Nutria Eradication Intern at California… · San…

Summary: The California Department of Fish and Wildlife manages and protects California’s diverse wildlife and habitats. The Nutria Eradication Intern will support invasive nutria detection and eradication through aquatic habitat surveys, GIS-based data collection, trapping, humane dispatch, necropsies, biological sampling, and equipment maintenance.

Responsibilities:
- Assist Nutria Eradication Program staff with surveying suitable aquatic habitats (wetlands, ponds, river backwaters, sloughs, etc.) to classify habitat suitability, determine property access needs, detect nutria sign or presence, and delineate the current geographic extent of the nutria infestation. Survey methods will utilize various detection techniques including, but not limited to, visual observation, camera stations, artificial (vegetation) and wooden platforms, hair snares, use of attractants, baits, and lures, and review of aerial imagery for classifying habitats. Utilize project [GIS-based] mobile applications to locate and manage project equipment; identify wetland plants to species; effectively identify potential nutria sign; review camera images; accurately distinguish nutria from other aquatic mammals; using microscopes, identify hair samples to species; follow project protocols and spatial assignments to efficiently cover project management units
- Follow project protocols to create, review, and edit project data, primarily using a Department smartphone and/or iPad and mobile applications. Data includes, but is not limited to, spatial, quantitative, and qualitative information about trap, camera, platform, and observation locations, trap and camera rechecks, cell habitat classifications and surveys, confirmed detections, nutria taken, and necropsies
- Assist Nutria Eradication Program staff with nutria eradication trapping in infested areas, which includes deploying multiple types of traps, humanely dispatching nutria, and performing necropsies on taken nutria. This will include management of grid-cell trapping assignments; understanding and following protocols within surrounding cells; collecting data on use of attractants, baits and lures; transporting equipment, carcasses, and live animals; recording/entering necropsy data accurately; and collecting, labeling, and organizing biological samples. Construct,clean, organize, and maintain project equipment; make lures and scent-based attractants for use in surveys and trapping

Required Qualifications:
- Must be able to swim
- Must be able to walk through deep mud and thick vegetation
- Must be able to work on steep or uneven terrain
- Must be able to work in extreme weather and under physically challenging conditions
- Must be able to work odd hours/days (weekend work will be required)
- Must be able to lift 40 pounds
- Must be capable of driving a State-owned vehicle
- Must be willing and able to competently use pellet pistols or firearms as per the Department's Policy for Non-Enforcement Personnel
- Must possess valid Driver's License
- Must be able to safely and effectively operate watercraft and UTVs, as well as tow trailers
- Overnight travel will be required
- Manual labor and cleaning will be required
- Data entry will be required
- Boating, kayaking, and wearing waders in the water are a major component of the job
- Must be able to feel comfortable interacting with members of the public and working with diverse people in a dynamic work environment
- Must be able to focus on long involved tasks such as data entry
- Must be willing to deal with dirt, mud, dead animals, animal blood/feces, and steps necessary to properly clean and store equipment
- Willingness to work irregular hours including weekends and holidays
- Willingness to travel in performing field work throughout the State
- Willingness to do routine work in order to learn
- Willingness to wear a uniform
- The selected candidate may be required to provide transcripts (may be unofficial)
- The selected candidate will be required to provide a photocopy (front and back) of the license: Name as stated on the license, issuing state, DL #, Class, expiration

Preferred Qualifications:
- Good driving record
- Additional course work or experience in biological or chemical sciences
- Interest in and knowledge of fishing, hunting or studying fish, wildlife, invertebrates or plants
- Experience in camping, boating, and maintaining or repairing equipment
- Interest in a career in biology or fish and wildlife

Required Skills: GIS-Based Mobile Applications, Wetland Plant Identification, Wildlife Identification and Sign Detection, Microscopy and Hair Sample Identification, Wildlife Trapping, Necropsy and Biological Sample Handling, Field Data Collection and Data Entry, Firearm or Pellet Pistol Operation, Watercraft and UTV Operation, Trailer Towing, Equipment Maintenance, Public Interaction

Benefits: This position may be eligible for a telework opportunity in accordance with departmental policies and operational needs.