SUMMARY: Woods Hole Research Center seeks applicants for a temporary field assistant position with a background in natural sciences or science education to coordinate the Coonamessett River Adopt-a-herring school outreach program. This position will involve PIT tagging live River herring on the Coonamessett River as well as presenting basic river ecology and herring life history to students. The successful applicant will work as part of a team consisting of scientists, teachers and volunteers in collaboration with the Coonamessett River. Contact with the public, schools and other interested parties will be required.
Responsibilities:
PIT tag live River herring on the Coonamessett River.
Maintain field equipment to detect tagged herring.
Download, enter and manage fish tag and fish adoption data.
Coordinate and lead visits by local school classes to see river restoration.
Qualifications and Experience:
Bachelor’s degree in Natural Resources, Ecology, Biology or demonstrated experience. Senior undergraduate students will be considered with appropriate field experience.
Ability to work irregular hours on short notice required (e.g., early mornings, late nights; weekends).
Familiarity with field 12V electrical systems and data loggers helpful.
Experience conducting field work using standard aquatic monitoring protocols, photo plots, and site observations is helpful.
Familiarity with best practices for field safety.
Ability to work independently as well as productively as part of a team to accomplish mutual goals.
Ability to communicate effectively with team members and a diverse public.
Basic proficiency with word processing, data management and presentation software (e.g., Word, Excel, and PowerPoint or equivalent programs) is required.
Must possess a valid US driver license and qualify to drive WHRC vehicles.
Preferred Qualifications:
Experience in handling, tagging and monitoring of live fish.
Coursework or equivalent experience in aquatic biology or science education.
Experience with the programming language R.
Physical requirements:
Ability to work in challenging, cold, rainy and rapidly changing environments.
Traverse uneven terrain over marsh and bog to reach sampling sites.
Able to carry upwards of 50 pounds.
Ability to maintain good physical condition is required.
Compensation: $14 per hour. This position is not eligible for our benefits program.
Appointment: This temporary field assistant position is for approximately 6 weeks. The hours will be part-time during April, and then extend to full-time in May when the herring migration peaks and school groups visit. You must have flexibility pertaining to hours.
Desired Start Date: April 15, 2019.
Application Deadline: March 29, 2019, or until filled.
Application Instructions: To apply, please email your cover letter, along with resume/curriculum vitae, and contact information for three references to jobopenings@whrc.org. Please type Job LDFA19 in the subject line.
The Woods Hole Research Center is an independent, nonprofit institute focused on environmental science, policy, and education. WHRC is an equal opportunity employer.