Seasonal reptile monitoring opportunities

 Nos ha llegado esta información para hacer seguimientos de reptiles en EE.UU.

Project Description: Our research will compare several visual encounter
survey methods for reptiles, and the ability of citizen scientists and
volunteers to conduct standardized surveys for terrestrial reptiles.
This 2014 effort is the 2nd year of our study to develop protocols for a
large-scale monitoring program for reptiles.

Anticipated Start Date: crew leaders - mid-April; technicians - 19 May
Anticipated End Date: Somewhat flexible, but all positions should
continue through mid-August. Two positions will end prior to the fall
semester, but we expect to keep at least two positions on through
mid-to-late-September.

Position Description: Crew Leaders and technicians will conduct surveys
for terrestrial reptiles at randomly selected sites and sites of known
historic occurrence. Surveys will take place primarily in the plains and
canyons of eastern Colorado and western Texas, with additional short
trips into other Great Plains states likely. Surveys require work on
both public and private lands, and will be conducted primarily during
the day - but some night time (vehicle-based) survey efforts will also
occur. We will only be attempting to capture a few select species
(pending permits and following approved ACUC: Phrynosoma cornutum, P.
hernandesi, P. modestum, Aspidoscelis neotesselata, A. tesselata, and
Terrapene ornata) - all other reptiles observed will be documented but
not captured. The field crews may be responsible for communicating with
private landowners, volunteers, and professional biologists - good
oral/written communication skills are required. Successful applicants
must demonstrate their ability to follow detailed
instructions/protocols. Preference will be given to those demonstrating
attention to detail/data quality and interest in research rat her than
prior experience 'herping' the ideal candidate will have all of these
attributes.

Requirements. Please only apply if you fit the following:
- Ability to follow detailed research protocols and verbal instruction
in the field. Being detail-oriented is an absolute requirement for these
positions.
- Ability to identify terrestrial reptiles native to the Great Plains
Landscape Conservation Cooperative. Or prior experience that
demonstrates your ability to quickly learn wildlife I D.
- Ability to work on a team and independently; willingness to train
volunteer observers.
- Willingness to work (often on foot) in extreme weather conditions,
including tent camping.
- Must be willing and physically able to hike up to 15 miles a day (3-9
miles is more typical), occasionally over rough terrain (e.g., canyons).

- Valid Driver's License and ability/willingness to drive or sit in a
vehicle for many hours at a time.
- Legible hand writing and attention to recording detailed field
data/notes. Good oral/written communication skills.
- You must not have an uncontrollable fear of snakes - although a
healthy respect is encouraged.
- Must be able/willing work a flexible schedule, including early
mornings, late evenings, occasional weekends, and occasionally up to
~several weeks at a time.
- Crew Leaders/Biologists: B.S. in Wildlife Biology, Ecology, Zoology,
or related discipline. Crew leaders should be comfortable with data
entry in MS Excel/ Access, Garmin MapSource, or be willing to learn.
- Technicians: Working towards B.S. in degrees above (or) >5 years of
'field herping' experience.

Preferred Experience. Note your experience with any of the following in
addition to the requirements above:
- Use of handheld GPS units (especially Garmin)/managing waypoint and
tracklog upload/download.
- Capturing lizards with a noose and collecting biological samples from
wildlife.
- Prior work on private lands in the Great Plains ecoregion/western
U.S.
- Good 'field herping' skills.
- Ability to ID potential avian and mammalian predators of reptiles in
the Great Plains, and their sign.
- Photography of wildlife using a digital camera.

Location: Based in Fort Collins, Colorado. Posit ion will require t
ravel much of the season, with field work throughout the eastern plains
of Colorado, western Texas, and likely other Great Plains states. We
cannot pay for transportation to Fort Collins.

Lodging: Lodging on days off will be on your own, based in Fort
Collins, Colorado. Those applying from out of state must be willing to
find their own lodging for days off - we may be able to direct you to
options, but this is ultimately up to you. While conducting field work,
we will camp (tent or vehicle) or stay in bunkhouses when possible -
rarely staying in hotels (we will cover expenses on t hose occasions).

Anticipated Salary:
~$1,750/mo. for Seasonal Biologists, depending on experience.
~$1,650/mo. for Field Technicians, depending on experience.

To Apply: You must submit the following materials in a single .pdf
document:
- Brief (1- 2 page) letter of interest
- C.V. (preferred) or Resume
- 2 professional references (with phone number and e-mail).

In your letter of interest please note your experience with the
requirements/preferences listed above, and your availability to work for
the dates above. Due to the expected large number of applications, we
are unable to consider applications that do not adhere to the
application instructions. Application materials should be sent to:
Danny Martin
danny.martin@colostate.edu
(Please use Subject: "Seasonal Field Application")
*Please note on your application if you are interested in volunteering
if you are not selected for a paid position.