The Department of Fish and Wildlife Conservation at Virginia Tech is seeking to hire field technicians to assist graduate students on a white-tailed deer research project in Bath County, Virginia. The goal of this study is to better understand the population dynamics of white-tailed deer that reside within a unique ecosystem of the Appalachian Mountains of western Virginia.
Successful applicants will be tasked with capturing deer using clover traps, rocket-nets, drop-nets, and/or suspended net launchers. Additionally, applicants will assist in outfitting does with GPS tracking collars and vaginal implant transmitters (VITs) which will be used to assist in fawn capture that spring. Other duties will include checking numerous trail cameras, interacting with landowners, investigating mortalities using radio-telemetry, and various data entry.
These full-time positions (40+ hours/week) will provide successful applicants with the opportunity to interact with residents, private lands managers, and employees from both state and federal wildlife agencies (Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries, US Forest Service). Housing and field vehicles will be provided.
Qualifications
Applicants who have a bachelor’s degree in wildlife sciences, biology, ecology, or related field are preferred. Previous experience capturing, handling, and/or radio-collaring white-tailed deer or other large mammals is strongly desired. Professional training and/or certification in the practice of chemical immobilization is also preferred but not required.
All applicants must possess a strong work ethic, be self-motivated, enthusiastic, open to various viewpoints on deer management, and capable of working in a team setting. Applicants should be prepared to work long hours outdoors in variable weather conditions, including early mornings, late nights, and weekends. Fieldwork will primarily occur during the winter and applicants will be expected to sit in ground blinds and/or tree stands for extended periods of time in cold weather. Applicants must be able to lift a minimum of 50 pounds, possess a valid driver’s license, and have a good driving record.
Salary
$400 per week