USFWS Assistant Technician Snowshoe Hare

University of New Hampshire

12d•Onsite

About The Position

The Earth Systems Research Center (ESRC) of the University of New Hampshire (UNH) is seeking a field technician to assist with a snowshoe hare research project in northeastern Vermont during the summer of 2026. This project, led by PI Alexej Sirén (ESRC) and the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), with support from co-PIs from the University of Vermont, University of Massachusetts, and Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department, will take place in the Silvio O. Conte National Fish and Wildlife Refuge. The field season will last approximately 8-10 weeks, with training provided. The research aims to evaluate the effects of ecological silvicultural practices on snowshoe hare demography and space use, as well as the responses of other boreal forest obligates. This work supports ongoing ESRC efforts to understand the impacts of changing snowpack and habitat on wildlife populations and will provide valuable information for land managers regarding wildlife compatibility with forest regeneration practices.

Requirements

Undergraduate degree (BS) in wildlife ecology or a related field.
At least 1 season of experience live-trapping and radio-collaring mammals and performing radio-telemetry to obtain locations of radio-collared animals.
Valid driver’s license.
Ability to take a defensive driver course to be eligible to drive a federal vehicle.
Capability to work independently and communicate effectively with project partners and collaborators.
Considerable problem-solving skills and the ability to work in a range of outdoor environments with a co-worker and independently.
Ability to work in remote and rugged wilderness, with exposure to biting insects and inclement weather.
Able to hike up to 10 miles per day and carry a 50 lb. pack.
Able to work long days in the field (e.g., 10-hours).
Able to use modern (e.g., GPS) and traditional (e.g., map and compass) navigational gear.
Able to use database, email, and word processing software.
Able to use mapping software (ESRI products such as Field Maps and Survey123).

Nice To Haves

BS degree in wildlife ecology, wildlife biology, or a related field.
Prior experience with live-trapping and radio-collaring snowshoe hares.
Prior experience conducting CT and ARU surveys.
Experience with conducting telemetry and necropsy surveys for hares, following detailed protocols.
Experience driving in remote areas.
Ability to identify the trees, shrubs, and plants of northern New England.

Responsibilities

Live-trapping, handling, and collaring snowshoe hares, including setting, baiting, and checking traps.
Assisting with handling, ear-tagging, and radio-collaring (VHF and GPS collars).
Collecting morphological data and genetic samples (tissue from ears).
Assisting with weekly telemetry surveys to locate collared individuals.
Assisting with necropsy investigations on deceased hares.
Establishing camera-trap (CT) and acoustic recording unit (ARU) sites and conducting surveys.
Directly reporting to project supervisors/cooperators before and after surveys.
Communicating work and plans for the coming day(s) with supervisors.
Entering all field data daily and emailing it to the project supervisor.
Traveling to and from the research station, providing own meals, and work clothing/gear.