Crew Leader Mountain Plovers

CREW LEADER (1 position) needed for a study examining chick mortality and potential factors influencing recruitment of Mountain Plovers on private lands in eastern Colorado (near the rural towns of Karval and Haswell). This is a collaborative study with the Colorado Division of Wildlife and Colorado State University. The position runs from Mar 2010 through Jun/Jul 2010, possibly extending into Aug/Sep. Major duties include assistance with contacting private landowners; locating and monitoring Mountain Plover nests; capture, handling and banding adult and chicks; attaching radio transmitters to adult and chicks; monitoring bird movements using radio telemetry; determining cause of chick mortality; navigation with maps and GPS units; assist with training other individuals in the field crew; data entry and proofing; and assist with all pre- and post-logistics of field work. Good organizational skills, the ability to work independently and within a team, and a willingness to travel and work an unusual schedule in isolated shortgrass prairie habitats are essential. Field work is conducted by foot, vehicle, and All-terrain vehicles (ATVs); experience with ATVs is desired, and valid driver's license is necessary. Applicants with a B.S. in Wildlife Biology or closely related field are preferred. Pay rate is equivalent to $2300-$2500/month, and is dependent on experience and qualifications. Housing during the field season (Apr-Jul/Aug) at the study area (near the towns of Karval and Haswell, CO) is provided, private quarters are not guaranteed. Assistance with logistics prior (Mar-Apr) and post (Jul/Sep) field season will be conducted in Fort Collins, CO; housing is NOT provided. Applications received prior to 1 Jan 2010 will be considered. Please send cover letter including a statement of interests and qualifications, resume/CV, and contact information, including email and phone number, for 3 references to MARGARET (MAGGIE) RIORDAN, Colorado Division of Wildlife, 317 West Prospect Road, Fort Collins CO 80526 (EM: Maggie.Riordan AT state.co.us ). Emailed applications will be accepted as attached PDF or Word documents. For further information about the project, please email: (EM: Maggie.Riordan AT state.co.us).