Winter Carnivore Monitoring Field Crew Lead – USFS Rocky Mountain Research Station

The Great Basin Institute, in cooperation with the Forest Service Rocky Mountain Research Station, will be hiring 1 crew leader to conduct non-invasive mesocarnivore surveys for the U.S. Forest Service Multiregional Mesocarnivore Monitoring Program.  This monitoring effort is part of a large-scale project to develop survey protocols and methods for detection and broad-scale monitoring of fisher (Pekania pennanti), marten (Martes americana, Martes caurina spp.), wolverine (Gulo gulo), lynx (Lynx canadensis), montane red fox (Vulpes vulpes spp.), and other associated carnivore species across National Forest lands in the western United States.

During the winter season (January to April), the field crew and crew leader will be responsible for conducting snowmobile surveys, eDNA track collection, backtracking focal species to collect genetic samples, and setting and maintaining remote sensor cameras with associated baits and lures. Winter field work will require long periods outside in sub-freezing temperatures, navigating in variable terrain on snowmobile, cross country skis, or snowshoes, and safe decision-making skills in inclement winter weather. Accessing survey locations may require hiking or snowshoeing off-trail in remote areas and traversing difficult terrain. This position requires a high level of physical fitness (capable of hiking 3-10 miles off-trail/day) and ability to cope with strenuous field conditions that include cold temperatures, steep terrain, dense vegetation, and inclement weather. Survey sites are located between ~2000 ft and 9,000 ft and occur largely in forested areas. Outside of the field, data management will include data entry, data proofing and summarizing field data, as well as inventorying and archiving field data, including genetic samples and trail camera photos (downloading, sorting, and identifying species in trail camera photos).

The crew leader will be responsible for managing the logistics of field work, as well as conducting field work with the crew, over the winter field season. In addition to day-to-day oversight of crew activities, crew leader duties include assisting in planning and scheduling crew surveys, data management, quality control, and maintaining a safe work environment. Crew leaders are expected to maintain good working relationships with local Forest Service staff and law enforcement. The selected crew leader will spend ~75% of their time in the field, and 25% of their time coordinating logistics during the winter (January to early April) field season. In April and May, the field crew leader will relocate to the Rocky Mountain Research Station in Missoula, Montana, to continue conducting data processing, photo tagging, QA/QC data checks, and and other organizational or data management tasks. There is potential that 1-2 crew members may be kept on the project to aid in retrieving overwinter survey devices in May or June.  

Location

Field crew duty stations may include locations within the Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest and the Custer-Gallatin National Forests, and potentially other National Forests in the Northern Rockies (Montana, Idaho) The primary field season is expected to run from mid-January through mid-April. The field season may involve moving between multiple duty locations to conduct surveys. Housing will be provided in all survey locations, and crew will be permitted to remain in provided housing between field hitches.

Compensation:

• Rate of Pay:  $23/hour
• Per diem for field camping
• No-cost health-insurance coverage
• Free housing (at government barracks or similar field housing)

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree (minimum) in wildlife ecology, biology, natural resource management, or related discipline
• Must have documented experience of field work or recreation in winter conditions; such as winter hiking, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, or cross country skiing
• At least 6 months of experience in wildlife research or management, including knowledge of methods for carnivore monitoring, such as use of trail cameras, hair snares or other non-invasive sampling devices
• Strong experience in collecting high quality data in field settings
• Comfortable in remote settings where cell coverage is minimal and most communication is via hand-held radio, Garmin inReach units, or other similar remote communication systems
• Ability to work in harsh and rapidly changing environments, work in all types of weather, steep terrain, be physically fit and able to carry upwards of 40 pounds in a backpack
• Possess a valid, state-issued driver’s license and clean driving record with experience operating 4WD trucks on and off paved roads, including narrow, mountain forest roads
• Ability to operate snowmobiles on groomed or ungroomed forest roads, and provide instruction and guidance on safe operation of snowmobiles to others;
• Ability to set field priorities for crew and adapt to changing needs or inclement conditions;
• Highly self-motivated and self-reliant with good organizational skills
• Good communication skills to coordinate with project supervisors and FS personnel

Additional requirements:

• First aid, Wilderness First Aid, or Avalanche safety training/certification desirable
• Willingness and ability to consistently enact high performance standards and a strong work and team ethic in support of the goals and objectives of the position and the mission of GBI.
• Ability to navigate mountainous terrain with GPS, compass, and topographic map

We conform to all the laws, statutes, and regulations concerning equal employment opportunities and affirmative action. We strongly encourage women, minorities, individuals with disabilities and veterans to apply to all of our job openings. We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin, age, disability status, Genetic Information & Testing,