Small Mammal Lead Technician Position

Overview The Pauli Lab at the University of Wisconsin-Madison is looking for a temporary lead technician to conduct small mammal trapping surveys in the Nicolet National Forest of northern Wisconsin. This work is in support of a collaborative effort between UW Madison, the Great Lakes Indian Fish and Wildlife Commission, the US Forest Service, and the Wisconsin DNR, which seeks to identify factors affecting small mammal abundance and community composition across the northern Great Lakes region.

Position Description The successful applicant will be responsible for supervising a series of sherman-trap grids with little direct oversight from the project leads. Trapping sessions will be conducted over 10-day periods and will require flexible hours and early mornings. This work will involve handling live animals, identifying them to species, collecting standard data (e.g. sex, morphometrics), and applying ear tags and markings.

The technician may sometimes work alone, but will generally be paired with one of a series of volunteers from UW-Madison or our partner agencies. These volunteers may differ widely in their knowledge of the specific project and of small mammal handling, and the successful applicant may be expected to train and direct some of these volunteers.

In addition to fieldwork, the successful applicant will be responsible for data entry, basic equipment maintenance, and sustaining regular communication with the project leads.

Minimum Qualifications

– Available for the entire period (flexible start)

– Ability to work a flexible schedule with many early mornings

– Comfortable working outside in conditions which may expose them to ticks, biting insects, variable weather, possible encounters with black bears

– Ability to work alone with little oversight as well as to work effectively with collaborators from diverse backgrounds

– Valid US Driver’s License and permission to work in the US

Strongly Preferred Qualifications

– Previous experience in leadership roles

– Previous experience using Sherman traps

– Previous experience handling, measuring, and tagging small mammals

– Prior experience navigating using a GPS

Benefits

– $17/hr * 40 hr/wk

– Shared housing and a field vehicle for travel to and from sites are provided

To Apply Please submit (1) a resume/cv, (2) a cover letter detailing your relevant experience and interests, and (3) contact information for 3 references to Jackson Tenney at jtenney@wisc.edu. These items should be in one PDF document. We will begin reviewing applications on May 1st and continue until a suitable applicant is found.

UW-Madison is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. We promote excellence through diversity and encourage all qualified individuals to apply. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation or identity, national origin, disability status, or protected veteran status.