Seasonal Waterfowl Research Technician, Iowa State University
Humbolt, IA and Madelia, MN (Iowa and Minnesota PPR)
Due 4/10
Start Date: 6/1/19
Salary: $1,700/month, housing is provided
Temporary/seasonal position
Description:
One technician is needed to participate in a duck brood use study in agriculturally dominated landscapes throughout the PPR of Iowa and Minnesota. The technician will be stationed out of Humboldt, IA and Madelia, MN. Time will be spent at the two field sites for multiple consecutive weeks at a time. This work will assist an Iowa State graduate research project from approximately early June to mid-August. Duties will include the following:
- Aid in conducting aerial brood surveys via a quadcopter drone
- Sample fish and invertebrate communities
- Survey vegetation and other wetland characteristics
- Basic data entry and organization
Qualifications:
Applicants must have a strong understanding of basic wildlife ecology, outdoor skills, and be physically capable of and willing to work in the field. Experience surveying wildlife and excellent waterfowl ID is required. Field work will typically consist of long days in the field (sometimes >12 hours) and frequently occur under undesirable conditions (i.e. heat, high humidity, biting insects, etc.). Successful applicants should have experience with or a willingness to learn proper use of equipment related to field work including: 4WD trucks, GPS units, maps, sampling equipment (i.e. surface activity traps), etc. Applicants should also be proficient with computer programs such as Microsoft Excel.
This is a great opportunity that will allow you to:
1. gain field experience
2. work in a team environment collaborating with a variety of partners
3. learn about the dynamic PPR ecosystem and its importance to breeding waterfowl
4. assist with a wide variety of other wildlife work related tasks
To apply, please send a resume, three references, and a cover letter that outlines relevant work or life experience and career interests with available start and end dates, electronically to: Blake Mitchell at bjmitch@iastate.edu