- Agency
- U.S. Geological Survey, Great Basin Bird Observatory, Idaho State University, and Nevada Department of Wildlife
- Location
- Susanville, CA, Reno, NV, and Winnemucca,NV
- Job Category
- Temporary/Seasonal Positions
- Salary
- $15.00 (Tech 1) - 17.30 (Tech III – Crew Lead)/hour
- Start Date
- 01/02/2023
- Last Date to Apply
- 12/20/2022
- Website
- https://www.usgs.gov/centers/werc
- Description
- U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), in cooperation with Great Basin Bird Observatory (GBBO), Idaho State University (ISU), Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW), and California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), is seeking to fill multiple positions for Winter Technicians to conduct avian biological surveys primarily focused on Greater Sage-Grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus), and Common Ravens (Corvus corax) at multiple study sites across Nevada and California. Primary duties may include Sage-Grouse capture and handling, radio-telemetry, habitat sampling, avian predator point count surveys, pellet collections, data entry and management, and other biological surveys as needed. The purpose of this study is to understand the winter diet, space use, and demography of Sage-Grouse populations occupying recently burned habitats. Work hours will be irregular and include nights, early mornings, and weekends. Winter in the Great Basin is beautiful but rugged. Temperature extremes will range from low 40’s to sub-0, and conducting vegetation and telemetry in nocturnal hours is required. These temporary, full-time appointments start January 2 and will continue for approximately 6-8 weeks. Technicians hired onto the Winter crew will also be given preference for hiring of our spring/summer team with employment beginning in late February and extending into late July, but commitments to the spring and summer teams are not required for this winter project. Primitive field housing will be provided, and successful applicants will be required to stay on site during work periods. Please submit a cover letter, resume/CV, and contact information for three references (including at least 1 field reference) in a single PDF document saved with applicant’s last name in the title to: sagegrousescience@gmail.com. Cover letters and correspondence may be addressed to Dr. Steven Mathews-Sanchez. Please include “Winter Greater Sage-Grouse Position” in the subject line. Applications and interviews are open now and will continue until all positions are filled. Positions will be filled as successful applicants are identified.
- Qualifications
- A B.S. degree in a natural resource field required for all employees, although experienced undergraduates are encouraged to apply. All applicants must possess a valid U.S. driver’s license. Successful applicants must possess the ability to hike long distances over rough terrain often in inclement weather (snow, rain, hail, high winds). The ability to take direction and work independently, a strong work ethic, a willingness to learn, a desire to gain experience while maintaining an enthusiastic attitude, and good communication skills with field supervisor and teammates are essential for all positions. Prior experience driving ATVs/4x4 vehicles over rough terrain is also preferred for all positions. Previous experience with animal capture and handling, habitat surveys, and radio-telemetry are also preferred. Technician positions rank from 1-3, with a rank of 1 relating to little or no field experience and a rank of 3 represents a technician with at least one previous season of Sage-Grouse research experience completed.
- Contact Person
- Dr. Steven Mathews-Sanchez
- Contact eMail
- sagegrousescience@gmail.com
