Position Summary:
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is hiring two seasonal LTE Aquatic Ecology Technicians for a new field project investigating the impacts of Canada Goose and Trumpeter Swan herbivory on wild rice growth, resilience, and restoration efforts. The technicians will work at wild rice waterbodies across northern Wisconsin to monitor wild rice study plots and identify aquatic plant species, monitor goose and swan activity, and document signs of herbivory across the growing season.
Position Length: mid-April to mid-October, 2024.
These appointments are expected to work approximately 40 hours per week. The successful candidates will be based primarily out of Rhinelander, WI or Crex Meadows Wildlife Area (Grantsburg, WI). Housing can be provided at University of Wisconsin Kemp Research Station or at Crex Meadows Wildlife Area (technicians must reside in Wisconsin for the length of the position). Applicants from backgrounds underrepresented in wildlife or waterfowl research are encouraged to apply.
Position Duties:
45% - Wild rice study plot monitoring
Establish wild rice study plots according to protocols at selected waterbodies
Navigate to wild rice study plots using a vehicle, canoe/kayak, and GPS, compass, and maps
Maintain study plot infrastructure, field equipment, and vehicles
Measure wild rice characteristics and document waterfowl herbivory
Collect data in the field and enter data electronically
20% - Waterfowl surveys
Use binoculars, spotting scopes, and/or trail cameras to record behavioral observations and activity of geese and swans at selected waterbodies
Follow all survey protocols
Collect data in the field and enter data electronically
15% - Aquatic plant surveys
Conduct surveys to document presence and abundance of aquatic plant species
Follow all survey protocols
Collect data in the field and enter data electronically
15% - Other duties as assigned
These may include collecting and storing swan and goose fecal samples for diet analysis, maintaining trail cameras and classifying photos, finding and monitoring goose and swan nests, collecting sediment cores to count wild rice seeds, and testing mitigation strategies
5% - Communication and report writing
Communicate regularly with supervisors and provide updates
Contribute to an end of season report on field activities
Qualifications:
In addition to the required qualifications below, the selected candidate must be eligible to drive a state vehicle and meet the following criteria:
Have a valid driver’s license
Be at least 18 years of age
Have a minimum of two years of licensed driving experience
Have not had three (3) or more moving violations and/or at-fault accidents in the past two (2) years
Have no OWI/DUI violations within the past year
Required:
Ability and willingness to work outdoors for long hours in sometimes inclement weather (including extreme heat and cold)
Ability to load on a vehicle, carry, launch, and paddle a canoe or kayak and work within it for extended periods of time
Ability to navigate on land and water using a GPS, compass, and maps
Bird identification and behavioral observation skills and ability to use binoculars and a spotting scope
Ability to identify aquatic plants
Able to demonstrate past competency conducting field work in remote environments
Methodological attentiveness such as detailed data collection and implementation of protocols
Excellent organizational and time management skills
Ability to work well both independently and in small teams with a focus on safety
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Ability to consistently lift loads of 50 pounds
Proficiency using Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint
Preferred:
Formal academic training in wildlife ecology, wetland ecology, ornithology, botany, or a related field
Prior experience conducting bird surveys and wild rice or aquatic plant monitoring surveys
Experience using trailers and motorboats
Understanding or knowledge of the cultural significance of wild rice, ecology of wild rice, harvesting practices, and other aspects of wild rice management
Salary Information:
These positions pay $21.08 per hour and are in pay schedule and range 06-13 (state classification Natural Resources Research Technician).
How to apply:
Applications must be submitted online. To view the full job posting and to apply, visit https://wj.wi.gov and search for Job ID 12975 or navigate to the posting directly. Applications must be received by 11:59pm, Central Time, on February 5th, 2024 in order to be considered.
For any position-related questions, please feel free to contact Amy.Shipley@wisconsin.gov.
Position Summary: The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is hiring two seasonal LTE Aquatic Ecology Technicians for a new field project investigating the impacts of Canada Goose and Trumpeter Swan herbivory on wild rice growth, resilience, and restoration efforts. The technicians will work at wild rice waterbodies across northern Wisconsin to monitor wild rice study plots and identify aquatic plant species, monitor goose and swan activity, and document signs of herbivory across the growing season. Position Length: mid-April to mid-October, 2024. These appointments are expected to work approximately 40 hours per week. The successful candidates will be based primarily out of Rhinelander, WI or Crex Meadows Wildlife Area (Grantsburg, WI). Housing can be provided at University of Wisconsin Kemp Research Station or at Crex Meadows Wildlife Area (technicians must reside in Wisconsin for the length of the position). Applicants from backgrounds underrepresented in wildlife or waterfowl research are encouraged to apply. Position Duties: 45% - Wild rice study plot monitoring Establish wild rice study plots according to protocols at selected waterbodies Navigate to wild rice study plots using a vehicle, canoe/kayak, and GPS, compass, and maps Maintain study plot infrastructure, field equipment, and vehicles Measure wild rice characteristics and document waterfowl herbivory Collect data in the field and enter data electronically 20% - Waterfowl surveys Use binoculars, spotting scopes, and/or trail cameras to record behavioral observations and activity of geese and swans at selected waterbodies Follow all survey protocols Collect data in the field and enter data electronically 15% - Aquatic plant surveys Conduct surveys to document presence and abundance of aquatic plant species Follow all survey protocols Collect data in the field and enter data electronically 15% - Other duties as assigned These may include collecting and storing swan and goose fecal samples for diet analysis, maintaining trail cameras and classifying photos, finding and monitoring goose and swan nests, collecting sediment cores to count wild rice seeds, and testing mitigation strategies 5% - Communication and report writing Communicate regularly with supervisors and provide updates Contribute to an end of season report on field activities Qualifications: In addition to the required qualifications below, the selected candidate must be eligible to drive a state vehicle and meet the following criteria: Have a valid driver’s license Be at least 18 years of age Have a minimum of two years of licensed driving experience Have not had three (3) or more moving violations and/or at-fault accidents in the past two (2) years Have no OWI/DUI violations within the past year Required: Ability and willingness to work outdoors for long hours in sometimes inclement weather (including extreme heat and cold) Ability to load on a vehicle, carry, launch, and paddle a canoe or kayak and work within it for extended periods of time Ability to navigate on land and water using a GPS, compass, and maps Bird identification and behavioral observation skills and ability to use binoculars and a spotting scope Ability to identify aquatic plants Able to demonstrate past competency conducting field work in remote environments Methodological attentiveness such as detailed data collection and implementation of protocols Excellent organizational and time management skills Ability to work well both independently and in small teams with a focus on safety Excellent verbal and written communication skills Ability to consistently lift loads of 50 pounds Proficiency using Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint Preferred: Formal academic training in wildlife ecology, wetland ecology, ornithology, botany, or a related field Prior experience conducting bird surveys and wild rice or aquatic plant monitoring surveys Experience using trailers and motorboats Understanding or knowledge of the cultural significance of wild rice, ecology of wild rice, harvesting practices, and other aspects of wild rice management Salary Information: These positions pay $21.08 per hour and are in pay schedule and range 06-13 (state classification Natural Resources Research Technician). How to apply: Applications must be submitted online. To view the full job posting and to apply, visit https://wj.wi.gov and search for Job ID 12975 or navigate to the posting directly. Applications must be received by 11:59pm, Central Time, on February 5th, 2024 in order to be considered. For any position-related questions, please feel free to contact Amy.Shipley@wisconsin.gov.