Utah State University
Location
Utah | United States
Job description
Hiring two field research technicians for mid-June to mid-September 2024 to assist with a research project investigating the ecological interactions between mountain goats and American pikas. This work is in collaboration with an ongoing pika monitoring project through Colorado Mesa University; thus, there may be an opportunity to assist with pika trapping and tagging efforts.
Our camp and field site are located in the La Sal Mountains, near the town of Moab, UT. Although breathtakingly scenic, accessing our field sites is physically demanding. The hike into the field is about 3.7 miles, however, some of our grazing exclosure sites require longer and more strenuous hikes (7-12 miles) over loose, steep scree faces and cliffy terrain. Experience and comfort navigating through boulders, talus fields, and cliffs in high alpine environments is necessary. The majority of our work hours will be concentrated early in the morning before sunrise-mid afternoon. Weather conditions throughout the summer can be variable, including afternoon thunderstorms.
Housing is provided in the form of a backcountry yurt situated at the trailhead. 3-5 people in our crew will occupy the yurt at any given time.
The starting wage is $18.00 per hour, however, performance reviews will be conducted throughout the summer which may result in opportunities to make as much as $20.00 per hour.
Estimated start date of June 9 but this will ultimately depend on snow conditions on the road we use to access the trailhead, so technicians must be able to adapt to an uncertain start date. For example, in 2023, due to record snowfall, we were unable to access the trailhead until July. When we are not working, there will be opportunities to explore Utah’s southeast desert, including Arches and Canyonlands National Parks, and surrounding areas. There are many climbing areas, hiking and mountain biking trails, as well as the Colorado River nearby.
Primary technician duties include:
Technicians will be trained in data collection for 2-3 weeks, after this time technicians will be expected to work as a team without direct supervision if necessary (e.g. I will need to deliver scat samples to USU in Logan, UT).
Minimum Requirements:
1. Interest in wildlife ecology, conservation, or related field.
2. Enthusiasm for watching animals for extended periods at a time.
3. Enthusiasm to hike long days at high elevations (9,000-12,000 ft) in steep, uneven terrain, both on and off trails.
4. Familiarity with navigation by maps, compass, and GPS.
5. Collaborate well with co-workers, fostering a collaborative work environment conducive to teamwork.
6. Willingness to work long and irregular hours, sometimes in the summer heat and/or inclement weather.
7. Ability to work well in a small team in remote settings without reliable access to cell service.
8. Organized, detail-oriented, strong work ethic, and evidence of independent problem-solving/troubleshooting ability.
9. Ability to maintain a positive attitude and a growth mindset about project setbacks and/or physical exertion and discomfort.
10. Rock climbing, mountaineering, multi-day hiking, and/or backcountry backpacking experience.
11. Experience in outdoor leadership and/or backcountry travel, including leave-no-trace camping ethics.
12. Bear awareness and ability to keep a bear-safe camp.
Preferred Requirements:
1. Completed or near completion of a Bachelor’s degree in wildlife ecology or related field.
2. Previous experience working as a research technician.
3. Previous experience working as a lead technician.
4. Previous experience working with a small team without direct supervision.
5. Experience using VHF telemetry to track collared animals.
6. Experience collecting behavioral data.
7. Experience identifying alpine plant species.
8. Knowledge of and experience with wilderness first aid techniques.
Along with the online application, please attach:
**Document size may not exceed 10 MB.**
$18.00 per hourThis position requires excellent physical fitness and ability to carry a heavy pack (50-60 lbs) for extended periods of time in high elevations (9,000-12,000 ft) and across difficult terrain. Employees must have sufficient strength to perform the duties and responsibilities of the position including heavy lifting (up to 75 lbs.) and/or pushing and pulling of heavy objects. Employees must be prepared to assume uncomfortable positions, such as crawling, kneeling, and squatting. Employees work outside and will not be protected from weather conditions, including extreme cold and extreme heat for extended periods.
The S. J. & Jessie E. Quinney College of Natural Resources is nationally and internationally recognized for its research, extension, and teaching on natural and socio-environmental ecosystems. It is a high-impact college at Utah State University with over $15M in research funding annually, 55 tenure-track faculty in three departments, and close partnerships with federal and state natural resource agencies.
The Department of Wildland Resources in QCNR encompasses research in applied terrestrial ecology, including the ecology and management of wildlife, forests, rangelands, conservation biology, and climate change adaptation. Award-winning faculty teach courses that prepare students for professional careers in many natural resources fields, including programs accredited by the Society of American Foresters and the Society for Range Management and aligned with the Society of Ecological Restoration.
Founded in 1888, Utah State University is Utah’s premier land-grant and space-grant university, with a strong commitment to excellence, access, and inclusion. USU serves approximately 27,500 students throughout the state at three residential campuses, eight statewide campuses, and 23 education centers. USU Online has served students from all 50 states and 55 countries for over 25 years, and USU Extension provides outreach and service to all counties in Utah.
As a land-grant university, USU engages communities and empowers people to lead successful lives of involvement, innovation, and impact. As an R1 research institution, USU provides a high-quality undergraduate and graduate education at an affordable price. Washington Monthly has consistently ranked USU in the top 10 among public universities for contribution to social mobility, research, and public service.
Utah State is committed to cultivating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community where different perspectives, values, cultures, and identities are acknowledged, welcomed, and valued. We seek to recruit, hire, and retain people from all walks of life who will champion excellence in education, research, discovery, outreach, and service. We believe that promoting a strong sense of community and belonging empowers and engages all members of USU to thrive and be successful. Learn more about USU.
The university provides a Dual Career Assistance Program to support careers for partners who are also seeking employment. Additionally, USU is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities. To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability, contact the university’s ADA Coordinator in the Office of Human Resources at (435) 797-0122 or [email protected] .
About the Region
U.S. News and World Report ranked Utah first for its strong economy, fiscal stability, education, and health care. Outstanding outdoor recreational opportunities abound throughout the state, including five national parks, 43 state parks and recreation areas, and 15 alpine ski resorts. The home of USU’s main campus, Logan , is a city of 54,000-plus people in a picturesque mountain valley 80 miles north of Salt Lake City. The Logan metro area claimed the top spot in the Milken Institute’s 2022 ranking for best-performing small cities in the nation.
*updated 7/2023
In its programs and activities, including in admissions and employment, Utah State University does not discriminate or tolerate discrimination, including harassment, based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by University policy, Title IX, or any other federal, state, or local law.
The following individuals have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the application of Title IX and its implementing regulations and/or USU’s non-discrimination policies:
Executive Director of the Office of Equity Matthew Pinner, [email protected] , Distance Education Rm. 401, 435-797-1266
Title IX Coordinator Cody Carmichael, [email protected] , Distance Education Rm. 404, 435-797-1266
Mailing address: 5100 Old Main Hill, Logan, UT 84322
For further information regarding non-discrimination, please visit , or contact:
U.S. Department of Education, Office of Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 800-421-3481, [email protected]
*updated 09/2023
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