Wyoming Toad Field Technician Positions

Background: The Wyoming toad (Anaxyrus baxteri) is a critically endangered

species endemic to the Laramie Basin. The species was abundant in the 1950=92s

and 1960=92s but began declining in the 1970=92s until the last known

individuals were brought into captivity in the 1990=92s to establish a captive

breeding program. Individuals from the captive breeding program have been

reintroduced into the wild but breeding populations have not been

reestablished. This research is being conducted to assess the effects of

vegetation treatments on Wyoming toads.

Location: This position is based out of Laramie, Wyoming. Field work will

occur at Mortenson Lake National Wildlife Refuge (approximately 15 miles

southwest of Laramie) and several Safe Harbor reintroductions sites within

the Laramie Basin.

Description: 2-3 technicians to assist with regular field duties including:

=95=09Building and installing mesh tadpole enclosures

=95=09Daily feeding and measuring of tadpoles

=95=09Release and subsequent monitoring of adult toads=20

=95=09Regular surveys for non-captive Wyoming toads

=95=09Swabbing of toads for Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd)

=95=09Data entry

=95=09Other activities as needed

Qualifications: Qualified applicants will have the willingness and ability

to work long hours (including weekends and holidays) and be very flexible

with their schedule as work hours will be determined by animal needs.

Applicants must also be able to tolerate harsh field conditions (heat/cold,

wind, rain, biting insects, mud, etc.), pay extreme attention to detail, and

meet high standards of animal care. Interest in the research, a strong work

ethic, and the ability to conduct meticulous data collection for the

recovery of an endangered species are most important. Priority will be given

to individuals currently enrolled in or recently graduated from an ecology,

wildlife biology, or related program with past field experience. Qualified

applicants need a valid driver=92s license with a clean driving record.

Compensation: Technicians will be paid $400-$440 per week (depending on

experience) and provided with a shared field vehicle. Housing for

technicians may be available. Technicians will gain valuable field

experience while contributing to the recovery of a critically endangered

amphibian.

Duration: The position will start mid-May and continue through mid-August

(start and end dates may be flexible for highly qualified applicants and

field season may be adjusted due to weather conditions).

To Apply: Submit a letter of interest with dates of availability, r=E9sum=E9 or

CV, and contact information (name, email, phone number) for three references

in a single PDF to Dr. Melanie Murphy (melanie.murphy@uwyo.edu).=20

Application deadline is March 6, 2017 but review of applicants will begin

immediately. Questions about the positions can be directed to Dr. Melanie

Murphy (melanie.murphy@uwyo.edu) or Dr. Doug Keinath

(douglas_keinath@fws.gov).=20=20

Additional Information: This research is being conducted through a

collaboration between the Murphy Lab at the University of Wyoming (for more

information see https://sites.google.com/site/murphylabuwyo) and the U.S.

Fish and Wildlife Service.

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