Position Title: Field Assistant/Wildlife Employment Agency: University of Colorado-Boulder Pay Rate: $2880 (total) for 6 weeks of work (July 12 - August 20, 2010) Location: Great Sand Dunes National Monument & Rocky Mountain National Park Materials Required: Resume, Cover Letter & 3 Job References Apply To: [email protected] (electronic submissions only) Last Date to Apply: May 28, 2010
JOB DESCRIPTION/MAJOR FUNCTION The University of Colorado-Boulder is hiring two field assistants to implement a monitoring protocol for the American pika (Ochotona princeps). The field assistants will locate and identify pika habitat (using provided maps and GPS coordinates), and conduct field surveys for pikas in Great Sand Dunes National Monument and Rocky Mountain National Park (both in Colorado). This is a temporary position anticipated to begin July 12 and end August 20 (2010), including all weekdays and some weekends during this period. Individuals must be ready to work long days in rugged terrain. Compensation: $2880 per field assistant, plus benefits. RESPONSIBILITIES Field data collection (90% of time, essential): Conduct pika surveys to determine site occupancy in these parks, documenting detection of pikas by sight and sound, as well as detection of pika scat, and haypiles. Surveys will also include habitat data collection and collection of scat samples for genetic and physiological analyses. Surveys will be conducted in rugged and remote locations, and field assistants will sometimes work alone. Accessing each survey site will require extensive travel time, including travel by car and on foot over rugged terrain. Data processing and equipment maintenance (10% of time, essential): Enter raw data into electronic spreadsheets for subsequent analysis. Assist with equipment maintenance and mapping projects. Coordinate field work and data entry with other survey crew members. Perform additional duties as assigned. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Knowledge of natural resource management practices, methods, and procedures. Education and/or experience directly relating to wildlife ecology/conservation or closely related field. Demonstrated ability to be a self-starter, while working well in a fast-paced strong team environment. Ability to hike rapidly for long distances over rough terrain. Willingness and ability to travel to parks by car, work unsupervised, work outdoors, work occasionally in evening hours and often in adverse field conditions (e.g. hot, dusty, rainy, cold, etc.). Strong interpersonal and organizational skills and attention to detail. Strong communication skills, both verbal and written. Must possess a valid drivers license and pass a driving record check. Must possess proficiency with computers. Employment may be contingent upon satisfactory completion of a criminal background and/or driving investigation. DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS * Experience with sign surveys or identification of animals and their sign in the field. Experience with GPS units and GIS software. Ability to operate a 4WD vehicle. Ability to make independent decisions without daily supervision. Basic First Aid and CPR certification. Experience with compass and clinometers. Experience with Microsoft Excel and/or Access. Ability to compile information for reports.
