Virginia Tech, in collaboration with Warren Wilson College and Tangle Bank LCC, is conducting a regional study on the Appalachian Cottontail in western North Carolina. Appalachian Cottontail is a high-elevation rabbit that is considered a Federal Species of Concern and is a Knowledge Gap Priority Species in North Carolina. Our study is focused on understanding the distribution, habitat use, and population genetics of this species. Field work will occur in the southern Appalachian Mountains, especially at high elevation sites including Roan Mountain Highlands, Mt. Mitchell, and Great Smoky Mountain National Park. The field crew will be responsible for trapping/radio-collaring and tracking bunnies, as well as conducting vegetation surveys and scat transects. Some work, especially trapping during September/October, will require camping at a site for multiple days. Housing and a field vehicle are provided.
Qualifications
Crew Lead (September 1, 2019 – February 29, 2020)
• BS in Wildlife Conservation/Management or related field
• 1 year of previous field experience on wildlife projects
• 6 months of telemetry experience
• 3 months of trapping/handling experience of small mammals (lagomorphs preferred)
• Ability to work off-trail in steep, mountainous terrain in hot/rainy/snowy/cold conditions
• Should be able to camp in cold conditions
• Should be able to hike 10 miles
• Should be able to carry 60 lbs for 2 miles
• Previous experience with data entry and managing data in Excel
• Needs to have strong communication skills and be responsible, organized, efficient, and hard working
• Ability to work without direct supervision
• Should have a valid driver’s license and a clean driving record
• Preferred Skills: Previous crew lead experience, WFA/WFR, experience working in remote backcountry areas in adverse conditions. Knowledge of Southern Appalachian flora a plus.
• $450-500/weekly stipend + housing
Technician (October 15, 2019 – February 29, 2020)
• Working towards or obtained a BS in Wildlife Conservation/Management or related field
• 6 months of previous field experience
• 3 months of telemetry experience
• Ability to work off-trail in steep, mountainous terrain in hot/rainy/snowy/cold conditions
• Should be able to camp in cold conditions
• Should be able to hike 10 miles
• Should be able to carry 60 lbs for 2 miles
• Should have a valid driver’s license and a clean driving record
• Preferred Skills: previous work with small mammals or lagomorphs, camping experience, WFA/WFR preferred, data entry experience preferred, experience working in remote backcountry areas in adverse conditions.
• $350-400/weekly stipend + housing