Position Description: One highly motivated field technician needed for June through August to assist with graduate research at the Center for Limnology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. The research will be investigating the impact of in-stream barriers (dams and road crossings) on native fish migrations between the Laurentian Great Lakes and their tributaries.
Primary job duties: The successful applicant will assist with data collection on dams and fish passage throughout the Lake Michigan Basin, including sites in Wisconsin, Michigan, and Indiana. This position will require constant travel, both on a daily basis and between field sites. It will require accurate data collection of biological, physical, and chemical data according to protocol. This includes assessing physical barriers (dams and road crossings) for fish passage, size, and condition and recording stream habitat quality and stream characteristics. Additional duties may include field and lab equipment maintenance, data entry, sample processing, and analysis.
Minimum Requirements:
-Possess a valid state-issued driver’s license with a safe driving record.
-High attention to detail and strong organizational skills.
-Good verbal and written communication skills.
-Ability to maintain a positive attitude and promote team cohesiveness during long hours in the field and under inclement weather conditions.
-Be in good physical condition, capable of repetitively lifting /carrying equipment up to 60 lbs. on uneven and slippery terrain, capable of long hikes in rugged terrain carrying a loaded 40-50 lb. backpack, able to work in extreme cold/hot conditions, cold water, and with biting insects
-Ability to work safely while in remote locations.
-Ability to work for the duration of the field season, including early-morning, late-night, and weekend shifts.
-Ability to maintain professionalism at all times while living/working in close quarters with co-workers under field camp conditions (housing will be primarily in the form of a shared hotel room, but some camping may also be required)
Desired Qualifications:
-Training or coursework in aquatic or fish ecology
-Experience with field research
-Experience with handling fish
-Knowledge of Great Lakes fish species identification
-Experience with backpack and barge electrofishing techniques
-Experience with dam/culvert survey techniques
-Experience with land surveying techniques
-Experience with data entry and analysis
-Knowledge of Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Access, computer programming, GIS or related software, and handheld Trimble GPS units
Compensation:
-Rate of pay: $10.25-$12.83 per hour, depending on experience.
-Housing will be provided while in the field.
Anticipated Timeline: June 6 (or upon availability) through August 31
How to Apply: Please send an email with a single pdf attached that contains a statement of interest addressing relevant experience, a resume/CV, contact information for 3 references, and a copy of undergraduate transcripts to John Rodstrom (rodstrom@wisc.edu<mailto:rodstrom@wisc.edu>). Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Historically underrepresented groups are encouraged to apply.
