Description

Job Description:
We are looking for multiple technicians (3-4) to assist with population monitoring of the Allegheny woodrat across Pennsylvania. These positions are temporary, full-time (40 hours/week) starting June 15th through July 24th with the possibility of ending a few days early. Shared field housing and work vehicles will be provided for the project (approx. 6 weeks). Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. The deadline to apply is March 2rd, 2026.

Field technicians will be expected to help in completing all aspects of the project including: surveying study sites for locations to set traps, gathering and setting camera traps, vegetation sampling, gathering and setting live-traps, trapping Allegheny woodrats, handling captured animals, applying ear tags to captured animals, collection of tissue samples, and collection of fecal samples from Allegheny woodrats. Field work will require carrying a 30-50 pound pack of equipment up steep inclines. For each night of trapping, traps will be opened within two-hours of sunset and checked within two hours of sunrise. Five to six nights of trapping are expected to be completed per week. Training on field protocols, animal handling, and collection of tissue samples will be provided during the first week of trapping. 

Requirements

Qualifications:
Valid driver's license
Working towards/Holds a degree in Natural resources, Wildlife ecology, or a related field. 
Physically able to 30-50lbs across long distances, steep terrain, and adverse weather conditions.
Positive attitude and ability to work as a team. 
Must be available for full duration of project (6/15-7/24)
Ability to work unconventional hours (early mornings & late afternoons)
US citizenship or current authorization to work in the US

Desired Skills:
Previous animal handling experience.
Northeastern plant identification.
Experience with handheld GPS units and Survey 123 or Qfields.

To Apply:
Please send a cover letter, resume, and 3 references as a single PDF to woodratiup@gmail.com with the subject line 'Woodrat Technician'. In your cover letter, please explain your qualifications and previous experience if applicable. Also, please state if you are available for the full duration of the project. If you have any questions, please reach out to woodratiup@gmail.com

Contact
Duchamp Wildlife Ecology Lab
woodratiup@gmail.com (preferred contact method)