FWCB/NR 220 Internship Program: Prairie Dog Conservation Wildlife Technician

Position Title: FWCB/NR 220 Internship Program: Prairie Dog Conservation Wildlife Technician

Position Summary: The goal of this project is to document disease resistance to sylvatic plague, a bacterial infection caused by Yersinia pestis, in both black-tailed prairie dogs (Cynomys ludovicianus) and Gunnison’s prairie dogs (Cynomys gunnisoni). The selected student would help trap prairie dogs, administer anesthesia, collect tissues and blood samples for genomic analysis to ultimately unravel the fingerprint of plague resistance in prairie dogs across the Great Plains. Work will involve trapping and processing prairie dogs throughout the day in dry conditions, working with a field crew of 3-4 people, camping and working in remote areas across several states. This is a unique and incredible opportunity to take part in a research project that is at the cutting edge of wildlife disease ecology and conservation biology. This position could easily evolve into a research project for the selected FWCB intern in the fall of 2025.  

Department name: Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology

Responsibilities/Duties:
• Follow sampling protocols
• Wildlife live captures (e.g. setting live traps with bait)
• Assist with prairie dog processing (e.g., handling animals, taking measurements, sampling for tissue/blood collection) 
• Assist with equipment maintenance (e.g., anesthesia, equipment decontamination) 
• Organize and repair field equipment
• Collect and organize tissue/blood samples and enter recorded data into spreadsheets
• Work respectfully within a small field team over several weeks
Required qualifications:
• Must be registered for NR220 in the summer of 2025 
• Must possess a driver’s license
• Passion for wildlife conservation 
Preferred Qualifications: 
• Enthusiasm for working outdoors 
• Experience handling wildlife
• Experience with backcountry travel and navigation 
• Driving 4WD vehicles 
• First aid / wilderness training
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel
• Teamwork and collegiality
Number of weekly working hours: 40

Potential Start date: Flexible

Number of Openings: 1

Hourly Pay Rate: $18

Application Instructions:  Please submit an online application at https://forms.office.com/r/8zKjUyxjaq

Apply By date: open until filled.

Duration of position: 6-8 weeks, depending on availability around NR220.

Employee Benefits: Employee Benefit information can be found on HR’s Website at https://hr.colostate.edu/current-employees/benefits/  

Colorado State University (CSU) provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

Colorado State University strives to provide a safe study, work, and living environment for its faculty, staff, volunteers and students. To support this environment and comply with applicable laws and regulations, CSU conducts background checks for the finalist before a final offer. The type of background check conducted varies by position and can include, but is not limited to, criminal history, sex offender registry, motor vehicle history, financial history, and/or education verification. Background checks will also be conducted when required by law or contract and when, in the discretion of the University, it is reasonable and prudent to do so.