Subject: Volunteer Position-American Pika Field Assistant
Job Description:
Our lab at Montana State University-Bozeman is recruiting one volunteer undergraduate interested in alpine research on mammalian responses to climate change. Our project is assessing the American pika’s (Ochotona princeps) physiological and spatial responses to climate change using a space-for- time approach. We are seeking an enthusiastic student who is interested in working in an alpine setting for the entire summer and is physically capable of hiking 25+ miles a day, 5-6 days a week.
This work is very strenuous due to high mileage out hiking and rough landscapes to navigate when trails/roads are not available, but if you love the mountains, then the payoff is huge! We are seeking three overarching traits in applicants: navigation experience on and off trails, great physical conditions (20+ miles of hiking a day), and mental stamina under stressful conditions. We are looking for an easy- going applicant who has strong proven leadership skills. We are requesting the student be available for fieldwork for the entire summer (late May until late August-can be somewhat flexible start and end dates). This position will be based out of Bozeman, Montana when not in the field. Housing can be accommodated for the few days we are in town throughout the summer, but you will need to be able to provide your own transportation to Bozeman by late May.
Required Qualifications:
-Undergraduate student who has completed at least one year at a four-year institution -Highly motivated individual -Must possess a current, valid U.S. driver’s license -Can work independently, as well as with a team of four -Great physical condition since this work will be in mountainous terrain (3 mph sustained pace) -Experience hiking/backpacking a -Detail-oriented -Strong problem-solving skills -Most importantly, energetic and positive attitude under challenging conditions!
Preferred Qualifications:
-Experience in identifying trees and shrubs -Basic hiking gear such as your own overnight and day packs -Experience with GPSs, topographic maps, and other navigational tools
Payment:
This position is currently listed as a volunteer position where we will be able to cover your costs throughout the summer via per diem (food + other costs covered). This position could turn into a paid position depending on our grant success. We do not expect you to cover any costs for gear, your own food, gasoline, or anything else throughout the summer.
To Apply:
Please send a current resume or CV, along with a cover letter describing your experience and research interests, as well as two references to peterbillman@ymail.com (that is ymail, not gmail). We request all interested applicants reach us by email with the above materials no later than April 22nd. For the two professional references, please include their names, your association to them, a phone number, and an email address. Feel free to ask any questions to Peter Billman at the above email address. Thank you for your interest and we look forward to reading through all interested applicants’ materials!
Short video about pikas:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cqtm9dkAu4o