Website
Location:
Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge, AK
Duration:
May 12- Aug 15
Job Type:
Volunteer
Application Deadline:
01/13/2014
VOLUNTEER FIELD RESEARCH ASSISTANTS needed to assist with cooperative study of KITTLITZ'S MURRELET nesting ecology between May 12- Aug 15. Volunteers should have a positive attitude, be very fit, enjoy camping and strenuous hikes off-trail in mountainous terrain, and relish isolated duty in a challenging environment. Volunteers will spend the first 2 weeks in orientation, safety training, and preparation for field deployment. During the following 8 - 12 weeks, volunteers and refuge biologists will conduct the study out of remote camps located in mountain valleys of southwestern Kodiak Island. Successful applicants should be prepared for a full-immersion wilderness experience during this time, including basic tent camps with no amenities and infrequent re-supply/mail flights (1-3 times per summer). The final weeks will be spent in Kodiak summarizing records and storing field gear. Learn more about the 2013 field season here: http://www.fws.gov/fieldnotes/regmap.cfm?arskey=34454 Study tasks will include: searching for nests on steep, rocky slopes, monitoring nesting biology primarily with digital game cameras, and habitat sampling around nest sites. Ideal candidates will have experience in conducting bird surveys or research, camping in extreme and isolated conditions, working in bear country, and have some GPS and/or GIS skills. Must have completed junior year of college and be a US resident to apply. The Fish and Wildlife Service will pay round-trip airfare to Kodiak; provide shared housing while in Kodiak, and pay all field costs except personal clothing. A small living allowance will be provided. Mandatory training includes: Firearms Safety, Bear Awareness, Aircraft Safety, and Aircraft Water Ditching and Survival (including a simulated plane crash in a pool). Applicants must be able to arrive on Kodiak Island by May 12 to participate in scheduled training. For additional information about volunteering in Kodiak, please visit our website: http://www.fws.gov/refuge/Kodiak/get_involved/volunteer.html
To apply, please email a single document with cover letter addressing the above criteria, your resume, and phone numbers for 3 references to LISA HUPP, Kodiak NWR Volunteer Coordinator (EM: lisa_hupp@fws.gov; PH: 907-487-0285).