- Agency
- Washington State University/National Park Service
- Location
- North Cascades National Park Service Complex, Washington
- Job Category
- Volunteer Openings
- Salary
- N/A
- Start Date
- 06/01/2021
- Last Date to Apply
- 04/30/2021
- Website
- https://labs.wsu.edu/manning/
- Description
- The Quantitative Wildlife Ecology and Conservation Lab at Washington State University is seeking a highly motivated, field-ready individual to assist with field research into the effects of climate change on black bears in North Cascades National Park Complex, WA, which includes North Cascades National Park, Lake Chelan National Recreation Area, and Ross Lake National Recreation Area. Fieldwork will take place between June 1st and September 3rd, 2021. Volunteers will assist a seasoned graduate student, undergraduate researcher, and technician with setting up field experiments, deployment and maintenance of game cameras to photographically document bears and other wildlife, setting up life-size decoy black bears to interview hikers about detecting bear decoys, translocation of bear scats, vegetation sampling, and data entry. Activities will include extensive remote-area hiking on and off trail at high elevations through steep unlevel terrain, backpacking, and car camping.
- Qualifications
- Qualified applicants will have hiking, backpacking, and orienteering experience. Volunteers must be able to travel to the park and access trailheads on their own, hike up to 16 miles/day while carrying field equipment (game cameras and decoy bear: up to a total of 60 lbs) on steep, mountainous terrain in adverse weather conditions, and be comfortable camping for extended time periods with limited access to internet, cell phone coverage, and other amenities. No prior experience using game cameras is necessary, as we will provide on-the-job training for our specific sampling scheme. However, priority will be given to applicants with field research experience, particularly with game cameras, plant identification skills, and a career path in natural resource science/management. Comfort and experience in bear country and first aid certification are also desirable. Applicants must be able to follow strict protocols, record detailed data, work well within a team and independently, flexible to occasional schedule changes, have a positive attitude, enjoy working long days outdoors, and be comfortable communicating with park visitors. Applicants who meet the above qualifications and are available for the duration of the study will be given highest priority consideration, but volunteers must commit to at least 5 continuous weeks of work. To apply, email a resume/CV, contact information for 3 references, and a brief cover letter explaining your interest in the position, how you meet the above qualifications, and your availability between June 1st and September 3rd, 2021 (with the applicant’s name in the email subject line) to Cullen Anderson (cullen.anderson@wsu.edu). Applications will be accepted through April 30th, 2021.
- Contact Person
- Cullen Anderson
- Contact eMail
- cullen.anderson@wsu.edu
