Utah State University · Utah · posted 57 days ago
Mesocarnivore Research Technician: Utah State University, Department of Wildland Resources Project: Mesocarnivore urban ecology. Description: The Young lab is seeking a field technician to (1) capture and fit GPS collars on coyotes, bobcats, and red foxes, (2) assist staff with the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) with maintaining a camera trap grid in Wichita, Kansas, and (3) monitor mesocarnivores fitted with GPS collars. This is part of a collaborative research project between Dr. Jon Beckmann and Matt Peek with KDWP and Dr. Julie Young at Utah State University (USU). There are two USU graduate students working on this project but they will be on campus for class during the fall semester. The USU team and KDWP staff in Wichita will assist the technician with the fieldwork when possible, and the veterinary staff at Sedgwick Zoo will assist with all capture & collaring activities. The fieldwork is part a study on the ecology and behavior of red foxes, coyotes, and bobcats living in an urban landscape. The successful applicant will be involved in setting and maintaining live traps to capture and fit these mesocarnivores with GPS collars, maintaining a camera trap grid that runs four times each year, monitoring previously collared animals, and working and communicating with collaborators, partner organizations, and members of the public. Qualifications: Candidates from underrepresented groups in STEM are strongly encouraged to apply. Utah State University is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate or tolerate discrimination including harassment in employment including in hiring, promotion, transfer, or termination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by University policy or any other federal, state, or local law. The applicant must have: ● Experience live trapping mesocarnivores ● Experience with camera traps ● An ability to work long and odd hours in the field ● An ability to communicate well with diverse stakeholders ● A U.S. driver’s license ● Undergraduate degree or relevant educational experience in ecology, biology, wildlife, zoology, or related field ● An interest in urban ecology Salary & Logistics: The technician will receive a salary of ~$16-19/hr, pending experience. A field truck will be provided. Housing is not provided, although short-term housing may be available while the selected applicant finds long-term housing. Start & End Dates: The position can start as soon as 1 October 2026 and no later than 1 November 2026. The position is expected to last at least 6 months, but may be extended pending the start date, job performance, and the graduate students’ schedules to return to Wichita after classes end. There may be additional opportunities to extend the work to assist a graduate student with collecting behavioral and cognitive data on these mesocarnivores. To apply: Please send one pdf via email, saved as YourName_urbanTECHapplication, that includes: (1) a letter of interest, (2) a CV or resume, and (3) contact information for three references to Julie Young (julie.young@usu.edu). Please include your earliest possible start date in your letter. Closing: Until filled. The first round of applicants will be reviewed by 1 September 2026, so that we can reach out to top applicants about scheduling interviews online, but we will continue to review applications on a rolling basis after that date.
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