Lead Technician Positions (2): Greater Prairie-Chicken Ecology at Kansas State University and University of Nebraska-Lincoln

We are looking to fill multiple full-time yearlong lead field technician positions at Kansas State University and University Nebraska-Lincoln beginning February 2025. A successful applicant will possess abilities and/or interest in capturing and handling wildlife, habitat evaluation, leading a team of field researchers, field and GPS navigation, plant identification, and the ability to collect data on private land and communicate with landowners. Research objectives will be focused on evaluating the influence of land management and land use on greater prairie-chicken survival, nest survival, brood survival, habitat selection, landscape genetics, and movement among landscapes associated with one of four separate study areas throughout Kansas and Nebraska.

The lead technician will be responsible for helping direct a field team through the duties and responsibilities listed below. Housing, health benefits, and paid time off (including holidays) will be provided. 
 
We offer a competitive salary, full benefits, and support training opportunities at participating University and national laboratories. 

We have two start date options including October 15-31 or February 1-15. 

Kansas State University and University of Nebraska-Lincoln is an Equal Opportunity Employer of individuals with disabilities, protected veterans and actively seeks diversity among its employees. Background check is required.

 Duties and responsibilities:
•    Help direct a small team of 2-3 field technicians
•    Survey areas for greater prairie-chicken leks
•    Assist in gaining permission on private lands for research
•    Assist with capturing, handling, and marking greater prairie-chickens with GPS  transmitters 
•    Monitor marked birds for nests, broods, and mortalities
•    Conduct vegetation surveys
•    Enter data and perform basic QA/QC
•    Communicate with private landowners regarding access

Required Qualifications
•    B.S. in Natural Resources, Biology, or equivalent field
•    Positive working attitude, ability to work well with others
•    Ability to provide motivation and daily structure for a team
•    Aptitude for critical thinking and problem-solving
•    Strong work ethic and willingness to learn
•    Ability to follow established project protocols
•    Ability to communicate effectively with project staff, collaborators, and private landowners
•    Strong organizational skills, attention to detail
•    Ability to carry heavy loads (50 lbs) over rough terrain in inclement weather
•    Interest in applied wildlife conservation and growing as a wildlife professional
•    Must possess a valid US driver’s license without restrictions
•    Experience driving 4WD vehicles

Preferred Qualifications
•    Experience driving UTVs and ATVs
•    Experience holding a leadership role, or completion of a leadership development course
•    Plant identification experience
•    Wildlife capture and handling experience
•    Proficient in field navigation

To apply:
Applicants should send a cover letter, resume/CV, copies of transcripts (unofficial), and the names and contact information (phone and email addresses) of 3 references to Dan Sullins (sullins@ksu.edu), and to Sarah Sonsthagen (ssonsthagen2@unl.edu).

•    Please submit application materials in a single email with the subject line "Lead Prairie-ChickenTechnician"
•    Please name the file "LastName_FirstInitial_ Prairie-ChickenTech.pdf”
•    Please indicate in cover letter or email if you’re interested in the October or February start dates mentioned above
•    Review of applications will begin early September and continue until a suitable candidate is identified.