Reptile Researcher
Agency: Colorado Natural Heritage Program – CSU
Location: Southeastern Colorado
Closes: 4/30/2018
Salary: $13-$14/hour
JOB TYPE: Temporary / Seasonal
POSITION OVERVIEW:
Colorado Natural Heritage Program seeks 2-3 summer field technicians to use their knowledge of wildlife biology and ecology to conduct reptile inventories at the Pinon Canyon Maneuver Site (PCMS) and Fort Carson, Colorado. Survey protocols will include random walks, coverboards, pitfall trapping, and occasional road surveys. Field schedules will usually consist of eight to ten days per two-week session, although specific hours and days worked are subject to change. Research technicians will be stationed near the survey locations in rented houses or will camp and will travel to and from the sites daily. This work entails traveling to remote locations and identifying reptiles based on personal experience. Reptile identification skills are necessary. Specific study sites will be at Fort Carson and Pinon Canyon Maneuver Site, near Colorado Springs and Trinidad, Colorado. These positions will require extensive long days in the field. These positions may involve properly collecting and preparing specimens for identification when appropriate. The employment dates for these positions will be approximately from May 1, 2018 through August 31, 2018 and may vary depending upon the timing of surveys.
QUALIFICATIONS:
B.S. degree in zoology, biology, natural resources, ecology, or related field experience (at least 2 years of field surveys) preferred. • Ability to use a dichotomous key to identify animal species required, • Ability to navigate in remote, areas using topographic maps, compass, and GPS required. • Experience collecting quantitative and qualitative field data in remote settings required. • Ability and willingness to navigate using 4WD vehicles and hike off-trail in remote areas over rugged terrain for much of the field season required. • Ability to work long hours in the field is required. • Good physical condition and ability to work long hours in the field, travel by foot off-trail in rough terrain, and work through inclement weather
To apply, please e-mail the following: (1) A cover letter of application (2) Resume (3) Name and daytime phone number for three references including one current or former supervisor to: John Sovell john.sovell@colostate.edu