Turtle Research Opportunity for Summer 2014

Seeking Undergraduate Wildlife Conservation Research Assistants for Summer 2014 Western Painted Turtle Surveys

Application Deadline: March 30^th, 2014 (Letter of Interest and CV)
Submit to: Dr. Vicki Marlatt (Vicki.Marlatt@ufv.ca)

We are seeking UFV students to assist in two projects studying the endangered Western painted turtles in the lower mainland during the summer of 2014.  Position #1 is suitable for any UFV undergraduate directed studies courses (i.e. Bio 408, 409 or 499) and position #2 is suitable as volunteer research assistant position and/or amenable to UFV undergraduate directed studies courses.  All training is provided and supervised by Dr. Vicki Marlatt (UFV) and Andrea Gielens (Wildlife Biologist, BC Western Painted Recovery Team).

Project #1:  Tracking of Western Painted Turtles Using Radio Telemetry

Position: Wildlife Conservation Research Assistant (in form of UFV directed studies course(s) and/or volunteer), 2 openings

Project Description: 

Position requires work 3 days a week, approximately 3-4 hours a day, excluding driving time. Months of work cover May-end of August, start dates are flexible. Tracking turtles via telemetry is part art and part science. You will use technical equipment to locate turtles outfitted with transmitters and record data on the location and individual. This work is conducted independent of weather, during daylight hours. The timing of the work, morning or afternoon is flexible. The schedule requires one day off between tracking days (i.e. tracking mon/wed/fri or tues/thurs/sat). Students are required to be self-motivating with attention to detail, safety and producing quality work/data. Ability to work well as a small team, communicate with supervisor, and manage/report data is essential. People in the surrounding area are mostly familiar with the project. You will be expected to maintain a courteous manner to all members of the public and explain your project to the best of your ability.

For safety reasons two people must participate in this program together. Interested persons may apply as a pair or will the grouped with a partner. You will need to provide your own transportation to the site, near Deroche, approximately 45 min from UFV. All other equipment will be provided.  Tracking is conducted on land and using a kayak (provided, including all training and safety gear).

Telemetry can be challenging to master at first but students usually grasp the readings and measurements fairly quickly, you will learn to “think like a turtle”. The turtles are often seen basking on hot days and one of the transmittered turtles is particularly friendly. This is a beautiful area, herons, beaver, otter, deer and sometimes bear (from a distance) are seen.

Project #2:   Western Painted Turtle Nest Monitoring

Position: Wildlife Conservation Research Assistant (in form of UFV directed studies course(s) and/or volunteer), multiple openings

Nest monitoring for Western Painted Turtles takes place nightly at Burnaby Lake and Nicomen Slough (45 min from UFV, in Deroche). Monitoring occurs from mid May to early July from approximately 5-midnight, each evening. Monitors walk easily accessible nesting areas looking for female turtles attempting to nest, attempt to identify turtles through shell notch patterns, confirm presence of nest and record data related to the nest (i.e. location, temp, ID of female etc.). This process requires minimal physical effort. Students may volunteer at one or both locations, for as many evenings as they choose.

We do request that you pick one/multiple days to consistently work for ease of planning and coordination. Mosquitos at sites can be persistent, protective insect clothing will be provided and bug spray is recommended (except hands). For safety reasons two people must participate in this program together. If you volunteer as an individual you will be paired with a partner. Burnaby lake site is located in a municipal park while Nicomen Slough site is rural. You will need to provide your own transportation to the site.

Students are required to be self-motivating with attention to detail, safety and producing quality work/data. Ability to work well as a small team, communicate with supervisor, and manage/report data is essential. People in the surrounding area are mostly familiar with the project. You will be expected to maintain a courteous manner to all members of the public and explain your project to the best of your ability.