Lander, WY

Position Title: Wetland Field Technician

Organization: University of Wyoming

Location: Lander, WY

Position Overview: Historically, beavers were endemic to watersheds across North America until the arrival of fur trappers in the 1820s, which led to near extirpation by the 1860s. After legislative protection in Wyoming occurred in 1899, beavers have re-populated to about a third of their historical range in the state. Beaver extirpation led to declining trends in stream hydrology, biodiversity, sediment deposition, habitat abundance and diversity, and ecosystem services. Through dam construction, beavers raise water tables, expand local wetlands to irrigate adjacent floodplains, promote vegetation growth, and stabilize streambanks. Beaver Dam Analogs (BDAs) are man-made structures that attempt to replicate beaver ecosystem engineering effects on geology, hydrology, and ecology of lotic systems. BDAs are dynamic structures that require yearly maintenance, human-made, low-head, permeable dams made of fence posts, branches, boulders, and sediments. The research associated with this project uses eDNA field and lab collection methods to address the question. Do BDAs effectively replicate the ecosystem services (biodiversity and water quality) that beavers provide in wetlands?

Field work will occur at Red Canyon Ranch in Lander, WY (Southwest of Lander, housing provided) and potentially a second drainage also near Lander. Field collection in Lander will total approximately 30 days this summer (10 in June, 10 in July, and 10 in August) with other duties in between, which could include up to an additional 30 days in the Lander area.

Duties:

• eDNA collection
• Stream vegetation surveys
• Amphibian visual surveys
• Data entry
• Other activities as needed

Qualifications: Qualified applicants will be willing and able to work long hours (including weekends and holidays) and be flexible with their schedule, as seasonal conditions will ultimately determine work hours. Applicants must also be able to tolerate harsh field conditions (heat/cold, wind, rain, biting insects, elevation, mud, rattlesnakes, etc.), have a strong work ethic, and pay extreme attention to detail. This position is targeted for applicants interested in research, herpetology, genetics, and eDNA collection techniques. Priority will be given to individuals currently enrolled in or recently graduated from an ecology, wildlife biology, or related program with past field experience. Qualified applicants need a valid driver’s license and be qualified to drive a state vehicle.

Start/End Date: Early to mid-June through mid-August (flexible)

Salary/Pay: $12+ per hour

Application Deadline: April 4

How to Apply: Submit a letter of interest with dates of availability, resume or CV, and contact information (name, email, phone number) for three references in a single PDF to Alyssa Baldwin at abaldw11@uwyo.edu.