Two technicians are needed to assist with research on the response of Greater sage-grouse to large-scale juniper removal in the Warner Mountains of Oregon and the Vya of Nevada and California from May through July/August of 2021. Duties will include, but are not limited to, installation and collection of invertebrate samples from pitfall traps, line-intercept vegetation surveys to assess species composition and cover, and vegetation sampling for forage quality analysis. The primary focus will be working with the vegetative and invertebrate communities of the sagebrush steppe.

Additional duties may include assistance with sage-grouse demographic monitoring, including but not limited to sage-grouse capturing, lek counts, VHF/UHF telemetry, nest monitoring, brood monitoring, and transmitter recovery. Working hours are variable (some nights/weekends) but average 40 hours per week. Early morning work is typical throughout the brood-rearing period and during the peak of the summer to avoid heat. Vegetation and invertebrate sampling of tree removal areas will be conducted at various times during the season. Strenuous hiking (up to ~8 miles per day) in inclement conditions (rain, snow, mud, 0-95 degrees F) can be expected. Technicians must be capable of hiking with 85 L packs containing sampling/monitoring equipment in rugged terrain. Occasional camping during the work week in a remote field setting should be expected. Employees must be able to work under the supervision of a graduate student, but conduct data collection independently in an isolated environment following established protocols with excellent attention to detail. Previous ATV experience is preferred, and technicians must be capable of demonstrating proficiency in loading ATVs into a truck bed. Housing and work vehicles are provided.

Salary: $12.50 per hour + housing + work vehicle

Start Date: ~April 25, 2021 (somewhat flexible)

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or working toward a degree in wildlife, range ecology, or a related field
• Previous field research experience
• ATV and 4WD experience
• Navigation experience using GPS, map, and compass
• Strong work ethic, drive, and efficiency
• Flexibility in work schedule and duties
• Ability to work both alone and as part of a team in remote settings
• Ability to calmly handle difficult situations (e.g., flat tires, broken ATVs, stuck vehicles)
• Physically fit and able to lift 50 pounds
• US Citizenship

Preference will be given to candidates with experience in the following areas:

• Vegetation sampling (e.g. baseline line-intercept, Daubenmire frame surveys, etc.)
• Botany experience and familiarity with sagebrush steppe plant community
• Invertebrate sampling and/or entomology (e.g. pitfall traps, etc.)
• Professional, off-road ATV driving
• Radio telemetry
• Gamebird research (e.g. trapping, nest checks, brood surveys, mortality recovery, etc.)
• Avian spotlighting
• Ability to work in inclement weather and live/work in remote conditions