One technician is needed to assist with a PhD research project evaluating the efficacy of bear-proofing strategies on human-black bear interactions, urban black bear space use, diet, and reproduction in Asheville, N.C.
Primary duties will be providing technical and support and guidance to homeowner’s associations (HOAs) to meet compliance standards of BearWise, including leading or co-leading small group meetings with PowerPoint software, and developing, writing, and preparing meeting notes and other support materials. Field work will include maintaining culvert traplines and assisting with black bear captures (chemical immobilization, GPS radio-collar attachment, biological sample collection), conducting early morning surveys (4:30 AM- 7:00 AM) to assess residential compliance with municipal trash collection schedules, engaging in door-to-door canvassing for human dimensions surveys, obtaining vegetation and structural measurements of winter den sites, investigating GPS data points for foraging evidence by radio-collared black bears, and conducting urban hard mast surveys. Routine office tasks include data organization, management, entry, and queries in Excel databases, online monitoring of GPS data, processing biological samples, equipment maintenance, and responding to public information requests in person or via phone or email.
Qualifications
This project occurs exclusively on private lands in a suburban environment. Hence, the technician will interact with the public on a daily basis: while working with HOAs, to obtain permission to investigate foraging activity on private property, and when checking traps, to name a few. Due to the high level of public outreach and cooperation needed to meet research objectives, the technician is expected to maintain a professional and engaging attitude with citizens and other stakeholders at all times. Maturity, tolerance, impeccable social skills, a strong work ethic, and a team-player attitude are highly desired.
Applicants will have or be working towards a B.S. or higher in wildlife biology or management, or a related natural resources degree. Experience with public speaking or engagement and mammal live-trapping and chemical immobilization is desirable. Candidates should be detail-oriented, conscientious, and committed to following study protocols. Applicants should be in excellent physical condition, capable of heavy lifting (at least 50 lbs.), and comfortable occasionally hiking alone over rough and varying terrain. A valid driver’s license, clean driving record, and experience operating 4-wheel drive vehicles with a trailer hitch are preferred.
The position will begin approximately mid-April and continue through November with a possibility for extension through March 2021.
Minimum Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree (or in-process) in wildlife biology or management, or a related natural resources degree.
Desired Qualifications:
1. Excellent communication skills (written and oral) and experience with public engagement, including use of PowerPoint software.
2. Field experience with mammal live-trapping and chemical immobilization.
3. Experience with field data collection, data organization and management in Excel databases.
4. Willingness to work a variable schedule with irregular hours and during inclement weather, including early mornings, weekends, and some late nights.
5. Mature, organized, detail-oriented, possess a strong work ethic, and function well as part of a team.
Compensation:
9$/hr. and shared housing (no pets allowed). Approximate hours: 40/wk.
Jennifer Strules: urbanbearstudy@ncsu.edu
Please indicate ""BearWise/Black Bear Research Technician"" in the subject heading, and include last name as beginning of file name. Applications will be reviewed as they are received.