Mexican Wolf Volunteer
Agency: USFWS
Location: Alpine, AZ
Closes: 4/24/2018
POSITION OVERVIEW:
Major Duties: The volunteer will perform a variety of tasks in support of the Mexican wolf recovery project. Team members must be excellent and open communicators, team oriented, and adaptable to the dynamic nature of the program. This is a very field-based opportunity. Duties MAY include the following: • Monitoring wolf distribution and occurrence (using track identification , scat ID, and howling surveys) • Conducting radio-telemetry (by vehicle or hiking, or assisting with aerial telemetry) using receivers and H-antenna to monitor the locations and movements of radio collared wolves. Telemetry skills also involve using a map, compass and GPS to triangulate and plot wolf locations. Previous experience with radio-telemetry is a strong plus. • Hazing wolves using non-lethal munitions such as cracker shells. Previous experience using firearms is a plus. (Applicants must be legally able to possess a firearm) • Backcountry travel by 4WD vehicle, hiking and backpacking. Camping and horseback riding are possible. Extended periods of work in remote areas for behavioral observations and various management activities can occur. • Depending on seasonal needs, the volunteer MAY assist project biologists with various wolf management and research activities such as: Capture (using leg-hold traps or darting). Radio collaring of wolves including medical workups (blood, vaccines, etc.) and measurements Possible monitoring of den and rendezvous site activity Being a courteous ambassador of the wolf program, distributing current wolf information and educational materials to ranchers, campers, hunters, and other persons using the recovery area • The majority of field data is collected and entered in the field utilizing collector app software on Ipads. Office tasks such as data entry (syncing remotely collected data, managing photo database, etc.) and equipment maintenance (vehicles, traps, snowmobiles, ATV’s, etc.) are routinely conducted. Depending on current seasonal activities, volunteer may be asked to assist with a wide variety of project needs, complex or tedious. Flexibility and a good helpful attitude are essential.
QUALIFICATIONS:
The applicant should be age 21 or over, in excellent physical health and hold a current drivers license. He/she must be able to work independently and with a team and demonstrate a good level of flexibility. Work conditions are often in remote areas with extreme environmental conditions. Long, irregular hours can be anticipated. Must be able to work and live in backcountry conditions for extended hitches (independently and in teams). Ideal candidates are highly motivated, detail oriented, organized, and able to maintain a positive disposition even under adverse conditions. Applicants with or working towards a Bachelors degree in wildlife biology are desirable. Experiences in backcountry travel, map and compass use, wildlife or wolf handling and tracking, ranching, hunting and trapping are helpful. Remote backcountry hiking and camping experience, radio-telemetry, 4WD vehicle operation, and good communication skills are preferred. During their first few months, volunteers will be evaluated to assess their skills, decision making, and ability to learn for overall compatibility with program needs and to ensure the safety of themselves and others; working in remote areas can be hazardous. Applicants must be willing to represent the views and goals of the USFWS, Mexican Wolf Recovery Program to cooperators and the public, and adhere to the services code of conduct and ethics.
To apply: E-mail a short cover letter, resume, and 3 references as one document to the Volunteer Coordinator: [email protected]. Be sure to indicate which start dates you are applying for in your cover letter. No phone calls please. The position announcement closes as soon as filled; early consideration will be given as resumes are received.