2023 March 4-12. This position is for Temporary Field Technicians in the Henry Mountains desert foothills, for approximately +/- 4 days. Food will be provided, but the technician(s) will have to camp at the research site. This research project focuses on rangeland ecology, specifically, the effects of herbivores on plant communities in rangelands that are heavily managed for livestock production. This work is in collaboration with Utah State University and the Bureau of Land Management.

Duties will include removal of cattle exclusion cages, which includes removal of fence posts, wire panels, and chicken wire mesh. All fencing materials will be gathered on a trailer and hauled out of the remote study area. This portion of work will only require 4-6 days of labor (or as quickly as finished). Experience hauling a trailer and driving on rough dirt roads is preferred. 

Minimum Qualifications:

1. Interest and experience in wildlife ecology, conservation, or related field.
2. Enthusiasm for observing cute/cool animals for extended periods at a time.
3. Enthusiasm for and ability to hike long days in high heat
4. Familiar with navigation by maps, compass, and GPS.
5. Willingness to work long and irregular hours, sometimes in the summer heat and/or inclement weather.
6. Ability to work well in a small team in remote settings without reliable access to cell service (you will not be able to check in frequently, though accommodations will be made daily to do so).
7. Organized, detail-oriented, strong work ethic, and evidence of independent problem- solving/troubleshooting ability.
8. Ability to maintain a positive attitude and a growth mindset about project setbacks and/or physical exertion and discomfort.
9. Experience in outdoor leadership and/or backcountry travel, including leave-no-trace camping ethics.

Preferred Qualifications:

1. Completed or near completion of a Bachelor's degree in wildlife ecology or related field.
2. Strong competency in data analysis and modeling.
3. Hiking and backpacking experience.
4. Experience identifying Utah desert plant species.
5. Knowledge of and experience with wilderness first aid techniques.
6. Flexible schedule.

Along with the online application, please attach:

1. Resume to be uploaded at the beginning of your application in the Candidate Profile under “Resume/CV” 

**Document size may not exceed 10 MB.**

This position requires moderate physical activity. Outdoors, incumbents may not be protected from weather conditions and may be exposed to extreme heat and extreme cold. Bending, crawling, and crouching may be required. Incumbents may be required to lift, push, and/or pull objects up to 50 pounds and be required to walk and/or stand for long periods of time.  

The S. J. & Jessie E. Quinney College of Natural Resources is nationally and internationally recognized for its research, extension, and teaching on natural and socio-environmental ecosystems. It is a high-impact college at Utah State University with almost $11M in research funding annually, 61 tenure-track faculty in three departments, and close partnerships with federal and state natural resource agencies.  

The Department of Wildland Resources in QCNR encompasses research in applied terrestrial ecology, including the ecology and management of wildlife, forests, rangelands, conservation biology, and climate change adaptation.  Award-winning faculty teach courses that prepare students for professional careers in many natural resources fields, including programs accredited by the Society of American Foresters and the Society for Range Management and aligned with the Society of Ecological Restoration. 

Founded in 1888, Utah State University is Utah’s premier land-grant and space-grant university, with a strong commitment to excellence, access, and inclusion. USU serves approximately 27,500 students throughout the state at three residential campuses, eight statewide campuses, and 23 education centers. USU Online has served students from all 50 states and 55 countries for over 25 years, and USU Extension provides outreach and service to all counties in Utah.  

As a land-grant university, USU engages communities and empowers people to lead successful lives of involvement, innovation, and impact. As an R1 research institution, USU provides a high-quality undergraduate and graduate education at an affordable price. Washington Monthly has consistently ranked USU in the top 10 among public universities for contribution to social mobility, research, and public service.  

Utah State is committed to cultivating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community where different perspectives, values, cultures, and identities are acknowledged, welcomed, and valued. We seek to recruit, hire, and retain people from all walks of life who will champion excellence in education, research, discovery, outreach, and service. We believe that promoting a strong sense of community and belonging empowers and engages all members of USU to thrive and be successful. Learn more about USU. 

The university provides a Dual Career Assistance Program to support careers for partners who are also seeking employment. Additionally, USU is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities. To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability, contact the university’s ADA Coordinator in the Office of Human Resources at (435) 797-0122 or hr@usu.edu. 

About the Region

U.S. News and World Report ranked Utah first for its strong economy, fiscal stability, education, and health care. Outstanding outdoor recreational opportunities abound throughout the state, including five national parks, 43 state parks and recreation areas, and 15 alpine ski resorts. The home of USU’s main campus, Logan, is a city of 54,000-plus people in a picturesque mountain valley 80 miles north of Salt Lake City. The Logan metro area claimed the top spot in the Milken Institute’s 2022 ranking for best-performing small cities in the nation. 

* updated 7/2023

In its programs and activities, including in admissions and employment, Utah State University does not discriminate or tolerate discrimination, including harassment, 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, Title IX, or any other federal, state, or local law.

The following individuals have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the application of Title IX and its implementing regulations and/or USU’s non-discrimination policies:

Executive Director of the Office of Equity Matthew Pinner, discrimination@usu.edu, Distance Education Rm. 401, 435-797-1266

Title IX Coordinator Cody Carmichael, titleix@usu.edu, Distance Education Rm. 404, 435-797-1266

Mailing address: 5100 Old Main Hill, Logan, UT 84322

For further information regarding non-discrimination, please visit https://equity.usu.edu/, or contact:

U.S. Department of Education, Office of Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 800-421-3481, OCR@ed.gov