Summer 2009 Field Biological Science Technician Sierras USFS

Summer 2009 Field Positions
Biological Science Technician GS-5 ($14.74-17.40/hour)


The US Forest Service will be hiring one or more Student Biological Science Technicians with the Aquatic Ecology Group of the Sierra Nevada Research Center (US Forest Service, Pacific Southwest Research Station). These positions involve field research at various locations in the high Sierra Nevada backcountry (above 10,000 feet), including a research site in Kings Canyon National Park and Golden Trout Wilderness.

The successful applicant will participate in long-term research on the aquatic biota of the high Sierra, especially the mountain yellow-legged frog, Rana sierrae. Research on the golden trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss aguabonita, in Golden Trout Wilderness is also planned. Studies vary from population status monitoring, climate change effects, and grazing effects on the herpetofauna in high elevation environments. Field research includes count surveys and PIT tagging of frogs in alpine lakes and meadows, operation of a GPS unit and other electronic field devices, and gear organization.

Applicant must have extensive experience in backcountry backpacking and camping, especially at high elevation and for extended periods of time. The abilities to live outdoors, work extended days in the field (8-10 days at a time), carry loads up to 50lbs, and conduct field work under adverse weather conditions and uneven terrains are essential. The abilities to follow instructions and get along with others in tight quarters are also very important. Having previous experience capturing and handling amphibians, inserting PIT tags, and conducting Visual Encounter Surveys is a plus.

While in the field, we provide the tents, sleeping bags, backpack, field stove, and cookware. The applicant must supply other personal gear (adequate clothing and boots, etc.). There is a small per-diem field pay (about $35/day) in addition to salary. The appointment is for the duration of the field research season, from late May/early June through mid-September (possibly longer, depending on weather and availability). This is a STUDENT appointment: applicants MUST be US citizens and currently registered undergraduate or graduate students (at least half-time), or plan to attend school in the following semester. The nearest town to the field sites is Bishop, CA and work schedules are approximately 8 to 10 days on and 4 to 6 days off. Housing is not guaranteed, but might be possible in Bishop or Mammoth Lakes, CA. The research office is in Albany, CA.

For more information about our research, please visit our website: http://www.fs.fed.us/psw/programs/snrc/aquatic/index.html or contact csendak@fs.fed.us . To apply, email a cover letter, resume, and three references to Carrie Sendak at csendak@fs.fed.us by February 9th, 2009.