"Most of the Western Hemisphere's charismatic large mammals no longer exist. As a result, without knowing it, Americans live in a land of ghosts" - Paul S. Martin

"A thing is right when it tends to preserve the integrity, stability, and beauty of the biotic community. It is wrong when it tends otherwise." - Aldo Leopold

Rob Lonsinger

I am currently working on my PhD at the University of Idaho (Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources). As a member of the Laboratory for Ecological, Evolutionary, and Conservation Genetics, I am advised by Dr. Lisette Waits. My dissertation research focuses on employing noninvasive genetic sampling techniques to assess the demographic parameters of kit fox and coyote populations in western Utah. Furthermore, I am evaluating population genetic structure and the influence that anthropogenic landscape alterations have on the spatial dynamics and connectivity of these populations. My professional interests include landscape genetics, spatial ecology, the effect of anthropogenic landscape alteration on populations, urban ecology, predator-prey dynamics, and statistics.

Get Involved / Job Opportunities

See the bottom of a page for a list of excellent job boards!

Seasonal Wildlife Job Opportunities:
Position: Conservation Genetics Field Technician (Seasonal)
Affiliation:  Laboratory for Ecological, Evolutionary, and Conservation Genetics
                                Department of Fish & Wildlife Sciences
                                University of Idaho
Responsibilities:  Selected candidate will assist a PhD student with conducting standardized transect surveys for kit fox and coyote scat samples. Standardized surveys will involve actively searching predetermined transects (along dirt and gravel roads) for kit fox and coyote scats and collecting fecal DNA samples for molecular identification following strict protocols. In addition to fecal DNA sampling, technician will record spatial and covariate data at each fecal sample location. Technicians will assist with data entry, proofing, and management.





Successful applicants must be able and willing to spend long days in the field and should anticipate cold winter conditions. Applicants should be in excellent physical condition, be capable of hiking up to 15 miles per day, and able to remain vigilant throughout extended surveys. A government vehicle will be provided for travel to and from research sites. Infrequent camping may be required, but if necessary will occur with the vehicle nearby. Applicants should supply their own camping gear (i.e., tent, sleeping bag, etc.).
 
Qualifications/Skills: 
Minimum Qualifications:
· At least 2 years of undergraduate coursework leading towards a degree in wildlife, biology, molecular biology, or a related discipline.
· Experience conducting wildlife surveys and following standardized protocols.
· Experience working in a range of environmental conditions.
· Demonstrated ability to operate a 4x4 vehicle in inclement weather and/or under poor road conditions.
· Must possess a valid US driver’s license.

Additional Desirable Qualifications:
· B.S. in wildlife, biology, molecular biology, or a related discipline.
· Experience working in remote areas both independently and as part of a team.
· Must have excellent observational skills and be detail oriented.
· Able to regularly hike up to 15 miles per day while remaining vigilant.
· Highly motivated and willing to work in a range of environmental conditions including harsh winter conditions.
· Experience with molecular techniques, DNA extraction, PCR, and/or microsatellite analysis.


Position Location: Position will be based near Dugway, Utah. Dugway is located in western Utah within the Great Basin system and characterized by the typical basin and range formations with low-lying basins bounded by north-south running mountain ranges. Surveys will be conducted within and around Dugway Proving Ground, a leading U.S. Army installation. Therefore applicants will be required to adhere to military procedures and policies when appropriate.

Date(s) Needed: January 4th March 29th, 2013 (opportunities for extension may be available pending funding)
Salary: $8 – 12/hour (40 hours/week); Additionally, shared housing will be provided in a camper trailer; trailer will also serve as the primary research field station.

To Apply: Please submit all application material through the University of Idaho Employment Services website by the November 2nd closing date. The job posting can be accessed at: https://www.sites.uidaho.edu/AppTrack/Agency/Applicant/CurrentOpenings.asp. Any questions or inquiries can be directed to Rob Lonsinger (below).

Rob Lonsinger, PhD Student
Lons1663@vandals.uidaho.edu
Comments: Equal Employment Opportunity

Volunteering:
Volunteers are a crucial part of the work I do. Volunteers can support wildlife and the habitats on which they depend by participating in surveys, monitoring, research, and laboratory procedures (DNA analyses). These efforts provide data for making informed management decisions as well as providing valuable match to secure future funding.

In return for your hard work and dedication, volunteers gain valuable expience and skills in wildlife surveys, data collection and management, and DNA laboratory practices. Volunteering is a great way to position yourself for future employment opportunities and to establish a network of references and colleagues that will benefit long beyond your days as a volunteer.

Depending on the project, volunteers may be offered housing (if necessary) and per diem, but these benefits depend on available funding. If you are interested in volunteering and would like to discuss current projects and potential support, please contact me.

Current opportunities may exist in remote desert regions of west Utah from January through March, 2013 and again from July through September, 2013. These opportunities would entail surveys for kit fox and coyote fecal samples and fecal DNA collection.

Additionally, volunteer opportunities may be available in Moscow, Idaho, assisting with DNA laboratory analyses and data management. Keep checking back for future volunteer opportunities!


Presentations:




The Influence of Habitat and Landscape Feature on Fine-scale Genetic Structure of a Mesocarnivore
June 26, 2012 at 10am, American Society of Mammalogists Annual Meeting, Reno, NV
I will be presenting my Master's research at the annual meeting of the American Society of Mammalogists. The meeting is being held at the Peppermill Resort and Spa in Reno, NV. If you are planning on attending the meeting, please come see my talk.

Central Idaho Wolverine and Winter Recreation Research Project
Multiple dates, times, and locations listed below.
Kim Heinemeyer (Round River Institute) will be giving presentations across Idaho on the Central Idaho Wolverine and Winter Recreation Research Project. This collaborative project's goal is to increase our understanding of the influence that winter recreation activities have on wolverine habitat use, movements, and denning. Presentations will be geared towards recreationists and local businesses. Find out how you can be involved by attending one of these informative presentations.
• Stanley, ID – Monday, November 7th, 2011 at 5:00pm (Sawtooth Hotel)
• Ketchum, ID – Tuesday, November 8th, 2011 at 6:00pm (YMCA)
• McCall, ID – Tuesday, November 15th, 2011 at 10:30am (Payette National Forest Supervisors Office)

City of Rocks National Reserve and Castle Rocks State ParkClimate Change Panel Discussion: Local Implications to Wildlife Populations
November 3, 2011 at 7pm, College of Southern Idaho, Shields Room 201
Wallace Keck will speak on wildlife within the City of Rocks National Reserve.

Conserving Biodiversity in Southern Idaho's Changing Landscape – renewable energy development and the impacts of this development on birds and bats
October 6, 2011 at 7pm, College of Southern Idaho, Shields Room 201
Rob Lonsinger (Regional Wildlife Biologist) will discuss landscape scale threats to local wildlife populations with a focus on renewable energy development and mitigation measures to reduce impact.

24 Hours of Reality: Local Implications of Climate Change
September 14, 2011 at 6PM, Ketchum City Hall, Ketchum, ID
Hosted by the Environmental Resource Center, a panel of local experts will take a look at climate change and discuss its impacts on local resources. Panelists will include Rob Lonsinger of Fish and Game, Jim Rineholt of the SNRA, and Wendy Pabich of Water Futures.

Beaver (Castor canadensis) Natural History
February 3, 2011 at 7PM, College of Southern Idaho, Shields Room 201
Lewis Pence, a retired Idaho Soil and Water Conservationist will speak about beaver ecology and the role beavers have in maintaining and restoring riparian and emergent marsh habitats.

Sagebrush Identification and Ecology
February 17, 2011 at 7PM, College of Southern Idaho, Taylor Room 258
Botanist Roger Rosentreter will speak about sagebrush steppe ecology and how to identify sagebrush species. Come learn why so many Species of Greatest Conservation Need rely on sagebrush for their survival.

Ringtail (Bassariscus astutus) Natural History and Their Status in Idaho
March 3, 2011 at 7PM, College of Southern Idaho, Shields Room 201
Rob Lonsinger, Regional Wildlife Biologist with Idaho Department of Fish & Game, will present information on ringtail ecology, dispersal, and habitat requirements which make southern Idaho the potential northern extent of the ringtail range.



Links to Job Opportunities

Comprehensive Job Boards/lists
Texas A&M Job Board
Conservation Job Board
Society for Conservation Biology
American Society of Mammalogists
University of Georgia Job Board
Penn State Job Board