Field assistant – Northern Idaho ground squirrel restoration

The Northern Idaho ground squirrel (Urocitellus brunneus brunneus) is
federally threatened under ESA. We are using field experiments to test the
effectiveness of forest treatments (thin-and-burn) on demographic traits of
Northern Idaho ground squirrel populations.

We will capture and mark ground squirrels using pit tags and ear tags from
the beginning of April through August 2015. We will compare demographic
parameters among treatments, including capture-recapture analyses to assess
population attributes (e.g., survival rates). We will collect data on
vegetation to assess the changes that treatment has on food availability. We
will use radio-telemetry to locate hibernacula. We will anesthetize small
mammals (Columbian ground squirrels, northern Idaho ground squirrels, and
chipmunks) and comb them for fleas as part of a project assessing whether
plague is present and affecting northern Idaho ground squirrel survival.

We will provide free housing to all technicians. Housing will vary from
rustic conditions to fully equipped with all basic modern conveniences
depending on the technicians location.  We we also provide $30 a work day
per diem to cover food expenses.  A vehicle will be provided for traveling
between provided housing and field work.

All applicants must be willing to work in all types of weather conditions as
it will be cold and snowy when we begin and gets very hot by the end of the
field season.

Minimum Qualifications
• Demonstrated oral and written communication skills
• Demonstrated ability to work both independently and within a group setting
• Previous experience hiking/camping.
• Excellent skills in time and data organization/management
• Must be in good physical condition and have the ability to walk on
uneven terrain throughout the day and carry heavy traps for short distances.
• Must have a valid US driving license
• Must be a US citizen or possess a valid US green card
• Must be available for employment by April 13th through August 14th

**Employment may be contingent upon satisfactory completion of a
criminal background and/or driving investigation.**

Desirable Qualification
• Experience trapping and handling small mammals
• Demonstrated ability to be detail-oriented
• Must be self-motivated

Apply by sending cover letter, CV, copy of college transcripts, and the
email and phone numbers for at least three references in one document (PDF
or Word) to Amanda Goldberg (nidgs.technician@gmail.com). Please write
“volunteer” in the subject line of the email.

The last day to apply for this position is: January 15th.  Applications will
be reviewed as they are received until positions are filled so please apply
as early as possible.

Contact Person: Amanda Goldberg
Contact email: nidgs.technician@gmail.com