Biological Aide II

Position Title:  Biological Aide II Position description for IAP World Services, Inc. technical support services to the U.S. Geological Survey’s (USGS), Biological Resources Discipline (BRD) Eastern Region, Patuxent Wildlife Research Center (PWRC).   Study objective is to conduct standard avian and vegetation surveys within Vicksburg National Military Park and other conservations lands in the East Gulf Coastal Plain and Mississippi Alluvial Valley Bird Conservation Regions.  Management to restore and maintain non-forested habitat has been proposed within Vicksburg National Military Park to achieve habitats reminiscent of conditions present during the military campaigns that the Park commemorates.  Concerns have been raised regarding the effects of forest loss and fragmentation on native flora and fauna, particularly breeding birds.  Using distance-temporal based point counts, avian densities will be quantified within forest and open habitats in Vicksburg National Military Park, thereby providing insight regarding changes in the avian community that will likely result from increased emphasis on restoration of non-forested, open-vista habitats.  Additionally, the relationship of birds to landscape conditions and forest structure is planned to provide habitat management recommendations to improve the suitability of extant forest for priority avian species. Key Position Requirements and Desires: Education:  Associate or Bachelor's Degree (may substitute other ornithological training or experience), with ability to identify bird species by sight and/or song.   - Ability to identify bird species by sight and/or song:  The successful candidate will possess basic skills identifying common species that occur in hardwood forests of the Southeast United States is required.  Limited training will be provided.- Ability to identify native flora species, with or without foliage & experience conducting vegetation surveys:   Knowledge common trees of the Southeast United States desired. - Experience in conducting bird counts:  Experience in conducting point counts, transects, roadside surveys, etc. is desired. - Ability to utilize hand-held GPS navigation devices:  Navigate to predetermine geographical points - Ability to operate hand-held digital photography equipment desired- Ability to safely traverse rough and uneven terrain:  Able to lift up to 20 pounds and carry pack-borne equipment over finite distances of rough and uneven terrain required - Ability to engage in data gathering and recording - Ability to work with limited supervision- Ability to measure distances using laser ranging equipment is needed; no prior knowledge required. Experience using Microsoft Office applications including Access, Excel, Word, and PowerPoint Generation of new or original document, form, presentation, etc. will not be required  Starting pay:  $13.06 per hour Apply at:  www.iapws.com/careers Company: IAP Worldwide Services, Inc. Location: Vicksburg, MS 39180 Job Status/Type: Full Time, Employee Job Category: Biotech/R&D/Science Industry: Agriculture/Forestry/Fishing Occupations: Mathematical/Statistical Research Career Level: Entry Level Work Experience: 1+ to 2 Years Education: Associate Degree Salary/Wage: 13.06 - 13.06 USD /hour10 days vacation, paid federal holidays, health benefits Company: IAP Worldwide Services, Inc.