Field Research Technicians – Cornell Moose Project in Adirondacks of New York Summary: Three (3) research technician positions are available to assist in a research study to estimate the density of moose in the Adirondacks of New York. The methods employed involve the acquisition of moose scat from the landscape using detection dogs for subsequent individual identification by genetic analysis. Secondary sampling efforts will be undertaken to assess aspects of moose disease ecology. This is a collaborative study among the New York Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit at Cornell University, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, and the Wildlife Conservation Society. Job Description: Primary responsibilities include assisting the researchers and detection dog handlers in the collection of moose and deer scats, and measuring environmental/habitat characteristics along line transects. Secondary responsibilities include cataloguing the diversity & density of several gastropod species on plots on each transect, and performing laboratory diagnostic procedures to detect moose parasites within deer scats and gastropods. Working days will begin before dawn, and include vehicle travel & hiking to study sites. Technicians will join a research crew of up to seven people for the field season during June – August 2016. Qualifications: Ideal candidates are diligent, meticulous, observant, and have excellent communication skills. Candidates should be comfortable navigating with map and compass and GPS, hiking long hours in wilderness conditions, and managing elevated temperatures, biting insects, ticks, dense vegetation, and elevation. Ideal candidates will have a disciplined work ethic both during independent tasks and as a team-member. Applicants who have completed or are pursuing a B.S. degree in biology, natural resources, environmental studies or related field are preferred. Previous research, laboratory, and/or field experience will be beneficial to the applicant, but is not necessary. Preference will be given to applicants with a familiarity in differentiating deer, moose, and carnivore scats, and/or differentiating gastropod species. Applicants must be available for the full season from June through August; a valid driver’s license is required. Salary: $10-11 per hour, commensurate with experience. Field housing will be provided.
To Apply: Applicants should send a cover letter indicating their qualifications, a resume/CV, and contact information of 3 references to Alec Wong at [email protected]. Review of applications will begin on March 14, 2016.
