Job Title: Predator Research Technician
Agency: Purdue University, Department of Forestry and Natural Resources
Location: Indiana
Job Category: Full-Time Temporary
Salary: $13-14/hour + housing stipend
Duration: 11 January 2021 - 9 April 2021
Description: The Department of Forestry and Natural Resources at Purdue University is seeking six (6)
technicians to conduct noninvasive predator surveys as part of the Integrated Deer Management Project
(IDMP). The goal of the IDMP is the development of an integrated model of deer management that
incorporates the biological, ecological, and sociological factors related to deer management in Indiana.
Estimating density/occurrence of mammalian predators is key to understanding their impact on deer
populations. Successful applicants will work with Purdue University faculty, staff, and graduate students
to collect field data to be used in population models.
These are full-time field positions. Technicians will be based in one of three study sites (West Lafayette,
Bloomington, or Fort Wayne), with frequent travel throughout the region. Shared work vehicles are
provided. Primary technician duties include, but are not limited to, deploying and conducting weekly
checks of hair snares, and conducting biweekly scat surveys along non-paved roads/trails by truck/ATV
Three technicians will be designated as crew leads, one of whom will be the overall team lead, and will have additional duties related to supervision and logistics.
Required Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree with coursework in Wildlife Biology or a related field
- Experience with noninvasive survey methods such as hair snares and scat transects
- Knowledge and ability to use basic wildlife research tools and equipment including hand-held GPS
- Ability to accurately record scientific data
- Ability to work effectively as part of a team and individually
- Ability to work in extreme and variable conditions (long days, inclement weather including cold
and snow, and rugged terrain)
- Ability to work a flexible schedule, with potential weekend work
- Comfortable speaking to law enforcement, landowners and other stakeholders
- Valid U.S. driver's license and the ability to drive University vehicles
Preferred Qualifications:
- Prior experience in:
- - Identification of predator species by scat
- - Collection of samples to be used in genetic analysis
- - Conducting fieldwork on private lands
- - Data collection using Esri Collector
- - ATV and/or 4x4 vehicle operation
- - Towing and backing a trailer
- - Supervision of field crews
- - First Aid/CPR certification
To Apply: Send a single PDF document containing a brief cover letter (1 page), resume, and contact
information for at least two references to Patrick McGovern at pmcgove@purdue.edu . Save the file as
Lastname_Predator_Tech.pdf (e.g., McGovern_Predator_Tech.pdf).
Contact Person: Patrick McGovern
Contact Phone: (765) 496-6277
Contact Email: pmcgove@purdue.edu
Purdue University is an equal access/equal opportunity university.