Agency: Idaho Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, Department of Fish & Wildlife Sciences, University of Idaho
Location: Adams County, Idaho Salary: $45/day per diem plus free field lodging Start Date: 4/15/2019 Last Date to Apply: 1/25/2019 Description: The northern Idaho ground squirrel (Urocitellus brunneus) is listed as federally threatened under the Endangered Species Act. We are conducting field experiments to test the effectiveness of habitat restoration treatments (forest thinning and burning) as a management action to recover squirrel populations. This will be the 7th field season of the 10-year project. This project is an excellent opportunity to gain experience on an applied research project with the goal of conserving a rare species. We will use a wide variety of field techniques to accomplish our study objectives. We will capture and mark 3 squirrel species – northern Idaho ground squirrels, Columbian ground squirrels, and yellow-pine chipmunks – with ear tags and PIT tags from April through July to document ground squirrel demographic responses to restoration treatments. We will fit a subset of northern Idaho ground squirrels with radio-collars and track the squirrels to their hibernacula via radio-telemetry. We will also sample vegetation to document the effects of the restoration treatments on vegetation composition and structure. The research takes place in a beautiful mountain setting in west-central Idaho. Some field days will include long hours on physically demanding terrain and may take place during all weather conditions (rain and snow in spring and sun and heat in summer). We are sometimes in the field during odd hours to ensure all research is completed on time. Lodging will be provided during the field season. Field crews will coexist in close quarters, and housing will be relatively rustic (a camp trailer or cabin) and shared with others on the project. One field crew lives a 45-minute drive from the nearest small town. Wi-fi will be provided at all field housing. Minimum Qualifications: • Demonstrated ability to function independently and as a team member. • Excellent time and data management/organization skills. • Detail-oriented and self-motivated. • Excellent physical condition: able to traverse steep, rugged terrain throughout the day and carry heavy equipment for up to 10 consecutive days. • Possession of a valid US driver’s license. • A US citizen or permanent resident. • Available approximately 15 April 2019 through 15 August 2019. Desirable Qualifications: • Education: (work towards) an undergraduate degree in Natural Resources, Ecology, Conservation Biology, Environmental Science, or related field. • Experience with field research. • Experience living/hiking/camping in remote locations for extended periods. • Experience trapping and handling wildlife. Send a cover letter, resume, contact information for ≥3 references, and a copy of college transcripts (unofficial are OK) in a single PDF document to Austin Allison (aalli...@uidaho.edu) and Dr. Courtney Conway (ccon...@uidaho.edu). Please write "NIDGS Volunteer" in the subject line of the email. We will review inquiries as they arrive.
