AVIAN FIELD RESEARCH CREW LEADER

needed for multidisciplinary research program linking the responses of passerines (primarily Sage Thrasher, Sage Sparrow, Brewer's Sparrow and Vesper Sparrow), small mammals, pygmy rabbits and vegetation to shrub-steppe habitat restoration projects. This is a great opportunity to work on a collaborative research program studying landscape-scale impacts across multiple taxa
(http://www.cnr.usu.edu/shrubmap).

Fieldwork will include combinations of the following:
1) nest finding/monitoring,
2) line transect surveys,
3) territory (spot) mapping,
4) vegetation sampling and habitat analysis,
5) accurate, daily record-keeping of data,
6) data entry,
7) working cooperatively with the local ranching community and government
agencies.

This position requires long days in the field that start early, so a sense
of humor, patience, and self-motivation are necessary, as are excellent
vision and hearing. Avian crew leader will be responsible for supervising a
field crew of three technicians of varying abilities, as well as some
training and logistical responsibilities. This person will also need to
show a willingness to learn from and work under the direction of a graduate
student and a project manager. Applicants must demonstrate the willingness
and ability to live in shared housing, communicate well in a variety of
situations, and comfort with living and working in a traditional, rural area
of northern Utah. Enthusiasm for the natural world and a positive attitude
are expected, as is the ability to move quickly across an austere landscape
in extremes of weather. Everyone is responsible for entering their own data.

Qualifications a of successful crew leader will include:
1) Demonstrable birding experience esp. with birds of the western U.S.,
2) Strong skills in field identification of birds (preferably western) by
sight and song,
3) Experience training, supervising and coordinating small field crews,
4) Working knowledge of a variety of survey methods,
5) Plant identification experience,
6) B.S. in wildlife biology or closely related field.

The avian crew leader position will start as early as mid-April with
technicians arriving by May 1; end date is somewhat flexible, but no less
than 3 months work is provided. Shared housing will be provided as will be
field equipment and vehicles. Expertise with GPS, GIS, 4WD, and small-town
living is strongly recommended but not required. Compensation will be
commensurate with experience (up to $2,422/mo). Hiring begins FEB 15 and
will continue until all positions have been filled. Please email resume and
letter of interest to Julie Ripplinger at SHRUBMAP@GOMAIL.USU.EDU . Be sure
to include previous experience with field research and crew supervision,
specific dates of availability, and names, current phone numbers, and email
addresses of three references.