Job Description The University of Waterloo’s Natural Gas Reclamation in the Sagebrush- Steppe Project is seeking bird research technicians to assist with avian point counts, monitoring greater sage-grouse fitted with GPS backpack trackers, nest productivity monitoring (songbirds and sage-grouse), and vegetation sampling. The research will be conducted in large-scale natural gas reclamation areas in sagebrush habitat in the Powder River Basin, Wyoming. The objective of this component of the research is to better understand the response of sagebrush obligate birds to landscape scale habitat reclamation. Lodging will be provided in Buffalo or Sheridan, Wyoming. The work term will be from 01 May to approx. 31 August 2017 (exact end dates are somewhat flexible).
Primary Duties • Conducting avian point-count surveys • Songbird nest searching and nest productivity monitoring • Greater sage-grouse monitoring and tracking • Microhabitat vegetation sampling • Data entry and data proofing • Operating 4x4 vehicles • Operating ATV’s Work will require long hours in the field in adverse weather condition, working alone and hiking long distances. Technicians must be able to work well with others, live side-by-side with coworkers and have good communication skills. Qualifications •Completion or enrollment in, a college/university program in wildlife ecology/management, biology, zoology, or other natural resource related fields •Have the ability to legibly record field data and enter data into a computer (Excel, Word, etc.) •Understand the use of GPS equipment and basic navigation with a compass •Have experience conducting field work •Be willing to work long days ( > 8 hours) in the field and often 6 day weeks •Valid full driver’s license •First Aid and CPR training •Previous work with songbirds and/or sage-grouse is a plus •Knowledge of songbird bird identification is a plus •Training or previous work using telemetry or tracking animals is a plus Compensation Technicians will be paid $1850 USD per month and housing will be provided. Technicians will be responsible for their own living expenses (e.g., food). How to apply If you are interested in joining the project and spending the summer near the Bighorn Mountains in Wyoming, please email a cover letter, resume, and at least two professional references to [email protected]. The study area is ~ 30 miles east of Buffalo, Wyoming. Applications will be taken until 10 March 2017, or until the positions are filled. You can find project details at http://fedylab.uwaterloo.ca/.
