U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), in cooperation with Great Basin Bird Observatory (GBBO), Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW), California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), and Idaho State University (ISU), is seeking to fill multiple positions for Crew Leaders, Technicians, and Interns to conduct avian biological surveys primarily targeted at greater sage-grouse at multiple study sites across Nevada and California. Primary duties may include sage-grouse capture and handling, lek counts, radio-telemetry, nest and brood monitoring, habitat sampling, avian predator surveys, data entry and management, and other biological surveys as needed. Work hours will be irregular and include nights, early mornings, and weekends. The Great Basin landscape is beautiful but rugged and challenging to work in. Temperature extremes can range from well below freezing to above 100 degrees F, and inclement weather is always a possibility.
These temporary, full-time appointments will last from the first week of March through the beginning of August, with the potential for extended employment depending on funding and performance. Primitive field housing will be provided, and successful applicants will be required to stay on site during work periods. Please submit a cover letter, resume/CV, and contact information for three references in a single PDF document saved with applicant’s last name in the title to: sagegrousescie...@gmail.com. Please indicate in your cover letter which positions you would like to be considered for: Crew Leader, Technician, and/or Intern. Cover letters and correspondence may be addressed to Rebecca Kelble. Please include “Greater Sage-grouse Position” in the subject line. Applications will be accepted throughout December. Interviews will begin the first week of January. Exceptional candidates may be contacted for interviews before January. Positions will be filled as successful applicants are identified. Qualifications: B.S. degree in a natural resource field preferred although experienced undergraduates are encouraged to apply for intern positions. U.S. citizen with valid driver’s license required. Successful applicants must possess the ability to hike long distances over rough terrain often in inclement weather (snow, rain, hail, high winds). The ability to take direction and work independently, a strong work ethic, a willingness to learn, a desire to gain experience while maintaining an enthusiastic attitude, and good communication skills with field supervisor and teammates are essential for all positions. Prior experience driving ATVs/4x4 vehicles over rough terrain is also preferred for all positions. Crew Leaders: We are seeking individuals with extensive experience working on wildlife-related field research projects, previous experience with animal capture and handling and radio-telemetry, and strong interpersonal communication skills. Prior supervisory experience, or demonstrated potential for supervising field crews, is preferred. Technicians: Preference will be given to applicants with demonstrated experience assisting with wildlife field research. Previous experience with animal capture and handling and radio-telemetry are also preferred. Interns: Internships will be offered to applicants that lack demonstrated field experience related to this type of work, but demonstrate a passion for wildlife ecology, a willingness to learn new techniques, a desire to work as part of a team, a desire to work hard in a remote but beautiful field setting, and have strong references. Payment is based on reimbursement of travel expenses set on established rates and is not considered an hourly wage. Previous field experience is desirable, but not required. Start Date: 25 February 2019 (possible early February for some) Salary: Crew Leaders: (~$2400/mo) Technicians: (~$1500-2200/mo, dependent on experience) Interns (~$1000/mo travel reimbursement) Website: https://www.werc.usgs.gov/ Contact: Rebecca Kelble E-mail: sagegrousescie...@gmail.com (Preferred)
