Aquatic Ecology Field Technician, University of Wyoming

Cokeville, WY

Position Title: Aquatic Ecology Field Technician

Organization: University of Wyoming

Location: Cokeville , WY

Position Overview: The Tronstad Lab with the University of Wyoming is seeking to hire one field technician to assist a graduate student on a project on the Bear River in western Wyoming. The project is focused on evaluating two native Wyoming freshwater mussels in the Bear River. Freshwater mussels in Wyoming play many important roles in aquatic ecosystems and have a unique reproductive relationship with fish. In the Bear River, little is known about their distribution and reproduction, so this project aims to address those knowledge gaps. The technician will be working with the graduate student 8 hours a week Monday-Friday and will travel locally to sites on the Bear River. Free housing is provided on the Cokeville Meadows National Wildlife Refuge. Recreational opportunities abound in the Cokeville, WY area, as it is 2 hours from Jackson, WY, and close to both Utah and Idaho. Applicants with interests in aquatic ecology, limnology, aquatic invertebrates, hydrology, fisheries and wildlife are encouraged to apply. No previous field experience required. For Univeristy of Wyoming undegraduate students, there are opportunities for pursuing an independent research project

Duties:

  • Collect water samples on the river
  • Prepare and analyze samples using a dissecting microscope
  • Net and identify fish during raft electrofishing
  • Collect and record biological information of fish and mussels
  • Snorkel in the river and identify adult and juvenile mussels
  • Operate in various weather conditions
  • Communicate respectfully with the general public, private landowners, and natural resource professionals

Qualifications:

Required:

  • The ability to follow directions and seek clarification when needed
  • Effective communication
  • Working towards or already earned a BS/BA in biology, ecology, fisheries biology, zoology, or a related field
  • An interest in aquatic ecology, fisheries, hydrology, or related field
  • Experience working effectively in a team setting and independently
  • A competent swimmer and comfortability around bodies of water
  • Experience and desire to be in and near water for extended periods of time
  • A valid driver’s license

Preferred:

  • Able to lift 40 lbs.
  • Experience conducting field-based research.
  • Experience or interest in aquatic habitats and conservation.
  • Experience or interest in identifying western Wyoming fish and aquatic invertebrates.
  • Experience cold water snorkeling and/or are SCUBA certified.
  • Detail-oriented

Start/End Dates: May 27th, 2024/ August 30th, 2024

Salary/Pay: $12-$13/hour

Application Deadline: February 29th, 2024

How to Apply: To apply, send a resume or CV to Samantha Poratti at SPoratti@uwyo.edu, and include in the email one paragraph explaining why you are interested in this position.