Wildlife technicians needed for fawn survival study in WA
Dates: May 15 through August 2017 (~3.5 months)
Location: northeastern Washington, near Spokane

Knowledgeable field assistants are needed to help deer fawn collaring efforts as part of an exciting new study examining interactions among carnivores and ungulates in northern Washington. This is a large collaborative multi-predator (wolves, cougars, coyotes, bobcats), multi-prey (white-tailed deer, mule deer, elk) study beginning in 2017. Wolves recolonized Washington starting in 2008, and the primary goal of the study is to assess their impacts on ungulates.  We have one opening for a paid technician position and one opening for a volunteer position with a stipend and housing provided. The field crew will be based in northeastern Washington and employed by the School of Environmental and Forest Sciences at the University of Washington. They will work on a team with other technicians, volunteers, PhD students, professors (Laura Prugh), and WDFW biologists.

Duties: The primary duty of the crew members will be to capture and collar white-tailed deer fawns. The crew will monitor collared does with VIT transmitter implants, search for fawns, collar fawns, and perform necropsies on mortalities. The crew may also assist with monitoring collared adult deer, elk, wolves, and cougars, investigating adult deer mortalities, and investigating location clusters from collared wolves and cougars. Other duties will include data entry and equipment maintenance.

Qualifications: Applicants must have substantial previous experience working in the field, preferably with experience working in tough, mountain conditions.  Fawn capture and collaring experience is highly desired. Telemetry experience and/or animal tracks and scat identification skills a plus. Applicants must have a bachelor’s or MS degree in wildlife ecology or a related field. In exceptional cases (e.g., two full seasons of experience), applicants who are currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree will be considered. Adaptability, a strong work ethic, excellent problem solving skills, attention to detail, and a positive attitude are highly desired characteristics. Ability to drive 4-WD vehicles on logging roads, hike long distances off trail and in rugged terrain, and to carry heavy (>30 lbs) packs is required.

Compensation for paid technician position: $17 per hour, housing provided Compensation for volunteer: $800 per month, housing provided

To apply: Please send a cover letter, CV, and contact information for 3 references as a single PDF document to Carmen Vanbianchi (cvanbianchi@gmail.com). Please indicate whether you are applying for the paid technician and/or the volunteer position. To ensure full consideration, submit your materials by May 5, 2017.