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Paid Massasauga and Eastern Box Turtle Survey positions

Posted: February 11th, 2016, 1:55 pm
by Hadar
Summer Internships in Field Herpetology at IPFW
Positions are anticipated to be available to assist with herpetological research over summer 2016.

Eastern Box Turtles

Technician will assist with intensive surveys for box turtles, process captured animals and provide daily husbandry to turtles held in captivity. The technician will also aid with the construction of pens for temporarily confining turtles in the field. This project will take place near Battle Creek Michigan, and the successful applicant will be provided assistance with housing. The position is expected to begin in May.

Eastern Massasauga Surveys

Technician will assist with Massasauga presence and habitat surveys throughout northern Indiana. These surveys involve walking through various wetland habitats in an effort to assess the presence/absence of Massasaugas and other reptiles and amphibians. Applicants should be comfortable being around venomous snakes, and securing fleeing individuals with tongs may be required. However, actual handling will not occur. Habitat characterization will be conducted later in the field season and will involve identifying plants and assessing suitability for Massasaugas. Surveys involve extensive walking through uneven and boggy terrain. Experience identifying Indiana’s plants and herpetofauna is preferred. This technician should be based in northeast Indiana as housing is likely not provided. This position begins late April or early May.

Eastern Massasauga Telemetry

Tech will assist with research on translocation techniques for Eastern Massasauga rattlesnakes. Tasks will include helping to capture (via tongs and buckets) and process snakes, track them using telemetry, and helping characterize habit use and movement patterns. This position is in the vicinity of Grayling Michigan. Communal housing within 20 minutes driving time of the study site will be provided at no cost. This position begins early May.

Qualifications and Compensation

We prefer that applicants for all positions have recently earned or are working towards four-year degree from an accredited college or university (biology, wildlife management, ecology or related field). They should be able to work independently for long hours in often unfavorable weather conditions, must have exceptional communication skills and act safely under condition that include working with venomous reptiles and firing ranges in some instances. Field or captive experience with reptiles is preferred but not required. Applicants must be 18 years or older and have a valid driver’s license. Use of a personal vehicle for work-related travel is required. Wages will range from $10-15/hr based on experience. Research credit options are also available.

Contact

All positions are pending finalization of funding. Qualified applicants interested in any or all of these positions should email Dr. Bruce Kingsbury an explanation of interest and include a CV that details academic background, relevant experience, and the names and contact information for three references, at [email protected]. Applications will be accepted until positions are filled, but applications received by February 20 will receive full consideration.