Subject: Summer Technician Positions: Deer-Elk Ecology Research Project/Wyoming Range Mule Deer Project
The Deer-Elk Ecology Research (DEER) Project and the Wyoming Range Mule Deer Project are collaborative projects between the Wyoming Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit of the University of Wyoming and the Wyoming Game and Fish Department. The overarching goals of these projects are to evaluate how a variety of factors shape population dynamics of mule deer to provide a mechanistic approach to monitoring and management of mule deer.
The DEER Project is located in the high-desert ecosystem of southern Wyoming. The focus of the DEER Project is aimed at evaluating the role of competitive interactions between mule deer and elk and how potential competitive interactions structure populations. The DEER project will also address key questions that continue to be a concern for mule deer populations including effects of harvest, habitat condition, drought, fawn recruitment, buck dispersal, and predation.
The Wyoming Range Mule Deer Project is located in southern region of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem in western Wyoming. The Wyoming Range Mule Deer Project is aimed at addressing questions relating to how nutritional relationships among seasonal habitat conditions, behavior, human disturbance, climate, and disease shape population dynamics of mule deer.
The primary tasks for these positions include capturing, collaring and monitoring of neonate ungulates, assessing cause-specific mortality of neonates, collecting monthly fecal samples from adult ungulates throughout the study area, and recording vegetation survey data. These tasks will require candidates to use GPS units, radio telemetry, 4WD vehicles, and maintain accurate database information on a daily basis. Work schedules are irregular and include long days and weekend work, especially at the beginning of the field season. In addition, work days typically entail 5-15 miles of hiking per day – most of which is off-trail. During the neonate capturing period, work is characterized by long days/nights with little time off. Following the neonate capture period, a more normal work schedule will be established to allow technicians to enjoy summer in the Rocky Mountains. The study areas are mountainous and remote, so long days of hiking in difficult terrain will be frequent. Accommodations while in the field will be provided in the form of wall tents and/or field houses. Weather conditions throughout the summer can be variable and adverse weather conditions are to be expected.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
B.S. or working towards finishing a degree in a wildlife-related field Must be able to maintain a positive attitude during long periods of work in the field Willingness to learn new skills and work cooperatively with fellow technicians and supervisors Strong organizational and detail-oriented attitude Must be willing to work 12-16 hour days for multiple days at a time Must be in good physical condition and willing to hike up to 15 miles per day Must be willing to work in desert conditions with ticks and other biting insects Must possess valid driver’s license Ability to work in all types of weather (rain, snow, wind, extremely hot or cold
temperatures)
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Experience using a handheld GPS
Experience with radio telemetry
Experience with capturing and handling live animals 4WD and ATV operating experience Previous experience with vegetation surveys Familiarity with western plant identification Wilderness first aid skills
We will be hiring 2 seasonal Wildlife Field Technicians and 1 Crew Lead for the DEER
project and 3-4 seasonal Wildlife Field Technicians for the Wyoming Range Mule Deer
Project.
POSITION DATES:
DEER Project:
Start: One technician to start ~10 May and two others to start mid/late May.
End: Late August with the potential for one technician to stay on through Oct 31.
Wyoming Range Project:
Start: One technician to start early May and two/three others to start mid/late May.
End: Late September with the potential for one technician to stay on through early/mid
November.
Agency: University of Wyoming; Wyoming Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit
Location: Southwest Wyoming; Western Wyoming
Salary: $1,200 – $1,600 month (DOE)
Last Date to Apply: 01/07/2018
To apply, please email a cover letter with your interest in the position, resume with your
qualifications, and contact information (email addresses and phone numbers) for three
references in one file to the following contact: wyomingungulateprojects@gmail.com.
Please include “Wyoming Neonate Project Technician” in the subject line of the email.
Please indicate in the email if you have a preference for the DEER project or Wyoming
Range Mule Deer project position. Applications will be reviewed as they are received.