Niobrara River, Nebraska

Position Title: Mussel Technician

Organization: Wyoming Natural Diversity Database

Location: Niobrara River, NE

Organization Overview: The Wyoming Natural Diversity Database is the state natural heritage program and is an equal opportunity employer. We collect and disseminate information about the distribution and abundance of species of management concern and plant communities across Wyoming.

Position Overview: The Wyoming Natural Diversity Database (WYNDD) at the University of Wyoming is searching for four technicians to assist with mussel surveys in Nebraska. One technician with extensive experience will be hired as a crew lead. The crew will be based near Valentine, Nebraska for 2 months (4 technicians) and Agate Fossil Beds National Monument for 1 month (2 technicians). Housing and vehicles is provided. The crew will be living in beautiful areas with many recreational opportunities. The Niobrara River offers rafting and kayaking, and wildlife viewing. Agate Fossil Beds is a remote area (30 minutes from a town) with dark skies and abundant wildlife. Mussels are declining across the US and more jobs are opening to study these mollusks. This job will give you the opportunity to gain experience and a professional reference for your future. 

Qualifications: 

 Applicants with research background in mussel or invertebrate identification will be strong candidates, but anyone interested is encouraged to apply. Applicants must have a positive attitude, strong work ethic, and productively work with others and independently. The person must be reliable, have great communication skills, be able to record accurate data in all situations, be safety conscience, and be comfortable navigating with a map and GPS unit. Well qualified applicants will have a high school diploma plus experience in invertebrate zoology, entomology, zoology or two years of college course work towards a BS in a relevant or closely related field. Experience working in the field, conducting biological surveys and collecting field data is favored. 

• Must have a valid driver’s license, be able to safely operate 4WD vehicles on rough roads and pass the motor vehicle records inspection by University of Wyoming (vehicles provided)
• Applicants must be able to swim, be comfortable in water and able to snorkel
• Applicants should be prepared for traveling along the river in canoes and living in close quarters
• Must be in good physical condition and able to hike, canoe and swim/snorkel
• Must perform fieldwork under adverse weather conditions and in remote locations without cellular service or internet
• Be safety conscience
• Will operate on a flexible schedule that may change on short notice

Start/End Dates: 19 June – 18 August 2023 (dates somewhat flexible)

Salary/Pay: $14/hr (technicians) and $18/hr (crew lead)

Application Deadline: 5 January 2023

How to Apply: Applicants should email a letter of interest, CV and the contact information for 3 references in one document to Lusha Tronstad at tronstad@uwyo.edu