The U.S. Geological Survey’s Amphibian Research and Monitoring Initiative Northeast program will be hiring 6-8 student contractors/field technicians in 2016. Two (2) technicians will be hired for the spring & summer period (early March through July 2016), and four to six (4-6) technicians will be hired for the late spring & summer periods (late April through July 2016); Three technicians will have the possibility of extension for work during the 2016 fall field season (September through October). These technicians will conduct amphibian surveys in Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia and the District of Columbia. The technicians will work on a team that surveys for amphibians within National Parks and National Wildlife Refuges in the Mid-Atlantic region, including work in the mountains of Shenandoah National Park. Surveys will include wetland-associated amphibians as well as stream salamander and terrestrial salamander populations. Field work involves identifying, catching, measuring, and marking amphibians, as well as collecting water quality and environmental data. The students will be required to conduct field surveys using techniques including visual encounter surveys, dip netting, stream transect searches, temporary removal sampling, and conducting a mark-recapture study using visual implant elastomer. All fieldwork will be conducted as part of teams of 2-4 people, so a demonstrated ability and desire to work effectively with a group is imperative. Additional assistance conducting surveys and experiments involving the federally endangered Shenandoah salamander may also be required.
The position requires completion of academic coursework related to wildlife biology. Previous field experience with amphibians common in the Northeast US is highly recommended. The position requires the use of GPS units, digital cameras, and computer software for data entry and presentation (e.g. Microsoft Excel, Access). Technicians may also be asked to mark amphibians with injectable florescent elastomer and take voucher specimens related to amphibian disease studies. All of the work is outdoors, sometimes under harsh or hot conditions or in rain/snow. The technicians needs to be in good physical condition, as the job requires long hours in the field (including some night-time surveys) and hiking with up to 25 pounds of equipment for extended periods of time on rocky, steep terrain. The technicians must be willing to go on overnight field trips to Shenandoah National Park, VA, and other parks throughout the northeastern US, which will typically last 4-12 days at a time. Accommodations for overnight field work will be provided. Technicians must be able to work at least 40 hours per week. Technicians are responsible for all costs of transportation to and from Patuxent. Government vehicles will be provided for all field work initiated from Patuxent. Housing costs are not included, but some housing may be available at the Patuxent Wildlife Research Center; please contact Andrew Dietrich if you have questions. Every attempt will be made to assist technicians in finding affordable housing in the area. Approximate wages are $13-16/hour; overtime pay is not provided. Only applicants who are current or recent students (graduated within 12 months of the position’s end date) are eligible for these positions. Principal Duty Station: USGS Patuxent Wildlife Research Center 12100 Beech Forest Road Laurel, Maryland 20708-4038 To apply, send the following to Andrew Dietrich at the above address or via email ([email protected]; preferred) by January 8th, 2016: 1) Letter of intent (please specify the time period in which you will be able to commit to this position) 2) Resume, including previous field experience, list of relevant course- work, contact information, and two or three reference contacts 3) One piece of evidence of current or recent (within past 12 months) enrollment in degree-seeking program (e.g., unofficial transcript, enrollment verification, a current registration card). Candidates who graduated prior to July 2015 are ineligible (*unless they have proof of acceptance into a graduate program beginning the following fall*). If you have questions, feel free to contact Andrew at 301-497-5842.
