Lynx Snow Tracking Field Biologist
Home Range Wildlife Research (Private) | https://www.homerange.org/
Details
Posting:
Application Deadline:
10/13/2024
Published:
09/09/2024
Starting Date:
after 1/1/2025
Ending Date:
after 3/31/2025
Hours per Week:
at least 40
Salary:
starting at $17 per hour
Education Required:
none
Experience Required:
at least 1 year
Location:
Winthrop, WA (Washington)
Description
DESCRIPTION:
Home Range Wildlife Research is seeking 1-2 field biologists from early January through the end of March 2025 (3-month position) to conduct snow tracking surveys for Canada lynx (Lynx canadensis) in the North Cascades mountains of Washington State.
Field biologists will be snow tracking lynx to collect data on behaviors related to hunting, traveling, and interspecific interactions in post-fire regenerating forests. Field work will be conducted throughout the 175,184 acres (709 km2) burn area of the 2006 Tripod Complex Fire, on the eastern slopes of the North Cascade Mountains, within the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest and Loomis State Forest. The Tripod Fire’s mosaic of burn patterns and regeneration characteristics presents a unique opportunity to understand the impacts of wildfire on lynx habitat selection in a region critical for their recovery in the continental US. Surveys are conducted on snowmobiles and, when a lynx trail is found, followed on snowshoes in rugged and steep terrain. Scats are collected along trails for lynx and other locally rare mountain carnivores (fisher, wolverine). Applicants should be comfortable snowshoeing for long distances (>5 miles) in variable terrain and snow conditions, working long hours in sub-freezing temperatures (often down to -15 F), and in adverse weather. All surveys are conducted in 2-person teams; the study area is a previously burned area in a remote mountainous region, requiring situational awareness and knowledge enough to avoid needlessly hazardous situations.
The position will be based in Winthrop, WA for the duration of the project and will be provided housing in a communal bunkhouse (sorry, no pets). Applicants should be comfortable living and working in a remote setting. Vehicles or transportation will be provided for fieldwork but a personal vehicle will be needed for personal travel on days off.
Applicants should have an interest in the ecological premise of the research, and general enthusiasm about wildlife ecology and wildlife fieldwork. Applicants from historically underrepresented groups in the wildlife field, as well as those early in their careers who are eager to gain significant winter field experience and build wildlife track and sign identification skills, are encouraged to apply. If required, training will be provided for safe snowmobile operation and wildlife track and sign identification.
This research project is part of a larger study led by Home Range Wildlife Research, a wildlife nonprofit based in Winthrop, WA, focused on investigating the impacts of wildfire on Canada lynx. The field biologists will be assisting the MS student leading the lynx snow tracking component of this umbrella project. Information about Home Range Wildlife Research and the Lynx and Wildfire project and can be found at their website: https://www.homerange.org/
QUALIFICATIONS:
Minimum Qualifications:
- Experience conducting wildlife fieldwork in winter conditions or extensive time outdoors in winter, driving a truck and trailer in snow, and being active all day in freezing temperatures is required.
- Must be in good physical condition; applicants should be able to snowshoe long distances in rugged and mountainous terrain, often in adverse weather conditions.
- Backcountry (GPS/compass) navigational skills and working knowledge of Gaia Maps.
- Must be willing to handle animal carcasses and carnivore scat.
- Must be a good communicator, critical thinker, and an effective field partner; the ability to work well with diverse teams and contribute positively to crew dynamics is a must.
- Diligence and accuracy when collecting and entering data, and following project protocols and priorities.
- A COVID-19 vaccination and up-to-date booster is REQUIRED for any crew members who may come into direct contact with lynx during this position.
- Authorization to work in the U.S., a valid U.S. driver’s license, and a clean driving record.
Desired Skills:
- Experience with wildlife track and sign identification and interpretation strongly preferred, but not required; Cybertracker Track & Sign and/or Trailing Certification of Level 3 or greater are a plus.
- Previous fieldwork experience with mammalian carnivores and kill-site evaluation.
- Experience using snowmobiles to navigate on and off-trail is strongly preferred, with basic maintenance skills a plus.
- Certifications in wilderness medical care (Wilderness First Aid or greater) and avalanche training are a plus. If listed in your CV, please include which organization provided the certification course, along with locations and date.
TO APPLY:
- Complete the Google Form application in full (link below) and
- Upload the following as ONE PDF document:
- A brief cover letter (limit 1 page, please) describing yourself and experiences you feel might set you apart. Please address your career goals and how this position will help you reach these goals.
- Current resume/CV
- 2 professional references (phone numbers and email addresses) who can speak to your aptitude in the field. Please indicate which job/volunteer positions/educational experience this person is related to from your CV.
Lynx Snow Tracking Field Biologist Application link: https://forms.gle/qRHkVMquNbQMub1o9
The top five candidates will be asked to participate in a video call interview within one week of being contacted. Last day to apply is October 13th, 2024.
If you have questions or need additional information, please contact Christine Phelan at (chphelan@uw.edu). Please include “INFO: Lynx Snow Tracking Field Biologist 2025” in the subject line of your email.
Contact
Christine Phelan
chphelan@uw.edu (preferred contact method)