Employment Opportunity Announcement: Wildlife Technician
Application Due Date: June 11th, 2021 The Longleaf Alliance (TLA) is seeking one Wildlife Technician to assist with the recovery of the reticulated flatwoods salamander (Ambystoma bishopi) in the Gulf Coastal Plain Ecosystem Partnership (GCPEP) landscape.
Priority work will center on habitat restoration, population monitoring, and captive rearing. The position is full-time for two years with the possibility of an extension.
Duties: The Wildlife Technician will assist with ongoing projects focusing on the conservation of the federally endangered reticulated flatwoods salamander with work focused primarily on the Escribano Point Wildlife Management Area in Santa Rosa County, Florida.
Field duties for salamander monitoring include construction and maintenance of drift fences and funnel traps, drift fence monitoring, egg searching, larval monitoring, and collection of genetic samples from larval and adult salamanders.
The Wildlife Technician will participate in captive rearing (head-starting), involving the installation and maintenance of “cattle tank” artificial ponds that house larval salamanders (monitoring of water quality variables, collecting and culturing invertebrate prey, and tracking growth and development of larval salamanders).
The selected applicants will restore and monitor wetland habitat through the following activities: removal of woody vegetation and duff/muck through hand clearing using chainsaws and brushcutters, prescribed fire, invasive species control, and monitoring of vegetation and hydrology.
The selected applicant will work with the wildlife biologist to coordinate and occasionally oversee a four-person seasonal restoration crew.
This position will perform detailed data collection, entry, proofing, and database management to support project updates and grant reports.
Qualifications: Applicants should have a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in biology, ecology, or related field and must have field experience and be comfortable working outside for long periods during non-standard hours and in inclement conditions both alone and with a team.
Preferred applicants will have NWCG fire certifications S130 and S190, as well as basic faller S212, however not required. Applicants should also be in good physical condition and comfortable walking long distances in the woods or wading in shallow water while carrying heavy equipment for short distances and hauling cut debris out of wetlands.
They should be familiar with the identification, collection, and handling of reptiles and amphibians, preferably in the southeastern US, including ability to safely remove venomous snakes from traps.
Additional qualifications: competence with 4×4 vehicle operation in challenging terrain, GPS navigation, GIS, field data collection, and data entry (i.e., Microsoft Excel), a desire and ability to maintain harmonious working relationships with others in the office and field, especially under stressful conditions.
Applicants must possess a valid US driver’s license. Salary will range from $33,000 to $34,500 plus benefits and will be commensurate with experience.
A resume, cover letter, and three references (Supervisors) must be received no later than June 11th, 2021 electronically to: Charlie Abeles [email protected] 240-527-8146
Final candidates will be notified by June 18 th for interviews. Position start date is July 26th or sooner if possible.