Employment Opportunities
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center in Jamestown, North Dakota, in conjunction with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), seeks 4 biological technicians with GPS skills and an interest in plant taxonomy to assist with vegetation monitoring activities on USFWS lands in North Dakota and South Dakota. These lands provide migration and breeding habitat for waterfowl, wading birds, shorebirds, and passerines.
Job Description: Primary duty is to classify vegetation using belt transects located from GIS-generated random points. The biotech will identify native and introduced plants of the Northern Great Plains and utilize GPS units and aerial photographs extensively. The project’s purpose is to inventory the vegetative condition of native sod on managed Waterfowl Production Areas and National Wildlife Refuges. Training opportunities include field identification of grassland plants, ATV operation and securement training, defensive driving, and CPR/first aid. Work assignments will provide opportunities to learn about prairie wildlife, habitat management, and grassland ecosystems.
Approximate Dates of Employment: June 2 — August 15
Hours and wage: Approximately 40 hours per week; $13.68 / hr
Requirements:
- completion of 2 years of college in pursuit of a degree in botany, ecology, range science, or other natural resources field
- valid driver’s license
- professional attitude, excellent work ethic
- ability to work independently
Desirable skills include grassland plant identification; familiarity with GPS, GIS, aerial photographs, and topographic maps; and experience operating an ATV.
Technicians will be based out of Sand Lake National Wildlife Refuge (near Aberdeen, SD), Lake Andes National Wildlife Refuge (near Lake Andes, SD), or Madison Wetland Management District (near Madison, SD), with day-to-day direction provided by each station’s wildlife biologist. Housing will not be provided by USGS, but may be provided by USFWS.
If interested, please send your resume (along with transcripts and contact information for three references) by 28 February 2008 to:
Terry Shaffer
USGS Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center
8711 37th Street SE
Jamestown, North Dakota 58401
Phone: 701-253-5530
Email: tbuhl@usgs.gov
