The northern Idaho ground squirrel (Urocitellus brunneus) is listed as federally threatened under the Endangered Species Act. We are studying habitat selection – during both the active season and hibernation – to understand niche partitioning between northern Idaho ground squirrels and a competing sympatric species, Columbian ground squirrels (Urocitellus columbianus). Understanding how these species share the landscape will inform management actions, such as habitat restoration, to recover squirrel populations. This will be our 13th field season conducting long-term, collaborative research on the northern Idaho ground squirrel. We are looking to fill 2 technician openings for the 2025 field season. These positions are an excellent opportunity to gain hands-on trapping and radio-telemetry experience, working on an applied research project with the goal of conserving a federally threatened mammal.

We use a wide variety of field techniques to accomplish our study objectives. We will capture and mark threatened northern Idaho ground squirrels and Columbian ground squirrels with ear tags and subdermal PIT tags to assess ground squirrel demographics. Technicians will help fit northern Idaho ground squirrels and Columbian ground squirrels with radio-collars and track the squirrels to determine habitat use and hibernacula burrow locations. We will also survey vegetation and abiotic metrics to determine which habitat characteristics correlate with squirrel presence. Additional responsibilities include data entry, maintaining traps and other field gear, and processing trail camera footage. Field work will be completed both as a team with the supervising graduate student and independently.

Our work takes place in a beautiful mountain setting in west-central Idaho with nearby access to hiking, camping, fishing, rafting, and other recreational opportunities. Some field days will include long hours of physically strenuous work. Field work may take place during all weather conditions (rain and snow in spring and sun and heat in summer) and will regularly involve hiking 10+ miles per day while carrying heavy equipment over steep, rough terrain. Field work may involve atypical hours and variable scheduling to ensure all field work is completed on time but will be limited to 40 hours per week (with occasional overtime possible).

Field sites are located on private land and in Payette National Forest in Adams County, Idaho, near the small towns of Council and New Meadows, and the larger resort town of McCall. Free field housing options are available for the duration of the field season. The available field housing is shared-living, relatively rustic, and is a 45-minute drive from the nearest small town. The available housing is furnished and includes hot running water, kitchen amenities, and wi-fi.

More information: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l3B3SPCCEyo

The Conway Lab website: https://courtneyjconway.wixsite.com/conwaylab

Minimum Qualifications:

• Good interpersonal skills and a demonstrated ability to work independently and as a team member
• Excellent time and data management/organization skills
• Detail-oriented and self-motivated
• Excellent physical condition: able to traverse steep, rugged terrain throughout the day and carry heavy equipment for 6-11 hours per day
• Enthusiasm for scientific research, the outdoors, and small mammals
• Possession of a valid US driver’s license and ability to drive on rough, unpaved roads
• A US citizen or permanent resident
• Available for employment from 14 April 2025 through 15 August 2025 (end date flexible)

Desirable Qualifications:

• At least 1 prior season conducting field work in a professional setting
• Experience conducting vegetation surveys and identifying Western plants
• Experience living/camping/working in remote locations for extended periods of time

Employment is contingent upon the satisfactory completion of a criminal background check and DMV driving records check.