Bio tech positions for whooping crane ecology and field data collection

Opportunity for recent grads!

When: Preferred start date: September 1, 2013

Where: Aransas National Wildlife Refuge, Texas Gulf Coast=20

Housing provided: Yes

Benefits provided: No

How long: One year

Pay: $1,800-2000/month depending on experience

Do you love to work outdoors?  Interested in contributing to a greater understanding of the ecology of the endangered Whooping Crane?  Interested in the use of remote sensing technology to identify habitat for an endangered species?  If you said yes to all three of those questions, this is the perfect field experience for you! With this position will be involved in collecting and managing data related to the conservation and management of whooping cranes habitat along the Gulf Coast of Texas.  Position will include an initial 1-2 months dedicated to establishment of camera traps for freshwater use by cranes. The remaining 10 months will focused on collecting field validation information for remotely sensed data.  In addition, the successful applicant will be responsible for data entry, proofing and management of collected data.  The successful applicant should be meticulous at collecting detailed and accurate field data as well as proficient in managing data.

The position assists implementing the USFWS Natural Resources Inventory and Monitoring (I&M) effort. Work occurs on and off FWS managed lands.  However, the position will be hired and paid through Blue Heron Consulting Company, a partner with the United States Fish and Wildlife Service.  These positions will be supervised by a USFWS ecologist. 

EDUCATION:

 Preferably a BS in biological sciences, conservation biology, natural resource management, or a related field of science underlying wildlife management, zoology, botany, ornithology or avian ecology.

EXPERIENCE

 Required:

-Familiar with navigation by maps, compass and GPS

-Critical-thinking skills, attention to detail and a positive attitude

-Valid drivers license with a good driving record

Desired: Experience with collecting and compiling field data into a database structure, application of software (such as Excel or Access), in order to populate biological databases.  Experience using handheld GPS for navigation and data collection is desirable.  Ability to implement scientific inventory and monitoring protocols. Attention to detail for data collection.  Ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing with diverse individuals and groups.

Ability to safely operate light trucks and off-road utility vehicles (e.g., ATVs, Kubota, Polaris Ranger,etc.) and 4-wheel drive vehicles. Competent in the safe use of watercraft ranging from kayaks to twin engine cabin boats. Proficiency with driving an airboat is a huge plus.  Experienced with towing, backing, loading and unloading of boats. Strong plant identification skills, ideally pertaining to the coastal and wetland plants of the Texas coastal bend is desirable.  Experience with developing and maintaining partnerships with local, state, and/or federal agencies/contacts. Comfortable working as part of a group or individually to accomplish tasks.

This position will be located at Aransas National Wildlife Refuge, however travel will range from 2-5 days /week.  Aransas is a beautiful wildlife refuge located on an undeveloped portion of the Texas coast. It is the primary wintering ground for the only wild migrating population of whooping crane but also boasts a number of other wildlife species.

Housing will be provided on Aransas NWR. This will be shared housing in either a trailer or bunkhouse located on the Refuge.

Please send 1) cover letter addressing your qualifications and your fit to this position, 2) resume, and 3) name and contact information for three references who can verify your qualifications electronically to kris_metzger@fws.gov with the SUBJECT: Aransas Bio position

Please submit by June 10, 2013.