Employer: Cape Hatteras National Seashore

Description:AMOY Nest and Chick Monitoring
Statement of Work

The contracted individual will be responsible for locating territorial and nesting American Oystercatchers (AMOYs) at Cape Hatteras National Seashore (CAHA) during the 2008 breeding season. Historic and potential nesting areas will be searched for territorial pairs, scrapes, and nests. Upon discovery of an undocumented territorial pair, scrape, or nest, the site will be GPSed and this information will be provided immediately to the Wildlife Biologist (or designated acting) to ensure that proper protection measures are implemented. The individual will help Park staff request and install closures as required under the “Settlement Agreement”. Individual nest status will be tracked on a daily basis until the clutch is lost or chicks hatch. Following hatching, chicks will be located every day until they are lost or fledge. The individual will request modifications to existing closures based on chick movements and help ensure that we are meeting the requirements of the “Settlement Agreement”. All monitoring will be conducted in such a way as to minimize disturbance to the incubating pair and/or chicks. Work days will include weekends and will be coordinated with Resource Management staff to ensure that there is Resource Management staff available to conduct monitoring during the contracted individual’s scheduled days off.

Disturbance and other factors affecting nesting success will be documented on a daily basis. Closure violations will be documented and pertinent Park staff (e.g. Law Enforcement, Resource Management staff) will be notified and corrective measures will be undertaken if necessary.

An annual summary report including individual summaries for all nesting AMOYs at CAHA will be submitted according to the work schedule outlined below. The report will include an abundance estimate for the Park, distribution, and reproductive success. Disturbance and closure violations (and corrective actions) will also be summarized.

The individual will be responsible for there own transportation during monitoring. A 4x4 vehicle will be required in order to access some of the more remote areas of the Park. Government housing will not be provided. A uniform that clearly identifies the individual from a distance as an NPS contractor will be required. A cell phone will be required to facilitate communication between Park staff and the contracted individual.

Work Schedule
Deliverables will be submitted according to the following schedule:

Field work: Will begin ASAP after contract has been finalized and continue until the last AMOY chick for the season has fledged.
Draft report: Will be provided within 1 month of completion of the field season.
Final report: Will be provided within 2 months of completion of the field season.

Location: Buxton

Qualifications:

Misc:

Documents:

Address: Doug McGee
Lead Avian BioTech
Resource Management Division
Cape Hatteras National Seashore
P.O. Box 190 Buxton, NC 27920
(252) 475-8315

Website:

Salary:

Benefits:

Deadline: May 13, 2008