Field assistants needed for pronghorn behavior study, Montana

We need 2-3 assistants to capture pronghorn fawns mid-May to mid-June 2010. We need 1 assistant to stay through summer or fall to conduct dominance hierarchy observations, fecal collection for parasite and hormone analysis, and photography of fawns for growth rate analysis. We also will need 3-4 assistants to observe the rut in September 2010.A typical day during spring fawning consists of hiking to a vantage point to observe a female nurse her fawns and locate their hiding place. We then hike in, capture and tag the fawns. Observations are made using spotting scopes and binoculars, which we will provide. We all carry hand-held radios for communication. We conduct two rounds of observations/captures a day, starting in the early morning and continuing in the afternoon (each session can last 4-5 hours). We do not take days off during fawning.Summer work is varied, and consists of hiking to female-fawn groups to do observations on dominance hierarchy and/or suckling, fecal collection, photography, etc… We work early morning to mid-afternoon, with occasional evening sessions depending on the temperature. We take weekends off during summer.

During the September rut, assistants hike to a vantage point to observe a harem. This involves sitting still, out of sight, for up to 5 hours at a time. We conduct two rounds of observations a day: early morning and afternoon (with each session lasting 4-5 hours). We do not take days off during the rut.This is a unique opportunity for those looking to gain field-experience in animal behavior. This is also a great chance to become involved in a long-term project (going on 29 years!). Plus, the scenery in the Mission Valley is spectacular, and wildlife is abundant. You will see deer, bison, elk, and eagles daily. Black bear, cougars, and rattlesnakes are also present on the refuge - there is a chance you may see one or all of these! For fawning, we will need assistants from around May 15th-June 15th, though we are somewhat flexible with actual arrival/departure dates. Ideally the summer volunteer will begin in mid-May for fawning and stay through August or the September rut. For the rut, we will need assistants from ~Sept. 3-30 – again, dates are somewhat flexible. One requirement is that you are not color blind, as it is necessary to be able to identify individual pronghorn based on their color-coded ear tags. Other than that, we ask that you are willing and able to work long, hard days (including weekends) without much time off. Some of the hiking can be strenuous, so please only apply if you are willing and able to hike (no whiners!). Housing is provided in a nearby bunkhouse, or you may opt to bring a tent. Fawning and rut assistants receive ~$350 total stipend, and the summer assistant will be paid ~$100/week.Feel free to contact us if you are interested, or if you have any other questions. To apply, please send a resume (email attachment is fine), and have 2 references of your choice send reference letters. Be sure to mention which season(s) you are applying to work. Only complete applications will be considered! Send e-mails to sdunn@vandals.uidaho.edu and erinclancey@vandals.uidaho.edu . We plan hire by mid-March, but positions may be filled sooner so send your application as soon as possible.

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