Deadline: Thu, 03/07/2024 - 12:00pm Employer: University of Wyoming Job Field: Wildlife Job Type: Seasonal, Temporary, Internship Location: Wyoming Location Detail: Laramie, WY Job Description: Background: The Wyoming toad (Anaxyrus baxteri) is a critically endangered species endemic to the Laramie Basin. The species was abundant in the 1950’s and 1960’s but began declining in the 1970’s until the last known individuals were brought into captivity in the 1990’s to establish a captive breeding program. Individuals from the captive breeding program have been reintroduced into the wild, but self-sustaining breeding populations have not been reestablished. Research and monitoring is being conducted to assess progress the status of wild populations, including the effects of vegetation treatments. Location: This position is based out of Laramie, Wyoming. Field work will occur at Mortenson Lake National Wildlife Refuge (approximately 15 miles southwest of Laramie) and several Safe Harbor reintroductions sites within the Laramie Basin. Description: Crew leader and technician to assist with regular field duties including: Building and installing soft-release enclosures for tadpoles and adults Disease exposure and treatment of adult animal Daily feeding of tadpoles and adults. Release and subsequent monitoring of adult toads Regular surveys for non-captive Wyoming toads Swabbing of toads for Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) Data entry Other activities as needed Qualifications: Qualifications: Qualified applicants will have the willingness and ability to work long hours (including weekends and holidays) and be flexible with their schedule, as work hours will be determined by animal needs. Applicants must also be able to tolerate harsh field conditions (heat/cold, wind, rain, biting insects, mud, etc. although home to a warm bed at night!), pay extreme attention to detail, and meet high standards of animal care. Interest in the research, a strong work ethic, and the ability to conduct meticulous data collection for the recovery of an endangered species are most important. Priority will be given to individuals currently enrolled in or recently graduated from an ecology, wildlife biology, or related program with past field experience. Qualified applicants need a valid driver’s license with a clean driving record. For the crew leader position, ability to work independently coordinating multiple job components, previous amphibian field experience and animal care, evidence of managing employees, organizational skill, ability to communicate with partners, and completion of a degree in wildlife biology or related field are preferred. Miscellaneous: Duration: The position will start mid-May and continue through mid-August (start and end dates may be flexible for highly qualified applicants and field season may be adjusted due to weather conditions). Salary: Compensation: $12-15/hr (depending on experience) and provided with a shared field vehicle. Technicians will gain valuable field experience while contributing to the recovery of a critically endangered amphibian. How to Apply: To Apply: Submit a letter of interest with dates of availability, résumé or CV, and contact information (name, email, phone number) for three references in a single PDF to Dr. Melanie Murphy (melanie.murphy@uwyo.edu). Application deadline is March 7th, 2024 but review of applicants will begin immediately and will continue until the positions are filled. Questions about the positions can be directed to Dr. Melanie Murphy (melanie.murphy@uwyo.edu).
