The Department of Environmental Conservation at the University of Massachusetts in Amherst, MA, and American Turtle Observatory (http://americanturtles.org) are seeking a biologist to help coordinate key aspects of a regional conservation plan for wood turtles (Glyptemys insculpta) from Maine to Virginia, and to undertake standardized field surveys for wood turtles in New England. The position will involve both office and field responsibilities and will run from April 15 to October 15 (start and end dates are negotiable). Office responsibilities will require careful management of sensitive endangered species data in Microsoft Excel, ArcGIS, and GoogleEarth; coordinating conference calls for different aspects of a regional project; synthesizing and analyzing regulatory and environmental review information; helping to prepare technical papers; preparing engaging technical assistance materials to improve habitat management for wood turtles; working with partners to refine existing species distribution, occupancy, and population models; and working collaboratively with biologists from UMass, ATO, Antioch University, and Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute to develop a conservation area network and a regional conservation plan. Field responsibilities will involve standardized visual encounter surveys for wood turtles along stream channels in both wild and urban environments; entering and proofing field data on a weekly basis; and following decontamination procedures to minimize the spread of pathogens.
For additional information, please visit: http://wfscjobs.tamu.edu/jobs/wood-turtle-conservation-biologist-massachusetts/
