 hours per week (4 x 10 hour days per week)
• Salary: $2770 per month. On-site housing is provided. Three days of PTO and three paid holidays included.
• Dates: May 20 - August 15, 2024 (13 weeks; start and end times may be flexible)
• Two positions available. Interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis.

Thunder Basin Prairie Ecosystem Association (TBGPEA) is a non-profit organization established to provide private landowner leadership in developing a responsible, science-based approach to long-term management of the lands of its members.  Over the last ten years the Association has focused its efforts on developing ecosystem-based conservation measures. These measures are designed to address the habitat needs of species of concern in northeastern Wyoming in balance with the need for sustainable economic and social activities and preservation of cultural values.

TBGPEA is collaborating with the USDA-ARS Rangeland Resources Systems Research Unit (RRSRU) in Fort Collins, Colorado to develop new knowledge about ecological processes in Thunder Basin and apply this knowledge to improved management for production and conservation objectives. The Research Assistant will be supervised by the Board of TBGPEA with input from RRSRU scientists. The Assistant will be responsible for collecting scientific data from field experiments to evaluate how climate, fire, soils, grazing management, and global change affect ecological phases, states, transitions and thresholds in semi-arid rangeland ecosystems. If time permits, the Assistant may help evaluate Association member's property as part of the Candidate Conservation Agreement with Assurances implementation.

MAJOR DUTIES:  

• Collects soil and vegetation data and is responsible for quality assurance/quality control of data collected.  Keeps exact, detailed records of experimental data.  Provides data in an appropriate format for incorporation into computer spreadsheets. Makes and records observations of unusual happenings, phenomena or trends that might influence interpretation of plot or field data.
• Manages fieldwork program semi-autonomously; takes responsibility for solving problems and adapting to current conditions and events without constant supervision.
• Operates, maintains, cleans, repairs and constructs equipment used in plot and field experiments including, but not limited to, vehicles and field equipment.
• If time permits, the Assistant may participate in the development of livestock grazing management plans and may also collect ornithological or small mammal data.
• Ensures that all safety and environmental concerns are addressed to provide a safe work environment, and that activities in support of research in the Thunder Basin do not pose an environmental threat.

KNOWLEDGE REQUIREMENTS:

• Technical knowledge of plant identification, structure and function of plant communities, and theory and practice of rangeland management, and a familiarity with the methods of biological sciences such as biology, chemistry, botany, etc., in order to participate responsibly in most phases of the experimental process.
• Experience with bird and/or small mammal wildlife survey techniques is beneficial.
• Ability to do efficient and high-quality work without direct supervision. Ability to proactively solve problems and manage tasks adaptively in order to get the job done on time.
• Skill in the use of personal computers to utilize software packages such as: word processing, data entry and manipulation in spreadsheets (e.g., Excel).
• Communication skills necessary to follow directions precisely and produce positive interactions with scientists, research personnel, and the general public.
• Knowledge of range science, soil science, general biology and ecology.
• Practical knowledge of general vehicle maintenance and repair. Knowledge of safe operating procedures when using equipment or vehicles. Knowledge of UTV operation and safety is beneficial.
• Practical knowledge of livestock management and nutrition for use in development of livestock grazing management plans.

COMMUNICATION CONTACTS: Personal contacts are broad including TBGPEA members; scientists, technicians and graduate students from other institutions or other federal agencies; action agencies; non-governmental organizations; vendors and contractors; state or local government entities; visitors and the general public.  Personal contacts within the RRSRU involve support and assistance to scientists and support staff. The purpose of personal contacts is to mutually accomplish technical and support work; assist in planning and coordinating work efforts; discuss technical requirements of equipment with manufacturers and resolve problems concerning the work or the peculiar needs of the organization; coordinate help with other research projects; exchange information about research techniques; obtain supplies and equipment.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The work requires standing, walking, bending and lifting of objects weighing as much as 50 pounds.  Certain phases of the work require extended (such as most of a work day) periods of standing or sitting while accomplishing detailed experimental procedures.  Some procedures require stamina and endurance.  Need to have the physical capability to perform required duties without hazard to self or others when working with machinery, cattle, horses, fire or chemicals. 

WORK ENVIRONMENT: The job is located in a remote part of NE Wyoming. Weekend transportation to and from Fort Collins, CO is available. The work environment is about 85% in the field and 15% in the shop or office.  The work involves regular and recurring moderate risks or discomforts which require special safety precautions, e.g., working outdoors. Throughout the year, the person may encounter belligerent livestock, insects, dust and extremes of weather. The person is required to wear protective clothing (e.g., coats, boots, goggles, gloves, and respirator) as conditions warrant.

Send application materials (cover letter, resume, references, and college transcript) and questions to both:

Dave Pellatz
Executive Director
Thunder Basin Grasslands Prairie Ecosystem Association
671 Steinle Rd
Douglas, WY  82633
307-359-1328
dave@rswyoming.com

Lauren Porensky
Research Ecologist
Rangeland Resources Systems Research Unit
USDA-ARS
1701 Centre Ave.
Fort Collins, CO 80526 USA
970.492.7139
lauren.porensky@usda.gov