POSITIONS AVAILABLE AT

NORTHERN PRAIRIE WILDLIFE RESEARCH CENTER JAMESTOWN, NORTH DAKOTA

1 Position = Early April through September 30, 2006

1 Position = Late May through Mid-August, 2006

Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center is looking for students 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.  Amphibian, bird, invertebrate, and plant communities are monitored annually at the site to further our understanding of community responses to environmental change resulting from natural climate fluctuations and cycles.

 

 

Type of Services Required:

The selected individuals will perform amphibian, bird, 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 of the growing season (late July – early August).  Additionally, the individuals may spend time processing invertebrate samples in the 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 good knowledge of general wildlife sampling techniques is required (skill in identifying wetland birds is highly desirable).  The first position requires recent (within the last year) completion of a degree in zoology, biology, or a closely related field.  The second position requires completion of a minimum of 2 years in a program leading to a BS degree in zoology, biology, or a closely related subject area. 

 

Description of Working Environment Conditions:

Both positions involve primarily 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 $14.20 per hour for the April-September position and $12.70 per hour for the May through August position.

The Government does not provide housing, meals, or other living expenses while working at the principal duty station located in Jamestown, ND.

Application Procedure:  Send a résumé, an up-to-date college transcript (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
   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 17, 2006.

 

 

For More Information, please contact:

 

David Mushet — Phone (701) 253-5558,  E-mail: david_mushet@usgs.gov