Aquatic Ecology Field Technician, Glacier National Park, University of Montana

Position Overview

The University of Montana’s Flathead Lake Biological Station is seeking one Aquatic Ecology Field Technician to assist with data collection in a collaborative aquatic ecology research project investigating food web and community response to lake trout invasion in Glacier National Park (GNP). Lake trout invasion in GNP has coincided with declines in abundance of threatened bull trout. Fisheries managers have suppressed lake trout to preserve GNP’s bull trout populations. To date, GNP’s lake trout invasion has been studied as a fisheries issue. This study examines ecosystem-level effects of lake trout invasion and suppression in GNP lakes.

For the field season, the technician will be based in West Glacier, MT. Modern front-country housing is provided in West Glacier. Vehicle transportation between West Glacier and study sites is provided. Waders are provided but the technician may work in their own (note: felt-bottomed wader boots are prohibited in GNP). The technician will be responsible for their food and backpacking gear (backpack, sleeping bag, tent, clothing etc.). The technician must be able to transport themselves to West Glacier, MT by May 27, 2019 with work ending on or around August 24, 2019.

Responsibilities

• Working hours will be spent exclusively in GNP back-country.
• Work will involve early mornings and long hours in all weather conditions.
• Weekend work may be required.
• The technician will work on a two-person sampling crew led by one graduate researcher.
• This crew will collect and biotic and abiotic samples from back-country lakes in GNP.
• Duties include but are not limited to: hiking while carrying backpacks and gear, setting up and breaking down back-country campsites, working in cold water while wearing waders, equipment maintenance, collecting observational data (temperature, wind, etc.) and biotic samples, data entry and quality control.
• Inter-agency permit-holders will collect samples.

Qualifications

A qualified candidate must:

• Perform back-country work in all conditions including rain, heat, humidity, mosquitoes.
• Regularly carry a backpack containing food, camping gear, and sampling equipment weighing 30+ lbs up to 10 miles on established GNP trails to reach study lakes.
• Work in waders for extended periods of time Page 2. 
• Collect and handle biotic and abiotic samples.
• Paddle a canoe while wearing a PFD.
• Live and work with other researchers. Time will be split roughly 70% back-country camping, 30% front-country housing. 
• Perform back-country field work in Grizzly Bear territory. Live and work under appropriate bear safety guidelines. 
• Possess a valid US driver’s license.
• Be available continuously from May 27, 2019 through August 24, 2019.

An outstanding candidate will have these skills:

• Previous experience with aquatic ecology field work.
• Academic training in biology, ecology, or related discipline. 
• Taxonomic identification of GNP aquatic biota.
• Familiarity with GNP geography including mountains, lakes, and trails. 
• Able to effectively communicate and solve problems.
• Comfortable using tools and methods such as: hook and line angling, trap net, gill nets, D-net, minnow trap, secchi disk, zooplankton tow net, thermometer, GPS, topographic and bathymetric maps, Ekman grab sampler.
• Technician will work on an inter-agency aquatic ecology research project, become proficient with sampling techniques and practical field identification of aquatic biota in a back-country setting.

Additional Information

• Posting Title: Aquatic Ecology Field Technician, Glacier National Park, University of Montana
• Agency: University of Montana
• Location: Glacier National Park, Montana, USA
• Job Category: Temporary/Seasonal Position
• Salary: Hourly rate + lodging
• Start Date: May 27, 2019

To Apply

• Please click "Apply" below to upload one pdf containing your one-page cover letter, CV or resume, and contact information of three references with the subject line “GNP food web field technician - [insert your first and last name here]” to Charles Wainright and Dr. Shawn Devlin no later than May 1, 2019.
• Applications will be reviewed as they are received.
• This position will remain open until filled.