Red Desert, WY

Position Title: Wyoming Mule Deer Field Technician

Organization: University of Wyoming

Location: Red Desert, WY

Position Description The Sublette mule deer herd of Wyoming contains the longest terrestrial migration in the lower-48. While some deer migrate the astounding 150 miles (long-distance) to have fawns in the montane forests, others in the herd migrate <70 miles (medium-distance) and <30 miles (short-distance). As part of a decade-long study, we are investigating the processes that sustain phenotypic diversity among and within individuals, and how this diversity benefits migratory herds of ungulates in the long-term. We are seeking a technician to lead Fall Fawn Recruitment Surveys and mortality investigations on a migratory mule deer herd in southwest Wyoming. The Red Desert is one of the most intact, non-wilderness areas in the US and is world-known for its landscapes and geology. The Red Desert also contains some of the largest trophy ungulates, such as mule deer, Rocky Mountain elk, and pronghorn, as well as rare species like sage grouse and horned toads.

Duties Field tasks will include: (1) navigating remote 4×4 roads, (2) triangulating collared animals with ground telemetry, (3) field observations to record group composition and the number of fawns at the heel of collared does, and finally (4) cause-specific mortality investigations and sample collection. Other tasks will include: (1) bi-weekly data entry, (2) vehicle problems reporting and lodging cleanliness, and (3) nightly check-in with main supervisor. Housing and field vehicles will be provided for the duration of the work.

Qualifications Successful applicants should have experience with at least some of the following: (1) ground telemetry, (2) operating ½-ton trucks in rugged conditions and/or off-road, (3) basic vehicle maintenance, and (4) backcountry navigation with gps/smartphone app. Applicants with an ability to identify deer age- and sex-classes or those with recreational hunting experience are encouraged to apply.

Salary DOE, starting at $13-17/hour. Technicians will have ample opportunities to network with researchers and wildlife managers from around Wyoming during and after the employment.

Start Date 10/5/23

To Apply Please send an email with a single page cover letter describing your experiences and interest in the position, professional CV and TWO references (with contact information) to Luke Wilde, lwilde2@uwyo.edu.
(see these resources for your CV: https://www.esa.org/programs/student-programs/resume-resources/)

Apply by: August 28, 2023