Job Description
The University of Waterloo=92s Natural Gas Reclamation in the Sagebrush-
Steppe Project is seeking bird research technicians to assist with avian point counts, monitoring greater sage-grouse fitted with GPS backpack trackers, nest productivity monitoring (songbirds and sage-grouse), and vegetation sampling. The research will be conducted in large-scale natural gas reclamation areas in sagebrush habitat in the Powder River Basin, Wyoming. The objective of this component of the research is to better understand the response of sagebrush obligate birds to landscape scale habitat reclamation. Lodging will be provided in Buffalo or Sheridan, Wyoming. The work term will be from 01 May to approx. 31 August 2017 (exact end dates are somewhat flexible).
Primary Duties
=95=09Conducting avian point-count surveys
=95=09Songbird nest searching and nest productivity monitoring
=95=09Greater sage-grouse monitoring and tracking
=95=09Microhabitat vegetation sampling
=95=09Data entry and data proofing
=95=09Operating 4×4 vehicles
=95=09Operating ATV=92s
Work will require long hours in the field in adverse weather condition, working alone and hiking long distances. Technicians must be able to work well with others, live side-by-side with coworkers and have good communication skills.
Qualifications
=95Completion or enrollment in, a college/university program in wildlife ecology/management, biology, zoology, or other natural resource related fields
=95Have the ability to legibly record field data and enter data into a computer (Excel, Word, etc.)
=95Understand the use of GPS equipment and basic navigation with a compass
=95Have experience conducting field work
=95Be willing to work long days ( > 8 hours) in the field and often 6 day weeks
=95Valid full driver=92s license
=95First Aid and CPR training
=95Previous work with songbirds and/or sage-grouse is a plus
=95Knowledge of songbird bird identification is a plus
=95Training or previous work using telemetry or tracking animals is a plus
Compensation
Technicians will be paid $1850 USD per month and housing will be provided. Technicians will be responsible for their own living expenses (e.g., food).
How to apply
If you are interested in joining the project and spending the summer near the Bighorn Mountains in Wyoming, please email a cover letter, resume, and at least two professional references to ckirol@uwaterloo.ca. The study area is ~ 30 miles east of Buffalo, Wyoming. Applications will be taken until 10 March 2017, or until the positions are filled. You can find project details at http://fedylab.uwaterloo.ca/.