Archive for September, 2011

Baiting and Soil Testing

27th September

2011

written by hainesa

Upper Iowa University Conservation Management Students Chelsea Escher and Jesse Sprank are conducting a unique project on deer bating and soil testing. In the state of Iowa, harvesting deer over bait is illegal. In addition, placing bait out for deer can increase the chances of disease transmission among wildlife. To help Iowa Conservation Officers identify poaching activity, Chelsea and Jesse are testing soils in areas where bait has been placed in comparison to non-bait areas. Their preliminary findings show that after soils have had bait placed on them, these soils have a different chemical make-up in comparison to soils where bait has not been placed. Thus, testing of soils can be used as a form of evidence to prosecute poachers hunting over baited sites.

Whit-tailed deer feeding over a bait site

0 Comments

Uncategorized

Americorp Positions with DNR Wildlife Diversity

14th September

2011

written by hainesa

# 1 Position title:
Wildlife Diversity Outreach Program Assistant

Location: Boone Wildlife Research Station, Boone, IA

Length of Service: To begin October 2011 and completed by September 2012

Minimum Hours: 1700 hours must be served to fulfill minimum of service contract

Living Allowance: $19,000 for one year and 1,700 hours of work. A limited health insurance plan is available along
with a $5,500 education award after completion of the 1,700 hours worked and one year of service. No housing is provided with this position.

Duties:

Coordinate
Wildlife Diversity Program (WDP) outreach programs (this is mostly on weekends)

Includes special events such as HawkWatch, Pelican Festival, Prairie Chicken Viewing, Bald Eagle Days, State Fair and Other public speaking engagements

Design newsletters, pamphlets, brochures, and webpage updates for the Wildlife Diversity Program and the Wildlife Action Plan
Record data and enter into electronic databases (computer skills required)
Assist the WDP staff with other projects as directed

Nest monitoring, trumpeter swan round ups, duck banding, checking traps, assisting with Multiple Species Inventory & Monitoring program, transport of injured endangered species

Many of these will require extensive travel and over night stays within Iowa

Participate in AmeriCorps personal and professional development training activities
Prepare quarterly accomplishment reports

Minimum qualifications:

Graduated from or currently enrolled in college with a degree in (or pursuing a degree in) wildlife ecology, biology, or another closely related Natural Resource Field. Preferred qualifications include a BS degree in wildlife ecology, biology or a related field.
Able to travel on overnight duties.
Work with minimal supervision, demonstrate responsible behavior and attention to detail.
Must have a valid motor vehicle operator’s license
Preferred qualifications include strong computer and interpersonal skills, ability to identify various non-game wildlife species.
Able to work alone or as part of a team, with the public, in all conditions, on weekends, holidays, nights, and evenings as required
Must be a minimum of 18 years of age
Must be available for all interviews and training as required
Follow policy and cooperate with supervisors and co-workers
Exhibits honesty and integrity.
Displays a high level of initiative, effort and commitment towards completing assignments efficiently.

#2 Position title: Breeding Bird Atlas Volunteer Coordinator, AmeriCorps Member

Location: Boone Wildlife Research Station, Boone, IA

Length of Service: To begin October 2011 and completed by September 2012

Minimum Hours: 1700 hours must be served to fulfill minimum of service contract

Living Allowance: $19,000 for one year ($21,000 if returning member) and 1,700 hours of work. A limited health insurance
plan is available along with a $5,500 education award after completion of the 1,700 hours worked and one year of service. No housing is provided with this position.

Duties:

Coordinate volunteer activities of the Breeding Bird Atlas
Present information on the Breeding Bird Atlas to groups such as the Audubon Society and other partners
Assisting with maintenance and upkeep of the Breeding Bird Atlas website (web design experience preferred but training will be provided)
Design newsletters, pamphlets, and brochures
Record data and enter into electronic databases (computer skills required)
Assist with special events and workshops such as HawkWatch, Pelican Festival, Prairie Chicken Viewing, Bald Eagle Days
Participate in Americorps personal and professional development training activities.
Prepare quarterly accomplishment reports.
Assist the WDP staff with other projects as directed

Nest monitoring, trumpeter swan round ups, duck banding, workshop teaching, checking traps, assisting with Multiple Species Inventory & Monitoring program, transport of injured endangered species

Many of these will require extensive travel and over night stays within Iowa

Minimum qualifications:

Graduated from or currently enrolled in college with a degree in (or pursuing a degree in) wildlife ecology, biology, or another closely related Natural Resource Field. Preferred qualifications include a BS degree in wildlife ecology, biology or a related field.
Able to travel on overnight duties.
Work with minimal supervision, demonstrate responsible behavior and attention to detail.
Must have a valid motor vehicle operator’s license
Preferred qualifications include strong computer and interpersonal skills, ability to identify various non-game wildlife species.
Able to work alone or as part of a team, with the public, in all conditions, on weekends, holidays, nights, and evenings as required
Must be a minimum of 18 years of age
Must be available for all interviews and training as required
Follow policy and cooperate with supervisors and co-workers
Exhibits honesty and integrity.
Displays a high level of initiative, effort and commitment towards completing assignments efficiently.