Conservation Field Technician, Hellbenders

The Columbus Zoo Family of Parks is hiring seasonal Conservation Field Technicians for a project on Eastern Hellbenders in Ohio. Responsibilities include conducting surveys, installing artificial dens, and assessing habitats. The role requires physical work in streams, interaction with landowners, and data collection. This temporary position runs from May to October, offers $15/hour plus housing, and requires some undergraduate education in a related field.
Overview

We are seeking seasonal field technicians for the first year of a three-year project focused on reassessing the status of the Eastern Hellbender in Ohio. Successful applicants will conduct mark-recapture surveys and install and maintain Hellbender Huts (artificial dens) at selected sites in multiple streams throughout eastern Ohio. This is physically demanding work that requires long hours working in streams with coworkers and volunteers and interacting with landowners. This project is part of a long-term conservation program in Ohio that has included augmenting populations with over 2,000 head-started (zoo-reared) Hellbenders, the installation of Hellbender Huts, and working with partners to conserve and recover habitats. The data collected during these surveys will be used to assess populations, habitats, and recovery activities.

This position is temporary and aligned with the seasonal availability of in-water work (June-October).

Starting Date: 5/27/2025

Ending Date: 10/03/2025

Hours per Week: 40

Salary: $15 per hour, plus housing

Education Required: Some Undergraduate

Experience Required: none

Location: Eastern Ohio (remote)
Responsibilities

Hellbender Surveys:
• Searches for and captures Hellbenders.
• Safely processes animals, including recording mass, length, sex, and abnormalities.
• Permanently marks animals using PITs.
• Collects samples for genetic analyses and disease screening.

Hellbender Huts:
• Installs concrete huts (100 lbs.) into selected locations.
• Maintains huts, clearing them of debris and sediment.
• Checks installed huts and collect data on inhabitants.

Habitat Assessments:
• Measures substrate quality through zig-zag pebble counts.
• Collects data on water quality.

Other Duties:
• Maintains and repairs equipment and gear.
• Cleans and disinfects to ensure biosecurity.
• Ensures data accuracy and loss prevention.
• Safely operates vehicles.
• Assures the safety of self, coworkers, and visitors by observing safety guidelines when working with equipment and vehicles.
• Constantly strives to advance the mission of Empowering People. Saving Wildlife., and actively supports the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, Zoombezi Bay, Safari Golf Club, and The Wilds.
• Implements sustainable practices in daily tasks whenever possible.
Qualifications

Educational & Experience Requirements
• At least 18 years old.
• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• At least two years completed towards a degree in biology, natural resources, wildlife ecology, or equivalent experience conducting field surveys, research, or natural resource management.

Skills & Abilities
• Ability to swim and safely work in aquatic habitats.
• Ability to plan and organize work in an efficient and costeffective manner and without direct supervision.
• Must have excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to develop and maintain cooperative working relationships with all team members.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule including evenings and weekends.
• Ability to adhere to standard operating procedures, including safety protocols.

Licenses & Certifications
• Possession of a valid motor vehicle operator's license and a good driving record required.
• Ability to adhere to the drugfree workplace policy, including preemployment, random, post-accident, reasonable suspicion, and followup treatment.
• Ability to successfully complete a criminal history background check annually.

Personal Characteristics & Workplace Behavior
• Positive attitude with a commitment to excellent service and upholding guest service standards.
Employment Type: TEMPORARY