Grizzly Bear Post Release Monitoring Assistants

Grizzly Bear Post Release Monitoring Assistants

Organization: International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW)

Location: Lillooet Region, British Columbia

Organization description: The International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) works to improve the welfare of wild and domestic animals throughout the world by reducing commercial exploitation of animals, protecting wildlife habitats and assisting animals in distress. IFAW seeks to motivate the public to prevent cruelty to animals and to promote animal welfare and conservation policies that advance the well being of both animals and people.

Volunteer position description: IFAW is seeking a dynamic individual to volunteer with its grizzly bear rehabilitation project in British Columbia. The volunteer will assist with monitoring of the bears once they have been released back to the Lillooet region of BC. Volunteer positions are available for 6 months, from May 13 through to October 31, 2009.

Duties

This position works closley with a partner volunteer to accomplish the following;

Collect and analyze data on dispersal and ranging patterns
Map their movements
Conduct grizzly bear use site investigations
Vegetation surveys
Remote uploading of GPS collar data from ground and air
Creation of weekly field reports
Creation of final report on post-release monitoring
Work with each of three partner organizations
Exchange and distribute information with the project team


Requirements

Essential - Bachelors degree in biological, ecological, wildlife, veterinary science or animal behavior. Desirable - Graduate degree in biological, ecological, wildlife, veterinary science or animal behavior. Those pursuing a graduate degree in any of the above would be considered and opportunities to develop the project towards a masters' thesis/ dissertation would be encouraged
Previous experience field monitoring radio collared animals preferably using both VHF and GPS technology
Demonstrated communication and research skills, both written and verbal
Highly motivated, detail-oriented self-starter
Strong ability to work as part of a team
Ability to work long hours in inclement weather
Ability to hike long distances through difficult and rough terrain carrying heavy gear
Previous experience in grizzly bear country recommended
Flexible, reliable, and able to maintain a positive attitude under stress
Commitment to Animal Welfare


All volunteers should supply their own equipment including, tent, stove, cookware, sleeping bag, thermarest and binoculars. Cost of food and a vehicle will be provided.



How to apply: If interested send a cover letter, resume and email addresses of three(3) references by April 24th, 2009 to Barbara Cartwright – bcartwright@ifaw.org