Sandy Hook - Deer Survey - Data Recorder and Driver (March - April 2025)

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Are you ready to become a citizen scientist? Join Sandy Hook's Deer Survey Team as a Volunteer Data Recorder and Driver! The volunteer will be trained as a data recorder and driver for white-tailed deer monitoring surveys within the Sandy Hook Unit of Gateway National Recreation Area. Depending on the role needed during the survey, the volunteer will serve in either the Data Collector or Driver position and volunteers need to be comfortable serving in either role.

Data Collectors will use a FileMaker Pro database on a NPS iPad to collect deer spotlight data using established methods. Volunteers must be comfortable and proficient with using electronic device and applications for data entry. Data will be collected at night, in the dark, while riding in a king cab truck. The vehicle will be stopped during data collection, but the vehicle interior light will remain off throughout the survey.

Individuals must also have a valid driver’s license and be comfortable operating a NPS king cab pick-up truck. Drivers follow a map of the survey routes and navigate the survey route slowly trying to maintain a constant speed during the survey. The vehicle will be operated at no more than 10 miles per hour. The driver will stop the vehicle each time that a spotter identifies that a deer or deer group is spotted. The vehicle will remain stopped until all data is logged and a count of the number of deer at that location is made. The survey routes will be conducted from existing all-weather, paved roads for safety reasons. A set route will be followed to provide representation of as many habitat types within the park as exist to obtain a relatively accurate estimate of deer numbers in the park.

The volunteer agrees to not share data collection information and results of survey with the public. These surveys will take place at night, approximately 1 hour after sunset and continue into the early morning, such as 1:00am or later depending on the needs of the survey. Specific dates and times will be shared with the volunteer in the position posting and/or after the volunteer is onboarded

Volunteers will be trained by park staff before assisting in these roles. Dates and times of the training will be decided in advance of the survey and communicated with volunteers.

SURVEY INFORMATION

The volunteer agrees to not share data collected and results of survey with the public. The volunteer must be able to make the majority of the following dates:

Spotter Training: March 4, 2025, 12pm to 10pm.

Week 1: March 10 & 11 (Mon/Tue Deer survey), March 12 (Wed - Visual Assessment Survey)

Week 2: March 17 & 18 ( Mon/Tue Deer survey), March 19 (Wed - Visual Assessment Survey)

Week 3: March 24 & 25 (Mon/Tue Deer survey), March 19 (Wed - Weather Make Up)

Week 2: March 31 & April 1 (Mon/Tue Deer survey), April 2 (Wed - Weather Make Up)

Start Date - 2025-03-10

End Date - 2025-04-04