Field technician for bird surveys and small mammals (USA)

Dates: May 10 – August 31, 2018 (with possible extension into September)

Description: The Wyoming Natural Diversity Database is hiring one technician to conduct all-species songbird surveys and trapping efforts for the endangered Preble’s meadow jumping mouse (Zapus hudsonius preblei) in Wyoming. Songbird point-counts are part of the Integrated Monitoring in Bird Conservation Regions (IMBCR) program in the grassland and forest habitats of the Thunder Basin National Grasslands, Medicine Bow National Forest, and Bighorn National Forest. Small mammal trapping will target habitats of the Preble’s meadow jumping mouse in southeastern Wyoming. Bird count work is primarily solitary and mammal trapping will be conducted as part of a 2-person crew. Both tasks require extensive driving, navigating, and hiking through rugged and remote country. Surveys take place in diverse and beautiful landscapes, and expose technicians to a wide variety of bird and mammal communities. The position is based out of Laramie, Wyoming where housing is provided, however car camping is generally required while working. Some overnight backpacking is also required. Technicians will conduct bird surveys during May and early June, split time between bird and mammal surveys in late June and July, and focus on mammal surveys in August, with a possible extension into September.


Qualifications: Applicants must have the following experience: 1) demonstrated ability to identify birds by song, call, and sight; 2) navigating, hiking, and backpacking in remote locations; 3) experience or willingness to learn small mammal trapping. A love of strenuous, off-trail hiking is an absolute requirement of this position! A valid US driver’s license and a strong work ethic are also necessary. Please address your experience with bird identification, small mammal trapping, hiking, backpacking, working alone, and your dates of availability in your cover letter.



Pay: $13.00/hour + $20 per diem for camping (work vehicle and shared housing provided)



To apply, please send cover letter, resume, and 3 references to Zach Wallace (zwallac2@uwyo.edu)



Application deadline is March 31, 2018.



The Wyoming Natural Diversity Database (www.uwyo.edu/wyndd/) is the state natural heritage program and is an equal opportunity employer. We collect and disseminate information about the distribution and abundance of sensitive species and communities across Wyoming.