Snowshoe Hare Research Technician

University of North Dakota; Grand Forks (ND); Hybrid; USD 26,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

University of North Dakota seeks field technicians to support a two-year study on snowshoe hare demography and habitat use, including live-trapping, tagging, and telemetry. The role involves extensive outdoor work, weekly telemetry checks, and collaboration with state and federal partners.

Remote work is available with some on-campus requirements; candidates should have an undergraduate degree in wildlife ecology or related field and be able to pass a background check.

Qualifications

• Capability to work independently and communicate effectively with project partners and collaborators.
• Problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work in a range of outdoor environments, including cold temperatures and in rugged mountainous terrain.
• Able to use database, email, and word processing software as well as mapping software (ESRI products such as Field Maps and Survey123).

Responsibilities

• Live-trapping, handling, collaring, and tracking snowshoe hares.
• Telemetry checks weekly; training provided by field crew leader.
• Assist with live-trapping efforts, including setting, baiting, and checking live-traps (~3-4 weeks).
• Handle ear-tagging and radio-collaring; collect tissue samples.
• Weekly telemetry surveys; record locations and mortalities.
• CT and ARU site checks; manage camera SD cards and power tools.
• Fall/spring fieldwork; 2–3 weeks; surveys for spruce and ruffed grouse.
• Fecal pellet surveys in April 2027; coordinate with partners.
• Communicate with state/federal partners; follow standardized protocol.
• Daily data entry to project supervisor.

Skills

Independent work

Problem solving

Outdoor work

Software literacy

Education

BS Wildlife Ecology

MS Wildlife Ecology

Tools

ESRI Field Maps

Survey123

Job description

Salary/Position Classification

• 19.50 hourly, Non-Exempt (Eligible for overtime)
• 40 hours per week
• 100% Remote Work Availability: Yes
• Hybrid Work Availability (requires some time on campus): Yes

Purpose of Position

The effort on this study supports ongoing work within UND evaluating the effects of changes in snowpack and habitat on wildlife populations. this project will evaluate the effects of ecological silvicultural practices (variable density thinning) on snowshoe hare demography and space use over a two-year period. We will also evaluate responses of other boreal forest obligates (e.g., spruce grouse) to these silvicultural practices. Having field support for this project is critical for gathering new information on how snow-dependent and boreal species such as snowshoe hares will respond to global change.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Live-trapping, handling, collaring, and tracking snowshoe hares
• Snowshoe hares will be live-trapped, radio-collared, and monitored via telemetry. Telemetry checks will be conducted weekly throughout the position. Training for capture and tracking will be provided by field crew leader McGill.
• The technicians will assist with live-trapping efforts, including setting, baiting, and checking live-traps (~3-4 weeks)
• The technicians will assist with handling, ear-tagging, and radio-collaring (VHF and GPS collars) as well as the collection of morphological data and genetic data (tissue sample from ears).
• The technicians will conduct weekly telemetry surveys to check for mortalities for all collared hares, obtain locations on a subset of individuals with VHF collars, collect mortality data on and collars from any deceased hares. Camera and acoustic recording unit surveys
• The technicians will also assist with CT and ARU site checks, involving changing and managing camera SD cards, switching out equipment as necessary, and fixing equipment with power tools as necessary. This fieldwork will occur after trapping ends in the fall as well as spring and will last ~2-3 weeks. Spruce and ruffed grouse abundance surveys
• The technicians will also help conduct fecal pellet abundance surveys in the study area to index relative abundance of spruce grouse and ruffed grouse during April 2027. They will communicate and work with state and federal partners to conduct surveys and follow our standardized protocol (developed by UND and VFWD) to ensure that they are done in a timely manner under ideal conditions.
• Technicians will be required to directly report to project supervisors/cooperators prior to leaving and upon finishing surveys, except when the supervisor is present. Communication will occur either in person or through email/phone during the evening to discuss work and plans for the coming day(s). All field data will be entered/updated daily to the project supervisor if they are not present. -

Required Competencies

• Capability to work independently and communicate effectively with project partners and collaborators
• Problem-solving skills
• Ability to work in a range of outdoor environments, including cold temperatures and in rugged mountainous terrain.
• Able to use database, email, and word processing software as well as mapping software (ESRI products such as Field Maps and Survey123).

Minimum Requirements

• An undergraduate degree (BS) in wildlife ecology or a related field
• At least 1 season of experience live-trapping and radio-collaring mammals and performing radio-telemetry to obtain locations of radio-collared animals.
• Valid driver's license
• Successful completion of a Criminal History Background Check

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identityand eligibility to work in the US and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.This position does not support visa sponsorship for continued employment.

Preferred Qualifications

• MS degree in wildlife ecology, wildlife biology, or a related field.
• Prior experience with live-trapping and radio-collaring snowshoe hares and conducting CT and ARU surveys.
• Experience with conducting telemetry and necropsy surveys for hares or similar species, following detailed protocols
• Experience driving in remote areas.