Deadline: Wed, 11/16/2022 - 12:00pm Employer: East Foundation Job Field: Wildlife Job Type: Seasonal, Temporary, Internship Location: Texas Location Detail: Hebbronville and Port Mansfield Job Description: Duration: January 25, 2023, to July 10, 2023 Description: We are seeking a highly organized individual with exceptional communication and leadership skills to lead 10 crew members that will trap small mammals for a capture-recapture project for 2.5 months, and then conduct point counts for birds for an additional 2 months on lands owned by the East Foundation (http://www.eastfoundation.net/). The East Foundation is a non-profit agricultural research organization whose mission is to promote the advancement of land stewardship through ranching, science, and education. The lands function as a living laboratory to research range and wildlife response to long-term changes such as drought and grazing. The Foundation aims to maintain native rangelands for wildlife and livestock production. Fieldwork will take place on the East Foundation’s San Antonio Viejo (2/3 time) and El Sauz ranch (1/3 time). The two locations offer a rare opportunity to handle unique species of small mammals and observe over 130 species of birds. Mammal handling training will be provided; however, applicants should have a proven ability to identify birds from sight and sound. Provided housing consists of newly remodeled bunk houses with large kitchens and shared bathrooms on both properties. Duties include but are not limited to acting as the point of contact between the crew and the Foundation; coordinating a schedule of daily tasks and rotation of sampling locations; coordinating with ranch personnel regarding access to sampling pastures within and between ranches; and overseeing data entry for quality control. (25% of time) Additionally, the crew leader will be expected to work alongside technicians to perform the following tasks: Establishing small mammal trapping grids using GPS; baiting traps; handling and marking small mammals with PIT tags; taking field notes; entering data into a database, and cleaning traps (30% of time). Establishing point-count sampling locations with GPS; hiking up to 7 km daily through vegetation between sampling points; identifying avian species by sight and sound; taking field notes; and entering data into a database (35% of time). Technicians will also be expected to clean and maintain equipment, vehicles, and living quarters, enter and proof data for quality, occasionally prepare reports summarizing field efforts, assist graduate students with additional data collection, and other duties as assigned (10% of time). Applicants must maintain a valid driver’s license and are expected to provide their own binoculars and field clothes, including durable boots for work outdoors. Qualifications: B.S. or B.A. in a wildlife-related field. Proven leadership skills. Ability to navigate using compass and GPS. Ability to collect and record accurate field data. Basic knowledge of spreadsheet and database software. Ability to work long, irregular hours, usually starting before sunrise. Ability to walk long distances carrying heavy loads. A valid driver’s license and own transportation for occasional travel between ranches (2 hours) and for personal trips to town (45 minutes). Ability and willingness to operate 4WD trucks and XUVs on and off ranch roads. Applicants should be comfortable working outside in both cold and wet, and hot and humid conditions, and working in thorny brush among venomous snakes. Should be comfortable working and living closely with other technicians in remote locations. Preferred Skills: Preference will be given to applicants with proven bird identification skills and at least 2 years of field experience. Salary: Salary: Compensation is $15-$16 (COE) per hour and includes housing onsite and paid overtime. This is a temporary full-time position with no benefits. How to Apply: To Apply: Please send the following documents to cpavlicek@eastfoundation.net with "Monitoring Crew Lead" in the subject line: A 1–2 page statement of interest – describe your background, pertinent experiences and interests, accomplishments, and how this internship will benefit you. Full resume – include all skills and proficiencies, volunteer experience, and/or other accomplishments. Three references (contact information only) A copy of your current college transcript. Applicants may submit an unofficial copy.
