Snowshoe Hare Research Technician

University of North Dakota•Grand Forks, ND

3d•$20•Hybrid

About The Position

The effort on this study supports ongoing work within UND evaluating the effects of changes in snowpack and habitat on wildlife populations. This project will evaluate the effects of ecological silvicultural practices (variable density thinning) on snowshoe hare demography and space use over a two-year period. We will also evaluate responses of other boreal forest obligates (e.g., spruce grouse) to these silvicultural practices. Having field support for this project is critical for gathering new information on how snow-dependent and boreal species such as snowshoe hares will respond to global change.

Requirements

Capability to work independently and communicate effectively with project partners and collaborators
Problem-solving skills
Ability to work in a range of outdoor environments, including cold temperatures and in rugged mountainous terrain
Able to use database, email, and word processing software as well as mapping software (ESRI products such as Field Maps and Survey123)
An 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
Successful completion of a Criminal History Background Check
Verify identity and eligibility to work in the US and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire
This position does not support visa sponsorship for continued employment

Nice To Haves

MS degree in wildlife ecology, wildlife biology, or a related field
Prior experience with live-trapping and radio-collaring snowshoe hares and conducting CT and ARU surveys
Experience with conducting telemetry and necropsy surveys for hares or similar species, following detailed protocols
Driving in remote areas

Responsibilities

Live-trapping, handling, collaring, and tracking snowshoe hares
Assist with live-trapping efforts, including setting, baiting, and checking live-traps (~3-4 weeks)
Assist with handling, ear-tagging, and radio-collaring (VHF and GPS collars) as well as the collection of morphological data and genetic data (tissue sample from ears)
Conduct weekly telemetry surveys to check for mortalities for all collared hares, obtain locations on a subset of individuals with VHF collars, collect mortality data on and collars from any deceased hares
Assist with CT and ARU site checks, involving changing and managing camera SD cards, switching out equipment as necessary, and fixing equipment with power tools as necessary
Help conduct fecal pellet abundance surveys in the study area to index relative abundance of spruce grouse and ruffed grouse during April 2027
Communicate and work with state and federal partners to conduct surveys and follow our standardized protocol
Directly report to project supervisors/cooperators prior to leaving and upon finishing surveys, except when the supervisor is present
Communicate either in person or through email/phone during the evening to discuss work and plans for the coming day(s)
Enter/update all field data daily to the project supervisor if they are not present