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March, 2008

March 27th, 2008

Below is a job listing for a student to work on animal care at LARS over the summer!

Student position at LARS
Title:  Student Assistant
Position Number:  924707
Department:  F-IAB
Quicklink:  www.uakjobs.com/applicants/Central?quickFind=62293

Below are the details for a summer job working on reindeer and muskoxen.

Please distribute this announcement to your list serve. I am looking for a student to fill a full-time position this summer on a project with muskoxen and caribou.  We will be testing responses to willow and hay. The job involves collecting willow around Fairbanks and measuring intakes of the animals at LARS. Lots of outdoor work with research on animals.

Title:  Student Assistant C - (Research Aide JOB08-40)
Position Number:  924707
Department:  F-IAB
Quicklink:  www.uakjobs.com/applicants/Central?quickFind=62447

March 24th, 2008

FIELD RESEARCH ASSISTANTS (2) needed for study of acoustic disturbances to bird and carnivore communities in Sierra National Forest, in the central Sierra Nevada Mountains of California. Primary responsibilities include establishing study sites, conducting vegetation surveys, installing acoustic monitoring equipment, conducting bird (point count) surveys, and conducting carnivore (track plate) surveys. This project will provide a rich and challenging opportunity to build experience in diverse field techniques, explore the central Sierra Nevada range, and interact with a multidisciplinary team of scientists and environmental professionals.

Qualifications:
• Good physical condition
• Ability to work independently in remote and rugged conditions
• Ability to navigate off-trail using GPS or map and compass
• Must possess a valid driver’s license, with a good driving record and experience driving a 4WD vehicle
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
• Ability to maintain complete and accurate datasets
• Bachelor or advanced degree in ecology or a related field is preferred
• Prior experience identifying western birds by sight and sound is desirable, but not required

The field project will run for approximately 12 weeks (early May – August). Research assistants will be expected to work full-time, but the weekly schedule (i.e., days off) is negotiable. Housing will be provided in a rented cabin or Forest Service property with access to basic facilities and some camping may be necessary. A field vehicle will be provided, or research assistants may use their own 4WD vehicle and receive compensation for mileage. Salary is negotiable and will depend on qualifications and experience.

Please send a cover letter and resume, including the names and contact information of three references, by email to: sarah_reed@tws.org. Review of applications will begin on April 2, 2008, and will continue until both positions are filled.

Sarah E. Reed, Ph.D.
Postdoctoral Scholar
Center for Landscape Analysis
The Wilderness Society
655 Montgomery Street, Suite 1000
San Francisco, CA  94111
College of Natural Resources
University of California, Berkeley
137 Mulford Hall #3110
Berkeley, CA  94720-3110

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I just wanted to let everyone know that 2 graduate students at UAF are still looking for technicians for the summer. Emily Weiser is looking for a student to help with surveying gulls on the North Slope, working out of Barrow. This is a student-only job, so if you are still looking for a summer job, you should apply! Valerie Steen is looking at Black Terns throughout the Great Plains, and is looking for a few technicians to help with surveying breeding colonies in North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, Colorado, Nebraska, Montana, Wyoming, and Kansas.

These are both a great way to get some pretty diverse experience. The details for each posting are below. Contact Emily Weiser at ftelw@uaf.edu, and Valerie Steen at ftvas@uaf.edu.

SUMMER FIELD ASSISTANT needed for Glaucous Gull study based in Barrow,

Alaska. Position runs from 8 Jun – 23 Aug 2008 (exact dates slightly flexible; see also important note below). Glaucous Gulls are major predators in northern Alaska, and benefit from human development; this study is examining the relationship of gulls to development and to prey species. Most work will be done around Barrow, Alaska; we will also briefly visit colonies on the oilfields and in an undeveloped area. Work will include collecting food samples (pellets), recording reproductive data (including capturing chicks), and observing gulls. Opportunities will exist to volunteer with other projects in Barrow, such as shorebird studies. Throughout our field work, we will encounter jaegers, loons, snowy owls, a variety of shorebirds and waterfowl, caribou, arctic foxes, and millions of mosquitoes. Qualifications: No experience necessary; undergraduates in a relevant program are encouraged to apply. Candidates must be in excellent shape, as we will be carrying field gear across tundra (wet and uneven ground). You must also be willing to work 6-7 days a week in variable (usually cool) weather with occasional hordes of mosquitoes, and to regularly ride in a helicopter. Salary: $4200 plus benefits, housing, and travel from your hometown to Barrow. Important note: You will need to complete BLM aviation safety training before the field season. There are a few options for this: 1) If you live within Alaska, we can bring you to Fairbanks for training there on 19 May, send you home, then fly you up to Barrow for field work on 8 Jun. 2) If you are coming from outside Alaska, we can fly you up by 19 May for training, and you will then need to stay in Alaska until we begin field work on 8 Jun (or fly yourself home; we cannot afford two plane tickets to the lower 48). This would be a great opportunity to travel around and see other parts of Alaska! 3) BLM aviation training is offered in certain places in other states; if this includes a city near you, you could complete training there and come up on 8 Jun. Contact me if you would like to explore that option. 4) If you have completed BLM aviation safety training within the past 3 years, your certification is still good and you can just fly up on 8 Jun. For more information: contact Emily (see below) or visit project website: http://www.iab.uaf.edu/~emily_weiser/.

To apply: Send cover letter explaining why you are interested and why you would be a good fit for this position, and resume with contact information for 2-3 references, to EMILY WEISER (EM: ftelw AT uaf.edu). You will also need to apply via this link:

http://www.uakjobs.com/applicants/Central?quickFind=62356. Application deadline: Position open until filled; for full consideration, apply by 20 Mar 2008.

SEASONAL FIELD ASSISTANTS AND INTERNS (3-6) needed for 2-3 weeks from about the last week of May through about the second week of Jun to survey for Black Terns. Work will be conducted in National Wildlife Refuges and Wildlife Management Areas in North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, Colorado, Nebraska, Montana, Wyoming, and Kansas. Assistants will travel between and conduct surveys at sites in 2-3 of the states. Surveys for black terns will involve finding nests in wetlands using spotting scope, binoculars, waders and/or canoe. Vegetation assessments will also be made at each site. Housing will be a combination of camping, wildlife refuge housing, and hotels. Vehicle will be provided. Pay will be $400-600/week for qualified assistants with prior experience surveying and nest-searching for birds. People with wetland bird survey experience, GPS/map, and canoe skills are especially encouraged to apply. Applicants with less bird experience (but with lots of enthusiasm!) are also encouraged to apply and will receive a stipend of about ~$38/day. Please send a cover letter, resume, and contact info for three references to VALERIE STEEN, University of Alaska Fairbanks, Dept. of Biology and Wildlife, 211 Irving I,

Fairbanks, AK 99775 (EM: ftvas AT uaf.edu). Email application is preferred.

March 23rd, 2008

Here is another job listing for anyone who enjoys canoing and kayaking. The Yakutat Ranger District is looking for a river ranger around Yakutat. This would be a great position for someone who enjoys boating and dealing with the public! For more information, contact Barbara Adams at:

Barbara Adams
Yakutat Ranger District
327 Ocean Cape Rd
Yakutat, AK 99689
Fax (907) 784 3457
Phone (907) 784 3359
bjadams@fs.fed.us

River Ranger jobs for students!
The Yakutat Ranger District of the Tongass National Forest will be hiring River Rangers for the 2008 field season. Current and graduating students are encouraged to apply.

Pay: GS 4, GS 5, 
Start Date: 5/5/2008 (negotiable)
End Date: 9/30/2008 (negotiable)
Housing is Available

Local Area
River Rangers will be based out of the small bush community of Yakutat and work in the Yakutat Ranger District.  Located between Wrangle Saint Elias and Glacier Bay National Parks, the Yakutat Ranger District is the most remote Ranger District within the National Forest System.  There are no roads to the community of Yakutat and the nearest city accessing the road system is over 200 miles away.  The Yakutat District is 1.2 million acres of mostly intact ecosystems, within a very dynamic natural landscape.  World class fisheries, including the Situk River (which has all 5 salmon species plus the largest steelhead run in Alaska) are on the District.  About 700 people reside in the community of Yakutat which has all the basic amenities and twice daily jet service, although nearly all the comforts of urban society (Movie Theater, malls, music venues) are notably absent.  Yakutat offers superb opportunities for outdoor recreation.  Hiking, camping, kayaking, and surfing are possible in and around Yakutat.  Anglers flock from around the world for a chance to sample the renowned area rivers.

Job Description
River Rangers will patrol the Situk River and other local fishing areas on foot and in paddle craft.  Primary responsibility will be making contact with sport fishermen and discussing issues including: bear safety, conservation, fishing regulations and ethics.  The Yakutat Ranger District has a small staff and the Rangers will also work with the fisheries and wildlife crews and with the recreation department. The outstanding natural resources in the area make these jobs excellent an opportunity to gain hands on field experience. Approximate dates are from May 5-September 30, although this can be negotiated. 

Must be’s
-Applicants must be able to work safely in high density brown bear habitat.  Encounters with brown and black bears are a common occurrence in the field. 
-Applicants must be able to endure severe field work conditions including: inclement cold weather (it seldom gets over 70F), Rain (150inches a year), and Bugs (I’m not even going to tell you).
-Applicants must be able to work a flexible schedule including working out of remote field camps for up to a week.
-Applicants must be willing to work out of motor boats, paddle craft, and small bush planes.
-Applicants must be able to pass a premployment drug test
-Applicants must have a good attitude, and be able to work with minimal supervision 
-Applicants must be interested in working with the public

Desired skills
Previous experience in interpretive and public education work demonstrating good communication skills.
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
Experience with canoes and kayaks.
Experience with firearms and ability to pass a timed shooting test with a large (375 H&H) rifle.

March 20th, 2008

For anyone interested in being a naturalist or a tour guide, this could be an excellent job! Camp Denali (in Denali National Park) is looking for a naturalist to work for them this summer as a teacher and backcountry guide. The details are below!

Subject: Summer Naturalist Guide Position Available - Camp Denali and North Face Lodge
Summer Naturalist Guide Position Available
Camp Denali and North Face Lodge
Denali Park, Alaska

Position dates: 29 May - 14 September 2008
Application Deadline: Open until filled - currently accepting applications

For further information, please go to:
http://www.campdenali.com/employment/app.php

Or contact:
Anne Beaulaurier
E-mail: anne@campdenali.com

Camp Denali and North Face Lodge are looking for naturalist guides familiar with northern climates. A naturalist-guide is a teacher of experiential learning, a backcountry hiking guide, and a competent driver. The position can be 3-5 days per week and may be combined with positions in other departments, depending on company needs.

This position requires a multi-disciplinary background in aspects of the natural and cultural heritage of the Far North. Knowledge base should be strong in at least three of these areas: North American bird and bird song identification, North American plant identification, including familiarity with botanical nomenclature and relationships, wildlife ecology, geologic processes, phenomena of northern skies, understanding of nutrient/energy cycling in northern climes, Alaska's history, including early humans, today's native peoples, public lands, statehood, the Alaska Native Land Claims Settlement Act, and the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act, history/current operational features of Camp Denali and North Face Lodge and Leave No Trace principles appropriate to the sub-arctic.

Necessary skills include current Wilderness First Aid & CPR or Wilderness First Responder (preferred), ability to route-find in Denali's trail-less terrain, lead people confidently and safely into the backcountry, safely transport guests in 15 passenger vans over the Denali Park Road (a CDL is a plus), and use the natural world as a classroom to enhance guests' understanding of ecology. Teaching experience is preferred. Since guest interaction is a major component, naturalist guides must possess the ability to communicate articulately and with an easy conversational style, and have a sincere interest in people.

More information pertinent to Camp Denali & North Face Lodge, working/living on location in Denali, full job description, and the application process can be found at: http://www.campdenali.com/employment/index.php

Queries may be directed to:
Anne Beaulaurier
E-mail: anne@campdenali.com
Phone: 907-683-2290

Applications are currently being accepted.

March 17th, 2008

We are still looking for an idea of how many students want to go to Anchorage for the state TWS meeting in late April. If we have a lot of students who want to go, we can get some extra funding so people won't need to pay for all of this out of pocket. The conference is being geared to have lots of opportunities for students, so this is a great chance for anyone to expand their skills.

If you are interested in attending the conference, please email me ASAP at fbscwlf@uaf.edu. Students are also being encouraged to give oral and poster presentations, so please consider this. It's a great way to get some experience.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Attached is a job listing for wildlife technicians working on Fort Richardson, conducting fish and wildlife surveys, as well as some other biological surveying. This is a civilian job working with the US Army, and it looks like a great way to get a broad range of experience. The contact information for this position is below:

David Battle
Directorate of Public Works
ATTN: IMPA-FRA-PW (BATTLE)
724 Postal Service Loop #4500
Fort Richardson, Alaska 99505-4500 voice (907) 384-3909

JOB ANNOUNCEMENT:
Colorado State University
Center for Environmental Management of Military Lands (CEMML)

TEMPORARY POSITION # FRA/NRTECH /3/1/08
Two Natural Resources Technician (Engr/Phys Sci Asst I/III)  positions available with CEMML to be assigned at Fort Richardson, Alaska to conduct natural resources management activities and assist with general biological assessments and inventories for the U.S. Army Garrison Alaska (USAG-AK). Interested applicants should be physically fit, able to work both independently and as part of a team, able to work in inclement weather, and have excellent verbal and writing skills. This is a temporary (13 week maximum) position and is contingent upon the availability of funding for USAG-AK Conservation efforts.

MINIMUM REQUIRMENTS:
U.S. citizenship.
Background in biology, ecology, natural resources, wildlife management or related field.
Valid driver’s license.
Appointment is contingent on successful completion of a background check.

DESIRABLE IN ONE OR MORE OF THE FOLLOWING CRITERIA:
Flexibility in work hours.
Familiarity with boats, ATV and 4-wheel drive vehicles as well as other natural resources equipment. Ability to work extended hours alone in bear country.
Experience performing data entry and management.
Experience working on military installation is a plus.

RESPONSIBILITIES: In coordination with USAG-AK Natural Resources Team, incumbent will conduct a variety of natural resources tasks on Fort Richardson, Alaska. Projects may include bird surveys, marine mammal observations, fish sampling, and data entry. Incumbent will assist USAG-AK personnel with field and administrative projects as needed. Other duties as assigned.

DURATION OF EMPLOYMENT: Early June-early September (somewhat flexible).

HOURLY RATE: Commensurate with experience and qualifications. Range $11.51-$15.43/hr.

Application Procedure: Mail, email, or fax a resume, contact information for three references, photocopies of college transcripts, and a brief letter of application (noting position number) describing your qualifications for this position to Mr. David Battle at the following address:

Directorate of Public Works
ATTN: IMPA-FRA-PW (BATTLE)
724 Postal Service Loop #4500
Fort Richardson, Alaska 99505-4500
voice (907) 384-3909
fax (907) 384-3047

All application materials must be received by no later than 4:30 p.m., Alaskan Time Zone, 15 April, 2008. See complete listing of CEMML available positions at http://www.cemml.colostate.edu
CSU is EEO/AA employer.

March 9th, 2008

Below is a listing for a job working with Kittlitz's Murrelets and Brown Bears at the Kodiak Refuge. This is a longer term position, so not a summer job, but would be great for anyone out of school.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is presently accepting applications through March 14 for a part-time temporary GS-6 or GS-7 Biological Science Technician (Wildlife) position. The incumbent will be stationed at Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge during May 12 - Nov 7, 2008. Primary duties will include (1) study of nesting ecology and behavior of Kittlitz's murrelet at an inland site between June-August, and (2) study of brown bear use of the upper Karluk River from a mountain-based observation post between September-November.  The incumbent will coordinate field operation of studies including involvement of volunteer field assistants. Camps, equipment, and personnel will be deployed and retrieved via floatplane and helicopter. Carrying a shotgun for bear hazard defense is required in the field.  For details on the application process and position requirements, input "kodiak, alaska" in the search jobs "where" field of:

http://www.usajobs.gov/

This job is being advertised RIGHT NOW. If you are interested, get your application in online, and contact Bill Pyle at Kodiak Refuge 907 487-2600 for more information about job, or John Piatt 360-774-0516 for more info about murrelet part of job. APPLY SOON, Job closes soon.

John Piatt
USGS Alaska Science Center
ph: 360 774-0516
email:  John_Piatt@usgs.gov

March 6th, 2008

Kumi Rattenbury has asked me to send out a flyer for biotech jobs with the National Park Service - Arctic Network (park complex in northern AK). Please review the attached document for details. They are looking for a STEP hire, so this is a non-competitive student position. This is a great way to see a pretty inaccessible part of the state! Kumi's contact information is below if you want any more information:

Kumi Rattenbury
Arctic Network I&M
National Park Service
4175 Geist Road
Fairbanks, AK 99709-3420
907-455-0673 (phone)
907-455-0601 (fax)

See document: Biotech announcement summer 08.pdf

March 5th, 2008

Below is a job announcement from Kimberlee Beckmen at Fish and Game:

The Department of Fish and Game, Wildlife Conservation, in Fairbanks is recruiting for a Fish and Wildlife Technician IV. We are seeking a highly motivated individual to assist the Wildlife Veterinarian in all aspects of the Wildlife Veterinary Services Program (WVS) including wildlife capture and wildlife disease research. This position is responsible for advanced laboratory analysis, diagnostic testing, data entry, detailed statistical data analysis and report writing. This is an 11 month seasonal position with full benefits that include medical, vision and dental insurance, a retirement plan, 7.5 hours of leave per pay period, 11 paid holidays, and more!!

Interested applicants can find full details and apply for the position through Workplace Alaska:
(http://notes4.state.ak.us).

Kimberlee Beckmen, M.S., D.V.M, Ph.D.
Wildlife Veterinarian
Alaska Department of Fish & Game
Division of Wildlife Conservation
1300 College Road
Fairbanks AK 99701
Phone direct line 907-459-7257
Fax 907-459-7332

NOTE NEW EMAIL: kimberlee.beckmen@alaska.gov

March 1st, 2008

M.S. ASSISTANTSHIP in shorebird ecology at University of Alaska, Fairbanks available immediately. We are seeking a self-motivated and experienced person to conduct research on the survival of shorebird broods on Alaska’s North Slope. Initial studies will be conducted at Barrow during the summer of 2008, and plans are to expand the project to other sites in 2009.

Fieldwork will involve capturing and marking birds (color bands and VHF telemetry) to quantify movements, determine resighting rates, and ultimately brood survival. The candidate must demonstrate a strong work ethic and ability to work independently. The project also will entail significant collaboration with agency biologists to accomplish shared fieldwork and project goals. Research experience with capturing, handling, tracking, and identifying shorebirds is preferred. Experience working in an arctic environment is highly desirable. Good organizational ability and verbal/written communication skills are also desired. The student will be supported with a Teaching Assistantship during the school year and through the USFWS during the summer. To apply, please send an email that includes a letter stating career goals, resume, scanned copies of transcripts and GRE scores, and contact information for three references to Dr. Christine Hunter, Dept of Biology and Wildlife, Institute of Arctic Biology, 415A Irving I, University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, AK 99775 907-474-6743 , ffcmh1@uaf.edu; AND Dr. Richard Lanctot, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Migratory Bird Management, 1011 East Tudor Road, MS 201, Anchorage, AK 99503, richard_lanctot@fws.gov.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Here is a listing for an M.S. candidacy. It looks like a really interesting project.

Hello all,

We have need of an M.S. candidate to start field work this summer looking at bird abundance and distribution in relation to aquatic plants and invertebrates on the Copper River Delta.  The student would focus on the bird data and work with other grad students collecting aquatic data. Classes would start in fall at Auburn University.  Please contact me if interested.

Paul Meyers
Wildlife Biologist
Cordova Ranger District
P.O. Box 280, Cordova, AK  99574
ph) 907/424-4744
fax) 907/424-7214
pmeyers@fs.fed.us

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February, 2008

February 29th, 2008

If anyone is looking for a really interesting field job, check out this listing. This is an especially good one for someone who wants a shorter field season, but still would get a lot of experience.Here's the information for my field assistant position.  If you couldforward it to the Wildlife Society and anyone else you think might be interested, that would be great... Thanks!

Position Title:   Summer Field Assistant for Glaucous Gull study
Location:  Barrow, Alaska
Duration: 9 June – 22 August
Salary: $4200 plus benefits, housing, and travel to/from Barrow

Description:  Field Assistant needed to spend the summer helping a master's student collect data on Glaucous Gull diet and reproduction.  Glaucous Gulls are major predators in northern Alaska, and benefit from human development; this study is examining the relationship of gulls to development and to prey species.  Most work will be done around Barrow, Alaska.  In June and August we will also visit gull colonies at three other sites in northern Alaska: the Alpine Oilfield (near Nuiqsut), the Prudhoe Bay Oilfields, and an undeveloped area north of Teshekpuk Lake.  During each visit to each site, we will collect food samples (gull pellets and prey remains) and record reproductive data.  We will spend the month of July in Barrow, observing gulls, collecting food samples at gull loafing areas, and beginning to analyze the food samples.  Opportunities will exist to volunteer with other projects in Barrow during this time. Throughout the course of our field work, we will encounter breeding jaegers, loons, snowy owls, a variety of shorebirds and waterfowl, caribou, and millions of mosquitoes.  E-mail Emily (see contact below) for more information or with specific questions.

Requirements:   No experience necessary; undergraduates in a wildlife/biology program looking to gain field experience are encouraged to apply.  Candidates must be in excellent shape, as we will sometimes be carrying field gear for several miles across tundra (wet and uneven ground).  You must also be willing to work 7 days a week (probably less than 8 hours most days, especially July), and to deal with variable (usually chilly) weather.  Mosquitoes can be extremely dense in good weather, so be prepared to be swarmed. Applicants must be willing to ride in a helicopter and a small motor boat, and to operate a small inflatable kayak on tundra ponds to reach the gull colonies.

Website:  http://users.iab.uaf.edu/~emily_weiser/ (Most of the information on the website is based on the study design from last year, which was a pilot season and slightly different from this year's plan.)

To Apply:   Send cover letter and resume to Emily at ftelw@uaf.edu.  You will also need to apply via UAK Jobs; the position is not yet posted, but after I receive your resume I will e-mail you the link for that posting.

Please feel free to e-mail with questions prior to applying!

Emily L. Weiser
M.S. Student
Department of Biology and Wildlife
University of Alaska - Fairbanks
907-474-7929
ftelw@uaf.edu
www.iab.uaf.edu/~emily_weiser

Field work in Agassiz NWR, MN
Anyone looking for summer work outside of Alaska should certainly check out this listing for Agassiz NWR in northern Minnesota. For more information, please review the attached PDF document. Contact Gregory A. Knutsen for more information at Gregg_Knutsen@fws.gov.

see attached pdf for more information

Volunteer position with USFWS - Kanuti NWR
One VOLUNTEER FIELD ASSISTANT (BIRDS) position available: Kanuti National Wildlife Refuge in north-central Alaska is looking for an enthusiastic, "woods-wise,” and fit individual interested in spending about 4-6 weeks at Kanuti Lake cabin, a remote area in the heart of this roadless and pristine refuge. The time period (training plus field work) would be approximately early April to mid-May, depending on snow/ice conditions. The crew (volunteer and staff bird biologist) would be transported to the cabin by ski-plane towards the end of our wintertime ski-access season and would remain there through the spring "break-up" of rivers and lakes. The main purposes of this opportunity will be to help: a) gather general bird arrival date information, b) determine early nesting season conditions, and c) investigate the area’s feasibility for future Rusty Blackbird and/or Solitary Sandpiper breeding ecology studies. We are looking for a fairly experienced birder who can take good field notes, hike in fairly challenging terrain, and is pretty independent and comfortable with staying in remote areas. Knowledge and experience in use of canoes, boats, two-way radios, first aid, and firearms is preferable. Kanuti NWR will pay for travel between Fairbanks and the cabin, and will provide food, field equipment, and minor subsistence expenses. Prior to travel to the field, volunteers will attend safety training classes such as First Aid, CPR, bear safety, firearms safety, etc.. The volunteer must be willing to serve in a very remote setting for a month or more and be comfortable in “bear country.” While bears are not abundant and usually are not a major problem at this site, both black and grizzly bears do occur on the refuge and may be encountered. The crew will be carrying both firearm(s) and bear spray for protection. Fieldwork will always be conducted with the bird biologist. Much of the reconnaissance will occur along/near the Kanuti River where walking is uneven and frequently challenging because of marshes, bogs, tussock meadows, and wetlands. For about a two-week period at the height of spring breakup, access to the area will not be possible by airplane. While the river and lake waters are breaking up, the only means of leaving the site would be a helicopter, which would be used only in case an emergency evacuation was needed. The cabin has comfortable amenities such as propane cook stove, wood stove, bedrooms, solar electric power system, refrigeration, but no running water. Contact with the outside world will be via satellite phone and two-way radio. Come help monitor the bird life at our remote field cabin! Any questions can be directed to Chris Harwood (EM: christopher_harwood AT fws.gov) or Lisa Saperstein, toll-free at 1-877-220-1853. Submit a letter of interest, resume, and the names, addresses, and phone numbers of three references (email preferred) by 1 March 2008 to: (EM: christopher_harwood AT fws.gov). If you cannot send your resume electronically, you can mail it to: Chris Harwood, Kanuti NWR, 101 12th Ave., Room 262, Fairbanks, AK 99701.

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January, 2008

Songbird Surveying in Denali National Park
Anyone interested in working with Alaskan songbirds should take a close look at this listing. TWS members have been involved with this project in the past and found it to be a great deal of fun.

SONGBIRD SURVEY POSITION (1). We are seeking a highly motivated seasonal Biological Science Technician to work from early May through August or September 2008 on the long-term songbird monitoring project and other monitoring projects in Denali National Park and Preserve, Alaska. The position will be filled at a GS-05, GS-06, or GS-07 level, depending on experience. The position serves as crew leader for a four-person survey crew that conducts a series of 10-minute point counts using distance sampling for songbirds in Denali’s backcountry. The crew leader works closely with the project leader during the two-week pre-season training period in May, but must work independently during the field season and follow written protocols during fieldwork. The study sites provide great wildlife viewing, amazing scenery, and challenging backcountry hiking opportunities.

QUALIFICATIONS: Applicants must be able to: 1) identify all birds that occur in interior Alaska by both sight and sound (calls and songs), 2) follow standardized field protocols, 3) use distance sampling techniques, 4) work well with others in remote backcountry field sites, 5) carry heavy backpacks over rugged, mountainous terrain, 6) use handheld GPS units to navigate and mark way points, 7) use MS Excel, MS Access, MS Word, and ArcGIS, and 8) compile and summarize data. Interested applicants must apply for this position via the NPS seasonal biological technician register (a competitive selection process). A detailed vacancy announcement and information on how to apply for the position will be posted on the USA jobs website: http://www.usajobs.gov in early January 2008. Look for the announcement “biological technician (birds)” for Denali National Park and Preserve,Alaska. Interested students who will be enrolled in at least a half-time course load in autumn 2008 and who are seeking a degree at an accredited school may qualify for the Student Temporary Employment Program (STEP).

All interested applicants should contact Carol McIntyre (EMAIL:Carol_McIntyre AT nps.gov) for more details about this position.

Volunteer position with USFWS - Kodiak NWR
VOLUNTEER KITTLITZ'S MURRELET RESEARCH ASSISTANTS:(2)needed from 19 May - 8 Aug to conduct study on Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge. Volunteers should be very fit, enjoy camping and strenuous hikes in mountainous terrain, and relish isolated duty in a hostile environment. Incumbents will spend the first 2 weeks involved in orientation, safety training, and preparation for field deployment. During the following 6-8 weeks, volunteers and refuge biologists will conduct the study out of a remote camp located in a mountain valley in southwestern Kodiak Island. A final week will be spent in Kodiak summarizing records, debriefing staff, and storing field gear. Study tasks will include: recording audio-visual observations of murrelets at various inland sites; searching for nests and monitoring nesting biology; and maintaining a field journal. Ideal candidates will have experience in conducting inland surveys for marbled murrelets, camping in extreme and isolated conditions, and working in bear country. The Fish and Wildlife Service will pay round-trip airfare to Kodiak; provide housing and pay for meals in Kodiak; and pay all field costs except personal clothing.

Interested candidates should email BILL PYLE (EMAIL: Bill_Pyle@fws.gov, with cc. to John_Piatt@usgs.gov) expressing your interest in the study and attaching a resume with at least 3 references (including email and phone contact info). Applications will be accepted until position is filled. For more information, phone BILL PYLE, Supervisory Wildlife Biologist (PH: 1-888-408-3514 or 907-487-0228).

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December, 2007

Alaska Wildife Technician Needed
Yukon Delta National Wildlife Refuge seeks two self-motivated, enthusiastic individuals to assist in collection of nesting data for Pacific Black Brant and Emperor Geese. Salary is up to GS – 05 (about $3000 per month), depending on experience. The position is available for 10 weeks (mid-May – through July). Duties include locating nests, monitoring nest status, and resighting and capturing incubating females. Other work includes capturing and banding flightless Cackling Cackling Geese and Tundra Swans. All captured birds will likely be sampled for avian influenza. Fieldwork occurs in very remote settings with crews of 2 – 8 biologists. Camp life is communal, with a common cook tent and individual sleeping tents. Work involves boating to study sites in small skiffs and walking 10 – 15 miles per day across mud, ponds, and uneven tundra wearing hip waders.

Prior motorboat experience with 12 – 16 foot rubber rafts or rigid hull boats is required. The refuge also seeks applicants who are in excellent physical shape and can work effectively alone and as part of a team. In addition, prior experience camping in a remote setting, identifying nesting birds, and reading leg bands is a plus, but is not required.

At the present time, funding for these positions has not been secured. The refuge, however, is proceeding under the assumption that such funding is very likely. A final budget should be in place by the end of March.

Applicants who will be enrolled in at least a half-time course load seeking a degree at an accredited school in Fall 2008 are encouraged to apply and take advantage of this great opportunity to gain valuable field experience. Non-competitive selection will be made in accordance with the Student Temporary Employment Program (STEP). Interested persons should send a letter of interest and resume or CV with references to Mike Wege by 15 February 2008 (907-543-1010, Michael_Wege@fws.gov [email preferred]).

Note: Applicants who will not be enrolled in school in Fall 2008 must also apply for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service seasonal register for summer jobs in Alaska. This is a competitive selection process and applications for the seasonal employment register are accepted only during the month of January 2008. The vacancy announcement for this register will be on the USAJOBS website at http://www.usajobs.opm.gov. Follow website application instructions for the Biological Science Technician (Wildlife) and Biological Science Technician (Birds) vacancy announcements.

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Avian Research Ecologist
U.S. Geological Survey’s Patuxent Wildlife Research Center

The U.S. Geological Survey’s Patuxent Wildlife Research Center in Laurel, Maryland (http://www.pwrc.usgs.gov/ ) seeks a Research Ecologist with experience conducting research in avian biology, ecology, and conservation. The candidates research interests may be broad but special consideration will be given to those with research interests that bridge population ecology, monitoring, and conservation biology. As lead investigator the Ecologist conducts original research that responds to regional and national conservation goals, primarily in support of Department of Interior agencies missions. Applications must be completed online at http://www.usgs.gov/ohr/oars/. Announcement ER-2008-0042 is open to all qualified U.S. citizens; announcement ER-2008-0043 is open to current & former Federal employees. Announcements will open on Jan. 7, 2008 and close at midnight EST on Feb. 19, 2008. Applications must be filled out completely and all supplemental materials, such as proof of education, must be submitted to be considered. Additional details regarding position and application are provided on the website. The U.S. Geological Survey is an equal opportunity employer.

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