White-tailed ptarmigan technician in New Mexico

The successful applicant will be part of a collaborative study between NMSU, the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish (DGF), and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to reintroduce white-tailed ptarmigan to their historic range in New Mexico.

Field Work Details: The initial field work will involve the capture of ptarmigan in Colorado in late May, followed by release and monitoring using VHF transmitters in the Pecos Wilderness Area of New Mexico. Additional ptarmigan will be translocated in September, 2021. The technicians will be expected to work alongside study personnel from NMSU and DGF to monitor marked ptarmigan to track survival, habitat use, nesting, and brood-rearing success. All field work will take place in mountainous, alpine habitat that will require extended periods of camping and backpacking. The technician must be comfortable with working in adverse field conditions (rapidly changing weather, difficult/steep terrain) inhabited by bears. A typical day of field work will involve hiking 5-7 miles to track marked birds or collect nesting data (vegetation measurements, nest fate, etc.). The field crew will be able to return to the Santa Fe area approximately every 5-10 days to re-stock supplies, charge equipment, enter data, shower, etc. with temporary housing provided. The technicians will receive the needed safety training.

Required qualifications: Previous field experience or B.S. degree in a related field, and possession of a valid U.S. driver’s license.  Applicants should also have demonstrated excellent written and oral communication skills, experience conducting field work, and an ability to work independently while following safety protocols.

Preferred qualifications: B.S. degree in Wildlife Biology or closely related field. Demonstrated ability to work in remote field sites (requiring extended backpacking and camping) in adverse conditions, experience collecting VHF telemetry data.

Salary: $11.77 per hour x 40 hours per week

Apply through the NMSU job board (https://jobs.nmsu.edu/) and search for posting 2100145S

Questions? Email Dr. Abby Lawson: alawson AT usgs DOT gov