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.

Tech and volunteer positions in tidal marshes on Sapelo Island, Georgia

Research Technicians, Georgia Coastal Ecosystems Long-Term Ecological Research Program.

The Georgia Coastal Ecosystems LTER program seeks a Research Technician to be based at the UGA Marine Institute on Sapelo Island, Georgia. The selected individual will work as part of the field crew supporting the GCE LTER project (http://gce-lter.marsci.uga.edu/).. He or she will be primarily involved in maintaining and monitoring a large experiment focusing on sea level rise and effects on freshwater tidal marshes. This includes helping to maintain permits and comply with appropriate regulations, maintaining boardwalks and a water delivery system, measuring salinity in plots, and monitoring soil, plants and invertebrates in plots. The position will occasionally require strenuous physical activity and irregular hours. Applicants must be able to hike through mud, marsh grass and other difficult terrain; lift and carry heavy gear in the field; and assist in light construction.

The position is based out of the UGA Marine Institute on Sapelo Island, GA (http://www.uga.edu/ugami/). The selected individual may either live on the Island (in UGAMI housing at a subsidized cost) or on the mainland. The ideal candidate will have a B.S. in an appropriate field; small boat piloting experience; first aid certification; field research experience; basic computer skills, including experience with email, word-processing and spreadsheet programs; and the ability to work harmoniously with a wide variety of people.

The salary range for the position is $22-30,000, and includes full benefits. Applicants should be willing to make at least a 2-year commitment to the project. Apply online at https://www.ugajobsearch.com/ posting number 20130726. Applications will be considered starting May 27 and until the position is filled. Inquiries may be addressed to Dr. Steve Pennings (scpennings@central.uh.edu). The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Volunteer opportunity in salt marsh ecology

We are looking for volunteers to assist with two large experiments examining links between crab ecology and tidal creek morphology in Georgia salt marshes. The project will involve strenuous physical activity outdoors at the University of Georgia Marine Institute on Sapelo Island, GA. We will provide reasonable transportation to Sapelo Island, housing and food expenses.  Vacancies are available now. This is a great opportunity to gain experience with salt marsh ecology and meet a wide variety of salt marsh scientists working at the institute.  If interested, please send a letter of interest, your resume, and contact information for 3 references to Huy Vu (hdvu4@central.uh.edu) and copy Steve Pennings (spennings@uh.edu). We will consider applications as they arrive.