Job-Tortoise Trackers in the Mojave

For those who have a bit of adventure (and a lot of energy) in their soul... NEWS RELEASE The Center for North American Herpetology Lawrence, Kansas http://www.cnah.org 15 May 2008 DESERT TORTOISE TECHNICIANS NEEDED Where: Mojave Desert, California Description: Biological field technicians needed to conduct radio tracking for transmittered Desert Tortoises in the western Mojave Desert. Project is associated with a large-scale translocation effort. Technicians will need to attend a 1 to 2 day training session prior to beginning work. Training will enable personnel to use radio-tracking equipment, identify Desert Tortoise sign, learn searching protocols, and data entry procedures. Upon successful completion of training, technicians will work with several other personnel to locate translocated, resident, and control animals. While radio tracking will continue into the fall, there will also be the opportunity to conduct Desert Tortoise surveys on a separate project. In addition to radio tracking, we will also be conducting large scale perennial vegetation surveys to assess habitat use. Work will be conducted in remote desert areas, some of which will be in steep, mountainous terrain. Standard work period will be 6 days on, 1 day off, generally 10 hour days. This is an excellent opportunity to improve or learn many wildlife skills, get to know the Mojave Desert, and work with an amazing species. Qualifications: Applicants need to be to be self-sufficient in the field. Primitive camping, at times without phone service or facilities required. Must have 4WD or high-clearance (at a minimum) vehicle and personal camping gear. All work and base camp will be roughly 20 miles from Barstow, California. Experience with radio tracking, GPS, data entry onto PDA's preferred but not necessary. Most important, is that people are willing to learn correct field and data entry techniques, endure the heat, and keep a positive fun attitude. Salary: $25/hour, no per diem, government mileage when on site. Date to Apply: Immediately; work begins immediately continuing to approximately 10 November 2008. Contact: Send resume with contact info and references to Andrew Walde at tortoise_trackers@yahoo.com