Statement of work:

Student Services For
Amphibian Research and Monitoring Initiative
US Geological Survey, Gainesville, FL
 

Project Description:
The US Geological Survey seeks one undergraduate student to help conduct seasonal field and laboratory work associated with the Amphibian Research and Monitoring Initiative (ARMI). ARMI is a congressionally mandated, national program designed to monitor changes in amphibian populations across Department of Interior lands and to address specific research questions related to amphibian declines.  Research and monitoring take place among seven ARMI regions.  ARMI activities in the Southeast are conducted through the Center for Aquatic Resource Studies of the Florida Integrated Science Center located in Gainesville, FL—the southeastern region includes Florida, Georgia, Alabama, South Carolina, North Carolina, Tennessee, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Field work is currently conducted in Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina.

Description of Student Services:
The applicant is expected to perform or assist with the following activities: field surveys using a variety of techniques to inventory and conduct research on amphibians and reptiles on public lands in the southeastern U.S.; collection of environmental data at study sites; maintenance of animals in a laboratory setting; assisting with laboratory experiments; preparing and shipping specimens for museum and laboratory analysis; data entry into established databases; maintenance of field and lab equipment; data compilation and creation of tables and figures for reports and publications.

Required Expertise/Skills:
The applicant must have at least 2 years of academic experience leading to a degree in biology, zoology, wildlife ecology, natural resource conservation, or a related field. Some experience conducting field work on vertebrates, preferably with amphibians and reptiles in the southeastern U.S., is desirable. The applicant must have: an ability and/or willingness to learn to identify many amphibians and reptiles on sight or with the aid of field guides; an ability and/or willingness to learn how to identify anurans from their calls; knowledge of computer operation and familiarity with basic Microsoft word processing and data manipulation programs; an ability to accurately record detailed data in the field.  The applicant must be a licensed driver, as operation of Government vehicles will be required.

Description of Working Conditions:
Much of the work will be outdoors, often under extremes in temperature and humidity, and during inclement weather. Standing and stooping for long periods will be required. Applicants are advised that work may continue seven days a week at field sites and involve workdays longer than eight hours.  During field work, exposure to biting insects, poisonous plants, and venomous reptiles may occur.

Estimated Number of Hours Worked and Compensation:
The applicant will generally work 40 hrs per week, but this may vary depending on needs for field work.  Compensation is commensurate with level of education, as follows: $13.06 per hour for a degree-seeking student who has completed at least two years worth of coursework; $14.61 per hour for a student that has completed a Bachelor of Science or related degree. The applicant is responsible for all costs of transportation to and from the principal duty station in Gainesville, FL. The Government does not provide housing, meals, or other living expenses while working at the principal duty station. Transportation to and from field sites will be provided, and students will receive per diem compensation for meals while in travel status.  This compensation will be provided at the same rate as for federal employees, in accordance with Government Travel Regulations. Because hourly pay will be provided through direct purchase orders between the student and the Federal Government, taxes will not be deducted.  It is the responsibility of the student to pay all taxes. There are no health or retirement benefits with this position.

Start and End Dates:
Start and end dates are somewhat flexible depending on the applicant's university schedule, but in general, the student will begin work as soon as possible, no later than May 15, 2006 and continue until at least August 18, 2006 (with possible extension up to September 30, 2006).

Principal Duty Station:
US Geological Survey
Florida Integrated Science Center
7920 NW 71^st Street
Gainesville, FL  32653

Application Materials:
Interested students should submit the following items (incomplete applications will not be considered):

1. Cover letter, including brief descriptions of qualifications addressing the required education, expertise, and skills listed above. Please also include your full legal name, date of birth, place of birth, Social Security number, citizenship and, if not a US citizen, immigration/visa status.
2. Resume or curriculum vitae
3. Names and contact information (phone numbers and email addresses) for three references
4. Copies of academic transcripts (unofficial copies are OK)

Note: a student is defined as someone currently enrolled in a college or university, or someone that graduated from a college or university no more than 12 months prior to the start date.

Application packages should be sent to Dr. Margaret S. Gunzburger at the address below. Applications must be postmarked by April 12, 2006.

Dr. Margaret S. Gunzburger
US Geological Survey
Florida Integrated Science Center
7920 NW 71^st Street
Gainesville, FL  32653

Questions? Please email Margaret Gunzburger, mgunzburger@usgs.gov