Job Summary
One field technician is needed to conduct field work for a bioacoustics research project at survey sites throughout Humboldt County, CA. This monitoring program will use autonomous recording units (ARUs) to survey for marbled murrelets, an endangered species of seabird that nests in coastal old-growth stands.
The research project focuses on developing a novel acoustic protocol for monitoring marbled murrelets that can be widely used by public land managers and private landowners. This cryptic species is difficult and thus labor-intensive to detect through typical survey methods, so the project aims to develop cost-effective and accurate means for detecting murrelets through passive acoustic monitoring.
Start and end dates for this position are somewhat flexible, but the season will likely run March through September, with a target start date of March 1st. Pay is $20-22/hour, based on experience. A typical workweek is 40 hours. Field housing will be provided, occasional overnight camping may be required.
Schedules are expected to be irregular, dependent on weather conditions, and will include a combination of field and office work. Field work consists of deploying, servicing, and retrieving ARUs throughout survey sites. Most sites will be reached by vehicle via forest roads, but some areas may require short-distance hikes to deployment locations. Office work can include, but is not limited to, data entry, downloading and managing acoustic data, updating maps, and prepping and troubleshooting equipment. Other duties may include clearing roads of debris, and vehicle maintenance. Much of the work will be solitary, but field housing may be shared amongst others. The technician must be respectful and able to live with others, cooperatively.
Ideal applicants will have experience working in remote conditions; working solo in the field; and driving 4WD vehicles on unmaintained, back country roads. Experience with ARUs/acoustic data collection is a plus. Chainsaw certification is highly recommended.
UW-Madison College of Agricultural and Life Sciences is committed to maintaining and growing a culture that embraces diversity, inclusion, and equity, believing that these values are foundational elements of our excellence and fundamental components of a positive and enriching learning and working environment for all students, faculty, and staff.
The application deadline is 15 Dec, 2024, however we will review applicants and conduct interviews on a rolling basis. Please include a cover letter stating why you are interested in the position, and a resume with at least three references and their contact information. APPLY HERE:
Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Wildlife or related field required or relevant field experience
-Ability to safely operate 4-wheel-drive vehicles on backcountry roads
-Applicants must be physically fit (i.e., able to walk up to 1 mile in sometimes steep terrain).
-Demonstrated ability to take detailed field notes and translate these into electronic databases.
-Ability to work alone far from human settlements.
-Ability and confidence navigating unfamiliar terrain with maps, compass and GPS.
-Ability to follow established field protocols
-Ability to adapt a work plan to changing field conditions
-A clean driving record is required.
-Must work and live cooperatively.
Principal Duties (by percentage)
- 75% Performs field work according to established research requirements and specifications for deploying, servicing, and retrieving ARUs.
- 5% Inspects and maintains equipment, supplies, inventory, and facility spaces
- 20% Collects and organizes acoustic recording data according to established research requirements and specifications for data storage
Recommended Comments
There are no comments to display.
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.