North Cascades Wildlife Field Technician Summer Internship – Washington

 

Agency: University of Montana

 

Location: North Cascades, Washington

 

Job Category: Internship

 

Salary: A total stipend of $1,000 will be awarded at the end of the field season

 

Tentative Start Date: 6/10/2019

 

Last Date to Apply: 4/5/2019

 

Description:

FIELD RESEARCH TECHNICIAN INTERNSHIP IN THE NORTH CASCADES OF WASHINGTON STATE

The University of Montana seeks internship applicants to assist a graduate student in his research pertaining to the Fisher Reintroduction Project in North Cascades National Park Service Complex (NOCA) and Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest (MBSNF). Fishers (Pekania pennanti) are listed as an endangered species in Washington State, and the National Park Service has worked to recover them beginning in 2008 at Olympic National Park and 2015 at Mount Rainier National Park. NOCA is the third and final phase of the planned Washington reintroduction efforts. Studies have been conducted on fisher habitat use with respect to forest characteristics but the effects of interspecific competition and prey availability of habitat use by fishers remains unknown and may greatly influence survival and reproduction of newly released individuals. This project aims to determine predator and prey species abundance and distribution in the areas of NOCA and MBSNF where fisher restoration efforts are planned.

The successful applicant will work as part of a two-person team conducting research on National Park and National Forest land in the North Cascades. The field season will run from June through the end of August 2018 with a work schedule of 40 hours/week. Specific job duties may include, but are not limited to:

  • Hike far distances (up to 10 miles a day) in remote wilderness settings while carrying a heavy pack (up to 50 lbs)
  • Camp in backcountry settings for up to 5 days in a row
  • Work long hours in challenging environmental conditions
  • Navigate to field sites using maps, compass, and GPS units
  • Learn field techniques and assist with field data collection including: vegetation surveys, snowshoe hare pellet counts, medium-mammal sign surveys, and remote-triggered wildlife camera trap establishment.

 

Qualifications:

Requirements – Applicants must:

  • Have the ability to collect and record data efficiently, accurately, and legibly
  • Be enthusiastic and passionate about outdoor field research and wildlife conservation
  • Be in good physical shape
  • Provide personal housing in the area. In addition to camping, there may be occasional nights spent in the NPS Research Station but the applicant is responsible for their personal housing on non-workdays
  • Have personal transportation to NPS headquarters in Sedro-Woolley, Washington
  • Have a college degree or be enrolled with a minimum of a Junior standing in wildlife, forestry, biology, environmental science, or related program

Preference will be given to candidates with:

  • Experience identifying wildlife sign/tracks
  • Experience setting up and maintaining wildlife cameras
  • Knowledge of Pacific Northwest plant and tree species
  • Knowledge of Pacific Northwest wildlife species
  • Experience using ArcGIS and GPS units
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills
  • Strong organizational skills and detail-oriented work ethic

 

 

To Apply:

To apply, please submit 1) a current resume or CV, 2) a cover letter which details your experience and qualifications, and highlights your interest and enthusiasm in conducting scientific field research, and 3) the names and contact information for two references who can attest to your skills and abilities. Title the subject heading of your email as, “NOCA Field Technician Intern – [Applicant’s Last Name]”

Submit application materials to tanner.humphries@umontana.edu, no later than Friday, April 5th.

 

Contact Person: Tanner Humphries

 

Contact Email: tanner.humphries@umontana.edu