Woodrat Field Technician: California

The University of Nevada, Reno is seeking 2-3 field technicians to assist in collecting data to estimate movement, densities, and site occupancy of two woodrat species along a secondary contact zone near San Miguel, CA. The technicians will primarily be trapping and collaring woodrats and entering data, working both independently and directly with other technicians and the PhD student directing the project. 

 

Weather permitting, traps will be opened at dusk and checked approximately six hours later with the moving of traps occurring during the early morning. Technicians must be flexible to last minute schedule changes and exhibit a positive attitude. This is not a Monday-Friday, 9-5 job. Work will largely occur at night and hours will vary day to day - whatever is required to finish the work accurately. Technicians should generally expect to work a 6 days on/1 day off schedule, though off days may not occur on the same day each week. 

 

Technicians will be required to carry traps, navigate and geolocate through dense brush, handle woodrats, collar and track animals, take morphometric measurements, take non-invasive genetic samples, collect fecal samples, collect fleas and ticks, and take accurate notes while processing animals. Finally, the technician must be observant and must be able to identify woodrats and distinguish their middens or be able to pick up these skills quickly. Excellent verbal communication skills are required, as is a positive attitude towards supporting the team to achieve project outcomes.

 

Project will run from early April through late-July/early-August 2026. Salary: $3,000/month. 

 

Qualifications: Applicants must have a valid driver’s license and ideally their own vehicle for personal use. 

 

Technician will ideally:

• Have small mammal trapping experience (woodrat experience is a plus)
• Possess knowledge and ability to identify small mammals
• Experience maintaining clear communication with off-site supervisors 
• Experience using GPS and contact collars on wild populations
• Be able to maintain detailed, organized notes
• Be able to maintain communication to support team morale and shared achievements
• Be able to navigate dense vegetation and mark waypoints with a GPS unit
• Be physically fit enough to walk multiple miles a day, sometimes with heavy bags of traps and other supplies, and the ability to remain on their feet for most the day
• Be observant, a quick learner, and have an interest in small mammals/wildlife
• Be able to deal with temperature extremes (both hot and cold)
• Adaptable to an extremely varied sleep schedule 
  
  

Please submit a cover letter, CV, and contact information for three references (phone and email) by email to Marjorie Matocq (mmatocq@unr.edu).  Applications reviewed as they are received.