Sierra Nevada Carnivore Monitoring Intern

The selected interns will conduct non-invasive surveys for various carnivores in the Sierra Nevada, including fisher (Martes pennanti) and American marten (Martes americana), for the Forest Service’s carnivore monitoring program. This long-term monitoring program began in 2002 and will be conducting its 12th year of data collection in the summer-fall of 2013.The 2013 field crew will be responsible for installing, servicing and removing several noninvasive sampling devices at pre-determined locations. Sampling devices will include track-plate boxes, remote sensor cameras, and hair snares. Interns will be responsible for collecting and identifying tracks and photographs as well as collecting hair for genetic analysis. Survey sites are located between ~3000 ft and 10,000 ft and occur largely in forested areas (mixed conifer, montane hardwood, true fir, sub-alpine). Accessing many of the survey locations requires hiking off-trail in remote areas and difficult terrain. Crew members may be required to work independently at times though most work will occur in pairs. Extensive car camping and some backpacking will be required and will involve up to 4 consecutive days.  Surveys will take place primarily on the Sierra and Sequoia National Forests but may also occur on the Stanislaus, Eldorado, Tahoe, or Lassen National Forests.Applicants for these positions should be able to work independently with a high degree of initiative. Other qualifications include the ability to confidently navigate off-trail through difficult terrain using map and compass; excellent physical condition (capable of hiking 3-10 miles off-trail/day); safe, responsible driving habits; the ability to cope with strenuous field conditions that include hot temperatures, steep terrain, dense vegetation, poison oak, andinsects. Prior experience with non-invasive carnivore survey methods and knowledge of Sierra Nevada flora is preferred, but not required.