The Mullinax Applied Spatial and Wildlife Ecology Lab (ASWEL) in the Environmental Science
and Technology (ENST) Department is looking for dedicated individuals to assist on a research
project beginning February 2025 and continuing into the summer. The project will be
investigating black bear (Ursus americanus) population demographics across western and eastern Maryland using hair snare population estimate designs. Responsibilities will involve camera trapping, building hair snares, and collecting black bear hair and scat. During the winter of 2025, technicians and interns will assist with building hair snares across western Maryland for 20 hours a week; in the summer of 2025, technicians will work 40 hours a week gathering hair from snares, baiting hairsnares, and mending hair snares. We have two paid positions for the summer and more available for class credit, as well as dedicated volunteers. During the summer hair snaring efforts, technicians and interns will be provided housing and required to live in a field house on site. During the winter and spring, class credit and a possibility of pay will be available. Technicians must provide a clean driving record, be vaccinated and boosted against Covid 19, and comply with University of Maryland protocols.
Preferred candidate qualifications include:
For camera data processing:
● Strong computer skills in excel and data organization
● Good orienteering and time management skills
● Ability to process data independently
For various field work:
● Must be comfortable working early mornings, some evenings, and long days
● Must have a valid driver’s license and the ability to drive field vehicles or personal vehicles
● Able to walk 10+ miles in steep terrain and be comfortable lifting/carrying 50 lbs.
● Ability to conduct field work during hot and humid conditions with biting insects
● Prior field experience working in adverse field conditions is recommended
● Ability to communicate effectively with crew members and professionally with the public
● Ability to pass a standard background check
● Preference for skills in GPS orienteering and non-GPS orienteering (map and compass)
● Willingness to live in a field house during summer
● Willing to drive or be transported for long periods of time between hair snare sites
Field work requires comfortable hiking clothing such as long socks, breathable long pants, and comfortable hiking boots. We will be hiring 2 paid positions (summer 2025) that must be UMD undergraduate students, and we will offer multiple volunteer internship positions, given the applicant can work the minimum hourly requirement each week (20 hours).
For more details, please direct your questions to our emails below. To apply, please send a single PDF labeled “Lastname_BearProject” (ex: Jones_BearProject) with your resume, cover letter, and unofficial transcripts to Abigail Thiemkey thiemkey@umd.edu and Daylan Sears
dsears10@umd.edu by January 31th, 2025.