jobs...
So, I just sent off my resume. I've only got a month or so left at my current position, so its that time again. I haven't really started looking for new positions, I just stumbled on this one. I think I really want it. Its in Seattle, based out of UW. The position is as a Conservation Canine Handler. Its sorta a new field, just founded a few years ago, that is really broadening out, and this may be my opportunity to get my foot in the door.
The conservation canine field essentially harnesses the power of a dog's nose to help locate animal traces that may be much more difficult for a crew of biologist to find on their own. The dogs, who all have a very high play drive, are trained to sniff out specific things (in the case of the UW program I am applying to, it is animal scat), and learn that when they find the poop, in this case, they get to play with a tennis ball, which is what they really want. These dogs have been shown to find animal traces more accurately than crews of biologists, and in less than 1/3 the time. They're even being used to find poop from the same EXACT animal, their sense of smell is so strong. The biologists then take the scat back to the lab and are able to discover a great amount of information about the animal, including sex, reproductive status, health, nutrition, even stress levels. Its an amazing, innovative way to have man's best friend help us in our work.
The position I'm applying for would mean a big move (up to Seattle), and a bit of a pay decrease (-$400/month), which is causing most of my hesitation. The cool part is that I met the guy who runs the program several months back. He came and checked out the Willamette Humane Society dogs while I was working there. I'm sure he doesn't remember me (we met VERY briefly), but its still a cool thing, and demonstrates the importance of networking.
*excited, very excited*
more info: http://depts.washington.edu/conserv/Conservation_Canines.html
The conservation canine field essentially harnesses the power of a dog's nose to help locate animal traces that may be much more difficult for a crew of biologist to find on their own. The dogs, who all have a very high play drive, are trained to sniff out specific things (in the case of the UW program I am applying to, it is animal scat), and learn that when they find the poop, in this case, they get to play with a tennis ball, which is what they really want. These dogs have been shown to find animal traces more accurately than crews of biologists, and in less than 1/3 the time. They're even being used to find poop from the same EXACT animal, their sense of smell is so strong. The biologists then take the scat back to the lab and are able to discover a great amount of information about the animal, including sex, reproductive status, health, nutrition, even stress levels. Its an amazing, innovative way to have man's best friend help us in our work.
The position I'm applying for would mean a big move (up to Seattle), and a bit of a pay decrease (-$400/month), which is causing most of my hesitation. The cool part is that I met the guy who runs the program several months back. He came and checked out the Willamette Humane Society dogs while I was working there. I'm sure he doesn't remember me (we met VERY briefly), but its still a cool thing, and demonstrates the importance of networking.
*excited, very excited*
more info: http://depts.washington.edu/conserv/Conservation_Canines.html