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From: Mammalian Biology <[log in to unmask]> on behalf of Scott LaPoint <[log in to unmask]>
Date: Wednesday, October 13, 2021 at 10:43 AM
To: [log in to unmask] <[log in to unmask]>
Subject: job - seasonal bobcat ecology technician
Apologies for cross posting.

Join Black Rock Forest this winter to help us execute our Hudson Highlands Wildlife Connectivity Project (https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.blackrockforest.org/wildlife-connectivity/__;!!HXCxUKc!muf_VRRCnx5j_8XbeKt4fsO2mHJCVuorj6sHBzboNekQk4EZcLT8op5y4-05Jrt61Q$ ). The goal of this project is to use animal (specifically, bobcats Lynx rufus and eventually fishers Pekania pennanti) movement (via GPS-tracking collars) and distribution data (via camera trapping) to quantify functional landscape connectivity across the western Hudson Highlands.

The technician’s primary duties will include running a bobcat trap line (both cage traps and footholds), camera trapping, and possible telemetry.

Responsibilities & Opportunities:
The technician will experience a small non-profit and will execute scientific principles for conservation. Duties include camera trap deployments and image management. Live-trapping efforts will focus on bobcat and possibly fisher, via cage traps and footholds, requiring daily, morning checks often without supervision. Dr. LaPoint will lead all animal handling and processing with support from the technician. GPS-tracking collars will be deployed on healthy individuals, thus with some luck we can expect to learn field biotelemetry methods to re-locate and observe collared individuals. Other research opportunities and experiences may present themselves via other ongoing projects at Black Rock Forest.

Qualifications:
•       enthusiasm for carnivore conservation and science and willingness to learn new ideas, strategies, and methods for conducting wildlife ecology research,
•       be self-motivated, reliable, diligent, and punctual,
•       be ‘outdoorsy’; i.e., enjoy hiking/working alone, possibly under strenuous conditions, navigate and orientate, and ‘read’ a wildlife landscape,
•       previous experience capturing and handling small and medium carnivores,
•       familiarity with camera trapping,
•       knowledge of local wildlife,
•       possess a clean driver’s license and transportation to/from work,
•       be capable and comfortable on an atv or utv or willing to become so,
•       be an effective communicator, both within the research team and the public, including a willingness to seek clarity when needed.
An ideal candidate will have demonstrated past success in catching bobcats with foothold and/or cage traps.

Timeline & Compensation:
40-hour weeks, from November – late March 2022. Exact start/end dates are flexible. We expect to offer $15/hour wage, slightly more for highly qualified individuals. The technician will receive a 1099-misc at the end of the year for their tax purposes. Full or partial housing may be available.

How to apply:
Email Dr. Scott LaPoint ([log in to unmask]) with questions.
To apply, visit https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.blackrockforest.org/employment-opportunities/*tech__;Iw!!HXCxUKc!muf_VRRCnx5j_8XbeKt4fsO2mHJCVuorj6sHBzboNekQk4EZcLT8op5y4-3B8joAdA$<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/www.blackrockforest.org/employment-opportunities/*tech__;Iw!!HXCxUKc!muf_VRRCnx5j_8XbeKt4fsO2mHJCVuorj6sHBzboNekQk4EZcLT8op5y4-3B8joAdA$>  to enter your contact information and upload your resume and a one-page cover letter explaining your motivation for joining our project and a description of your interests in wildlife research and conservation. Your resume should include details on relevant field experience and/or coursework. References will be sought upon consideration.

Rolling deadline until position filled. Priority will be given to those able to start sooner rather than later.

Scott LaPoint,
Research Scientist
Black Rock Forest