Overview

Expected Dates
October 2, 2017 to September 28, 2018

Site
FWS Ecological Services Field Office AZ

Position ID
PO-00724136

Major Duties:  The SCA intern will perform a variety of tasks in support of the Mexican wolf recovery project.  Team members must be excellent and open communicators, team oriented, and adaptable to the dynamic nature of the program. This is a very field-based opportunity.  Duties MAY include the following:

  • Monitoring wolf distribution and occurrence (using track and scat identification and remote cameras).
  • Conducting radio-telemetry (by vehicle, hiking, or plane) using receivers and H-antenna to monitor the locations and movements of radio collared wolves.  Telemetry skills also involve using a map, compass and GPS to triangulate and plot wolf locations.  Previous experience with radio-telemetry is a strong plus.
  • Hazing wolves using non-lethal munitions such as cracker shells.  Previous experience using firearms is a plus. (Applicants must be legally able to possess a firearm)
  • Backcountry travel by 4WD vehicle, hiking and backpacking.  Camping and horseback riding are possible.
  • Extended periods of work in remote areas for behavioral observations and various management activities can occur.
  • Depending on seasonal needs, the intern MAY assist project biologists with various wolf management and research activities such as:Capture (using leg-hold traps or darting).
  • Radio collaring of wolves including medical workups (blood, vaccines etc) and measurements.
  • Possible monitoring of den and rendezvous site activity.
  • Being a courteous ambassador of the wolf program, distributing current wolf information and educational materials to ranchers, campers, hunters, and other persons using the recovery area.
  • Office tasks such as data entry (entering location and other data in computer database) and equipment maintenance (vehicles, traps, snowmobiles and ATV’s etc).  Depending on current seasonal activities, the intern may be asked to assist with a wide variety of project needs, complex or tedious.  Flexibility and a good helpful attitude are essential.

Qualifications: The applicant should be age 21 or over, in excellent physical health and hold a current drivers license.  He/she must be able to work independently and with a team and demonstrate a good level of flexibility.  Work conditions are often in remote areas with extreme environmental conditions. Long, irregular hours can be anticipated.  Must be able to work and live in backcountry conditions for extended hitches.  Ideal candidates are highly motivated, detail oriented, organized, and maintain a positive disposition even under adverse conditions.  Applicants with or working towards a Bachelors degree in wildlife biology are desirable.  Experiences in backcountry travel, map and compass use, wildlife or wolf handling and tracking, ranching, hunting and trapping are helpful.  Remote backcountry hiking and camping experience, radio-telemetry, 4WD vehicle operation, and good communication skills are preferred.

The applicant must be willing to represent the views and goals of the USFWS, Mexican Wolf Program to cooperators and the public, and adhere to the services code of conduct and ethics.

Location Description

Alpine, AZ

Interns will share one of two fully furnished 3 bedroom trailers (no pets, alcohol, or firearms) with full size beds, tables, chairs, pots, pans, glasses, silverware, dishes. and washer and drier. Bedding and linens are not provided.

Training Provided

Radiotelemetry, defensive driving, interagency aviation – aircrew member, orienteering, map and compass, gps, winter driving, wolf ecology, behavior, and conservation, remote camera, and additional training as available.

Educational/Recreational Opportunities

Hiking, photography, bird watching, mountain biking, fishing, etc.

Handicap Accessible?

Yes

Main Area of Focus

Wildlife Mgmt

Education, Training & Skills Expected

Biology: degree major or professional experience
Resource Management: some coursework or experience
Camping: competent with supervision
Data Entry: competent without supervision
GPS: competent without supervision
Orienteering compass skills: competent without supervision