Sagebrush Obligate Bird Research Technician

Sagebrush-Obligate Bird Research Technicians 

University of Waterloo – Sage-grouse and their Predators Project, Wyoming, USA. 

Job Description 

The University of Waterloo’s Sage-grouse and their Predators Project is seeking three avian research technicians to assist with camera trapping, avian point-counts, DNA collection, and monitoring greater sage-grouse fitted with GPS-VHF backpack trackers. The research will be conducted in large-scale natural gas reclamation areas in sagebrush habitat in the Powder River Basin, Wyoming. The objective of the research is to better understand sage-grouse population connectivity and landscape influences on potential sage-grouse predators. 

Lodging will be provided in Buffalo or Sheridan, Wyoming. The work term for most crew members will be from approx. 01 May to 31 August, 2022 (exact start and end dates are somewhat flexible).  

Duties 

Install and monitor camera traps 

Conduct avian point-count surveys 

Data entry and data proofing 

Operating 4x4 vehicles 

Operating ATV’s  

Greater sage-grouse monitoring and tracking (telemetry) 

Sage-grouse chick night spotlight counts 

General maintenance of field equipment 

Work will require long hours in the field in adverse weather conditions, working alone and hiking long distances. Technicians must be able to work well with others, live side-by-side with coworkers and have good communication skills.  

Required Qualifications 

Completion or enrollment in, a college/university program in wildlife ecology/management, biology, zoology, or other natural resource related fields 

Have the ability to legibly record field data and enter data into a computer (Excel, Word, etc.) 

Understand the use of GPS equipment and basic navigation with a compass 

Have experience conducting field work 

Must be in good physical shape, able to lift/carry 50lbs, and hike 10km days if need be 

Be willing to work long days (> 8 hours) in the field and occasional 6-day weeks 

Valid full driver’s license 

Preferred Qualifications (training is provided) 

Ability to identify raptors and corvids 

Experience driving trucks, trailers, ATVs 

Experience tracking wildlife using telemetry 

Experience handling wildlife 

First aid and CPR training 

Compensation 

Technicians will be paid $2,000 USD ($2,500 CAD) per month and lodging will be provided. Technicians will be responsible for their own living expenses (e.g., food). 

How to apply 

If you are interested in joining the project and spending the summer near the Bighorn Mountains in Wyoming, please email a cover letter, resume, and at least two professional references to nathanjoakim@outlook.com. Applications will be taken until March 29, 2022, or until the positions are filled. Further questions can be directed to nathanjoakim@outlook.com or Dr. Brad Fedy (principle investigator; bfedy@uwaterloo.ca) https://uwaterloo.ca/scholar/bfedy.

Nathan A Joakim 

MES Candidate  

Dr. Fedy Wildlife and Molecular Ecology Lab 

School of Environment, Resources and Sustainability 

University of Waterloo, ON, Canada N2L3G1 

Sagebrush obligate tech2022.pdf