Employment Opportunities
1 Position = Late May through Mid-August, 2008
Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center is looking for current or recently graduated students to fill two positions sampling bird, amphibian, invertebrate, and plant communities of prairie wetlands at their U.S. Geological Survey’s Cottonwood Lake Study Area (www.npwrc.usgs.gov/clsa). The Cottonwood Lake Study Area is the site of a long-term research effort being conducted by biologists from the Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center. Bird, amphibian, invertebrate, and plant communities are monitored annually at the site to further our understanding of community responses to environmental change resulting from climate fluctuations and cycles.
Type of Services Required: The selected individuals will perform bird, amphibian, invertebrate, and plant surveys at the Cottonwood Lake Study Area under the direction of a USGS Wildlife Biologist. Amphibian, bird, and invertebrate surveys will be conducted once each month and plant surveys will be conducted during the peak growing season (late July – early August). Additionally, the individuals will spend time processing invertebrate samples in the Research Center’s aquatics laboratory. Work will be monitored closely by the supervisor to ensure that expectations are met.
Level of Academic Education, Knowledge, Skills, and Expertise Required: A general knowledge of wildlife sampling techniques is required (skill in identifying wetland birds is highly desirable). Both positions require completion of a minimum of 2 years of college education in a program leading to a BS degree in environmental science, conservation science, zoology, biology, or a closely related subject area.
Description of Working Environment Conditions: The positions involve significant amounts of outdoor work. Temperature and weather extremes may be encountered in the performance of field duties. Time may be spent in the aquatics laboratory identifying and sorting invertebrates. The laboratory is adequately lighted, heated, and ventilated. The students will be expected to conduct duties in a safe, orderly manner so as not to endanger self, fellow workers, or property with which they are entrusted.
Principal Duty Station:
U.S. Geological Survey
Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center
8711 37th Street SE
Jamestown, North Dakota, 58401
Compensation Rate: Both positions will be filled through USGS Student Services Contracts. The students will be regarded as independent contractors for all legal and tax purposes. Compensation will be at the rate of $13.29 per hour. The Government does not provide housing, meals, or other living expenses while working at the principal duty station located in Jamestown, ND.
Application Procedure: To apply, please send a résumé, an up-to-date college transcript (unofficial copies are okay), and the names, phone numbers and/or email addresses of at least 3 references by mail or as an email attachment to David Mushet.
David Mushet
USGS Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center
8711 37th Street SE
Jamestown, North Dakota 58401
Email: david_mushet@usgs.gov
Application materials must be received by February 22, 2008
For More Information, please contact:
David Mushet — Phone (701) 253-5558 david_mushet@usgs.gov
