Volunteer Field assistant for research on threatened ground squirrel (USA)

Agency: Idaho Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, University of Idaho

Location: Adams County, Idaho

Salary: $45/day per diem plus free housing

Expected start date: 5 April 2016

Last Date to Apply: 8 January 2016

Description
The Northern Idaho ground squirrel (Urocitellus brunneus) is federally
threatened under ESA. We are using field experiments to test the
effectiveness of forest treatments (thin-and-burn) on demographic traits
of Northern Idaho ground squirrel populations.

We capture and mark ground squirrels using PIT tags and ear tags from
April through August. We will compare demographic parameters among
treatments, including capture-recapture analyses to assess population
attributes (e.g., survival rates). We will collect data on vegetation
to assess the changes that treatment has on food availability. We will
use radio-telemetry to locate hibernacula. We will anesthetize small
mammals (Columbian ground squirrels, northern Idaho ground squirrels,
and chipmunks) and comb them for fleas as part of a project assessing
whether plague is present and affecting northern Idaho ground squirrel
survival.

Housing will be provided for the applicant during the field. Field
housing may be rustic and may be a camp trailer, a cabin, or a wall
tent. Applicants must be willing to live for 5 months without daily
phone and email access in fairly rustic accommodations. Field work will
include various types of weather conditions (rain, snow, and heat), long
hours, odd schedules, and physical work.

Skills you will acquire:
• Trapping, handling, and processing small mammals (northern Idaho
ground squirrels, Columbian ground squirrels, and chipmunks)
• Use of anesthesia in the field
• Telemetry
• Experience working with a federally listed Threatened species
• Experience collecting vegetation data

Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications
• Demonstrated oral and written communication skills
• Demonstrated ability to work both independently and within a group
setting
• Previous experience hiking/camping.
• Excellent skills in time and data organization/management
• Must be in good physical condition and have the ability to walk on
uneven terrain throughout the day and carry heavy traps for short
distances.
• Must have a valid US driving license
• Must be a US citizen or possess a valid US green card
• Must be available for employment by 5 April 2016 through 15 August
2016

**Employment may be contingent upon satisfactory completion of a
criminal background and/or driving investigation.**

Desirable Qualification
• Experience handling small mammals
• Demonstrated ability to be detail-oriented
• Must be self-motivated

Apply by sending cover letter, CV, copy of college transcripts, and the
emails and phone numbers for at least three references in one document
(PDF or Word) to Amanda Goldberg (nidgs.technician@gmail.com). Please
write "restoration volunteer" in the subject line of the email.