WV Motus Field Technician

Duration: Not to exceed 2080 hours per calendar year.

Supervisor: Mack Frantz, Wildlife Diversity/Natural Heritage Zoologist, 304-825-6787

Housing: No permanent housing is available where the applicant will be responsible for securing their own housing. Temporary shared bunk housing may be available during the week for a local commuter by request at the Elkins Operation Center (EOC).

Description: Under the direction of the Wildlife Diversity/Natural Heritage Zoologist, the WVDNR is seeking a Motus Field Technician (hereafter MFT) to assist with expansion of the Motus Wildlife Tracking System (hereafter Motus) network in West Virginia (WV). Motus is a national network of receiving stations, including several in WV, with arrays of semi-permanent sensors that allow movements of wildlife to be tracked across the landscape using radio telemetry and radio tags. The MFT will primarily be responsible for utilizing public lands and existing infrastructure such as fire towers to co-locate and install Motus equipment. The MFT will conduct ground-truthing surveys and viewshed analyses for determining successful operation of all components a Motus site comprises: a power source, receiver and cable type, antenna type and orientation among other factors. The MFT will be responsible for writing and executing any Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) and correspondence for special use applications to license site use. The MFT will also inspect and maintain existing sites and periodically conduct manual data downloads. Interaction with partners, landowners, and other members of the public will be required. As part of the Natural Heritage Program, the MFT will concurrently assist in Biotics data entry and management for species of greatest conservation need (SGCNs) collected by Motus using NatureServe methodology and standards.

This is a great opportunity for a recent graduate to gain invaluable experience working for a state fish and wildlife agency and network with wildlife professionals. The MFT will have potential opportunities and be encouraged to assist the Zoologist with staff projects from all non-game taxa groups as they arise and learn Natural Heritage methodology. The position is allotted 2080 hours annually.

Minimum Qualifications: A B.S. or B.A. in wildlife ecology, conservation biology, or similar field. A graduate degree strongly preferred with direct Motus (http://www.motus.org) experience. Having climbing experience or basic rope skills is highly useful. A valid driver’s license and clean driving record is required; a lot of this position involves travel at potentially long distances and hours. Ability to operate a 4WD vehicle in off road conditions. Ability to work with and communicate clearly with staff and constituents. Able to assess and prioritize multiple tasks, projects and demands. Must be detail-oriented and able to maintain a supplies inventory and make project purchases on a budget. Ability to learn and solve complex problems independently with little supervision. Computer and software proficiency: ArcGIS, Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, Google Earth, Docs, Sheets, and Slides. Must be okay with carrying up to 50 pounds of equipment in the field. Must be comfortable with heights or temporarily being secured or suspended off the ground. Must be comfortable with using power and non-power tools.