- Agency
- Tennessee State University, Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences
- Location
- Bankhead National Forest, AL
- Job Category
- Temporary/Seasonal Positions
- Salary
- $1,200 per month
- Start Date
- 05/01/2023
- Last Date to Apply
- 03/03/2023
- Description
- The Wildlife Ecology Lab at Tennessee State University (https://wbsutton.wordpress.com/) is looking for a seasonal field technician to assist a M.S. student with field sampling of herpetofauna in the William B. Bankhead National Forest in northwestern Alabama. The position will run from May 1st, 2023 to August 31st, 2023. The focus of the project is to study the impacts of longleaf pine forest restoration on herpetofauna assemblages, as well as snake habitat use. There will also be a focus on monitoring for the presence of Ophidiomyces ophiodiicola which is the causative agent of Snake Fungal Disease. Primary duties will include but are not limited to: • Daily monitoring of box/pitfall traps for captured herpetofauna • Handling, measuring, and marking herpetofauna, including venomous species • Tracking snakes using radio telemetry • Swabbing snakes for Snake Fungal Disease monitoring • Hike upwards of 8 miles a day with backpacks weighing 20+ lbs. • Habitat and vegetation surveys • Maintaining and repairing trap arrays • Collect, enter, and check quality of data • Use a 4WD vehicle to get into field sites in difficult and often muddy terrain • Cleaning and maintaining field equipment Shared housing is provided within the Bankhead National Forest. Field equipment and vehicle are provided during working hours.
- Qualifications
- • Bachelor’s degree in wildlife biology, conservation, zoology, or a related science (or currently pursuing); applicants with experience identifying southeastern herpetofauna preferred. • Interest in reptile and amphibian ecology. • Demonstrated experience working in rugged field conditions • Demonstrated experience handling 4WD vehicles in difficult terrain • Must possess a valid driver’s license • Experience handling venomous species preferred • Willingness to live in remote and sparsely populated area • Experience navigating using a GPS unit • Experience with radio telemetry a plus • Ability to communicate effectively, understand instructions, and troubleshoot problems in the field • Willingness to be on a flexible and rapidly changing schedule, including occasionally working on weekends. • A curiosity and interest in research • Good judgement and a positive disposition are required Upload a single document with (1) cover letter describing interest and relevant experience, (2) a CV/resume, and (3) a list of three professional/academic references with contact information to sammccaberobinson@gmail.com with the subject line “Herpetology Field Technician 2023”.
- Contact Person
- Sam Robinson
- Contact eMail
- sammccaberobinson@gmail.com
