Employment Opportunities
MARSH BIRD SURVEY TECHNICIANS (4) are needed for a study of wetland use and abundance of breeding marsh birds in North Dakota and South Dakota east of the Missouri River and in western Minnesota.
Duties will include visual and auditory surveys of a variety of wetland types for 8 species of marsh-breeding birds (pied-billed grebe, American bittern, least bittern, yellow rail, Virginia rail, sora, American coot and black tern).
Minimum of 2 years college education required. BA/BS desirable but not mandatory. Applicants must be U.S. citizens and possess a valid driver’s license.
Start date in early April is preferred, but MUST be available to work 20 April 2008 through 12 July 2008.
Preference will be given to applicants with strong visual and auditory bird ID skills. Keen interest in marsh ecology and willingness to work irregular hours are desirable, as are skills with operation of 4x4 vehicles, GPS units; familiarity with GIS, aerial photographs, topographic maps and maintaining computer databases. Position will require interaction with landowners to request access to private lands.
Work will be conducted under harsh field conditions, with significant travel potentially being necessary. Must be able to negotiate difficult terrain on foot, including wading through emergent wetland vegetation while carrying field gear. Extended hours and work during early mornings will be necessary. Some office work will be required to maintain field records and conduct data entry. Most work will be conducted independently.
Successful applicants will be hired through USGS Student Service Contracts. To qualify for student service contracts, applicants must be currently enrolled at a college or university, or recently graduated (< 1year).
Pay is $13.68/hour. Up to 4 individuals will be hired under this announcement.
Send resume and contact information for 3 references to:
Thomas Buhl
USGS Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center
8711 37th Street SE
Jamestown, North Dakota 58401
Phone: 701-253-5530
Email: tbuhl@usgs.gov
