Emergency Hire – Seasonal Research Assistant III

Archbold Biological Station is hiring a Seasonal Research Assistant III to conduct fieldwork for the Florida Grasshopper Sparrow Project at DeLuca Preserve, Florida. Responsibilities include population monitoring, habitat assessments, and nest protection. Candidates should have a relevant degree or experience, be able to navigate in the field, and work independently or in teams. The position offers $15/hour plus housing, starting as soon as possible.
• March 29, 2023
Employer: Archbold Biological Station

Location: DeLuca Preserve, FL

Country: United States

Last Date to Apply: No value

Open Until Filled: Yes

Job Category: Seasonal

Salary: $15.00 per hour, plus housing

Start Date: As soon as possible

Department: Conservation Science of Military Landscapes

Supervisor: Dr. Angela Tringali

Last Day to Apply: Open until filled

DESCRIPTION: The Conservation Science of Military Landscapes program at Archbold Biological Station is seeking a talented biologist to join our team working within the Avon Park Air Force Range Sentinel Landscape (learn more). Under the supervision of Dr. Angela Tringali and the project coordinator, the Research Assistant is expected to conduct field work for the Florida Grasshopper Sparrow Project at DeLuca Preserve. This includes population & demographic monitoring of the Florida Grasshopper Sparrow (FGSP), nest protection, habitat & forage quality assessments, and habitat management. DeLuca Preserve is a 27,000-acre Conservation Easement and working cattle ranch managed by Duck’s Unlimited and the University of Florida located within the Sentinel landscape near Kenansville, FL.

RESPONSIBILITIES: Candidate will work independently and in small teams to fulfill all parts of Archbold’s contract with the USFWS/DoD. A successful candidate will be able to live and work with one – two other seasonal technicians and perform all parts of the project including:

1. Collecting data; collecting accurate behavioral and habitat data in the field.

2. Conducting point-count surveys during the FGSP breeding season (April-July)

3. Assisting the project coordinator with mist netting and banding, including nestlings

4. Locating and fencing all FGSP nests; lifting FGSP nests at risk of flooding; treating red imported fire ant mounds near FGSP nests

5. Assessing habitat at all survey locations quarterly; estimating forage availability using an NRCS spreadsheet tool; collecting samples to assess forage nutritive value (crude protein, digestibility)

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS:

· Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Ecology, Wildlife Science, or a related field, or equivalent experience

· Ability to navigate and work alone in the field

· Ability to re-sight color banded passerines

· Ability to conduct point count surveys by ear

· Diligence when following protocols and entering data

· Comfortable working on an active cattle ranch

· Flexible and able to adjust to abrupt changes in plans

· Experience in operating 4WD vehicles, excellent judgement when navigating poor roads

· U.S. citizen or have authorization to work in the U.S., able to pass a background check

· Valid U.S. driver’s license with a clean driving record

· Tolerance for Florida’s high heat and humidity, and abundance of biting insects

· Must be able to walk several miles over un-even terrain while carrying equipment up to 40 lbs. and climb barbed wire fences

· Dedication, sensitivity, and attention to detail when working with T&E species

· Good and responsive communication with supervisors, coworkers, and housemates

· Diligent, motivated, and organized

· Agreeable to occasional weekend and holiday work

DESIRED SKILLS:

· Experience working with Grasshopper Sparrows

· Experience nest-searching for ground nesting birds using behavioral cues

· Experience installing predator exclosures around nests

· Experience with habitat and/or forage assessments

· Experience working on an active landscape

· Proficient in identifying birds of the eastern flyway, especially Florida’s breeding birds, by sight and sound

· Familiarity with electronic data collection, preferably Survey 123 and FieldMaps

· Experience conducting habitat assessments or vegetation surveys

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

Applicants can apply by emailing a cover letter, resume or CV, and contact information for three references as a single pdf titled with the applicant’s surname to eabraham@archbold-station.org

Archbold Biological Station is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from members of underrepresented groups.