Please distribute: Job Announcement from Pacific Biodiversity Institute, 2013 July 3 Internship Announcement: Ponderosa Pine Ecosystem and Western Gray Squirrel Project
Pacific Biodiversity Institute (PBI) is seeking a conservation science intern to assist with studies of the state-threatened western gray squirrel and old-growth ponderosa pine forests in the Methow River watershed during the 2013 field season. The intern will also have opportunities to be involved in other projects related to wildlife ecology and conservation science. A link to the job announcement is here: http://www.pacificbio.org/jobs_interns/WesternGraySquirrel_internship_advert isement.html Project Description: This project involves studies of the habitat relationships between selected wildlife species, including the western gray squirrel and old growth ponderosa pine forests. A large part of the project involves coordinating the work of citizen science volunteers helping to locate western gray squirrels. Gray squirrels are located using non-invasive sampling tubes to identify visiting rodents by the appearance of unique types of hairs snagged on a sticky surface inside the tube. Western gray squirrels are known to favor lower elevation old growth pines. The Methow Valley is a good outdoor laboratory for studying ponderosa pine forests because it contains a diverse range of habitats for comparing wildlife habitat suitability. We are conducting this project in partnership with Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. Education and outreach are essential goals of the Ponderosa Pine Wildlife Project. We have a dedicated group of volunteers who help cover the Methow Valley. Additionally, our outreach efforts show that the public has a significant interest in learning more about ponderosa pine forests and western gray squirrels. Background: In the early 1900s, the Methow Valley had forests extensive forests with large, old ponderosa pine trees at lower and middle elevations. Studies of fire scars and historic burns indicate these forests were prone to frequent, low-severity wildfires occurring every 5 to 30 years. Pine forests support a diverse assemblage of wildlife species adapted to large, old trees, including western gray squirrels, pileated woodpeckers, white-headed woodpeckers, northern goshawks, gray wolves, grizzly bears and many other species. However, over a century of logging, fire suppression, development and grazing have significantly reduced the habitat quality and abundance of these stands. Now the old-growth ponderosa pine ecosystem is very rare and increasingly imperiled. The western gray squirrel (Sciurus griseus) is listed as a state-threatened species in Washington State. The Methow Valley is home to the North Cascades population, one of the last three remaining populations of western gray squirrels in the state. We are continuing our monitoring program, conducting distribution surveys, nest count surveys, and education outreach in the Methow Watershed. Our goals for this project are to continue distribution surveys and relative abundance estimates. We also want to develop a better understanding of the habitat needs of these squirrels. These goals will further scientific knowledge about gray squirrel distributions throughout the Methow Valley. Another goal is to provide information about western gray squirrel conservation to the local community. Location: Interns will work out of the PBI office in Winthrop, Washington. Travel will be required to various locations (sometimes remote) in the Methow Valley and the North Cascades. During some field excursions, camping may be necessary at the location of the field work. Duration: The position will be for 3 to 5 months (July to October or December) depending on the intern's availability and performance. Compensation: A meal reimbursement of $46 per day is available (about $920/month), depending on financial need and experience. We also will provide you with a very nice house to live in along the Chewuch River. Travel reimbursement will be granted based on mileage traveled to western gray squirrel field sites with a personal vehicle. Desired Qualifications: Coursework or experience in some (if not all) of the following areas is necessary. Training will be provided in areas where need experience. . Advanced degree in ecology, conservation biology, or wildlife biology, or bachelors degree and at least 2 years of field experience in at least one of these areas . Ability and interest in coordinating a diverse group of volunteers . Experience in field biology and/or ecology . Experience using GPS and photography equipment . Familiarity with GIS concepts and applications Other Necessary Qualifications: . Strong interest in conservation biology, wildlife ecology and management . Well-organized, especially in preparing for fieldwork and data recording . Ability to learn quickly . Ability to concentrate, output high quality work, and have fun in difficult situations . Physically fit, positive personality, and self-motivated . Ability and experience in fieldwork and cross country travel in rough, forested, mountainous terrain . Valid driver's license To apply: To apply for this position, please fill out a PBI Internship Application, as well as a Western Gray Squirrel Supplemental Application Form. These documents are located at: www.pacificbio.org/jobs_interns/Internship-ApplicationForm.doc www.pacificbio.org/jobs_interns/Internship-WGS-SupplementalApplicationForm.d oc E-mail applications are encouraged - [email protected] Pacific Biodiversity Institute, P.O. Box 298, Winthrop, WA 98862, Phone: 509-996-2490 About Pacific Biodiversity Institute - Mission: Pacific Biodiversity Institute combines innovative scientific research, education, and technical support to inspire, inform and enhance conservation partnerships. Our goal is a rich and enduring biological heritage. Vision: We envision a future rich in biological diversity in all forms and at all scales, allowing for the continued unfolding of natural ecological and evolutionary processes over time. We work at the forefront of biodiversity conservation, exploring new terrain through the use of professional and citizen scientists. Working in high conservation opportunity areas, PBI leads the way in developing new information and understanding to help realize this future. Read more about this project here: http://www.pacificbio.org/initiatives/wgs/gray_squirrel_background.html Peter Morrison Executive Director Pacific Biodiversity Institute PO Box 298 Winthrop, WA 98862 [email protected] http://www.pacificbio.org office phone: 509-996-2490
