M.S. Research Assistant Position in Climate Change and Hydrological Processes Oklahoma State University

The M.S. Research Assistant position at Clemson University involves fieldwork in coastal South Carolina wetlands, focusing on herpetofauna data collection and environmental monitoring. The role requires experience in wetland environments and includes physically demanding tasks. The position is full-time, seasonal, with a flexible schedule, and on-site housing provided. Compensation is $15 per hour, supervised by Dr. Erin Buchholtz and M.S. Student Tyler Tobias.
The Buchholtz Lab in the Department of Forestry and Environmental Conservation at Clemson University, affiliated with the SC Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research unit, is seeking a full-time, seasonal technician (1 position). As a part of an M.S. thesis project seeking to understand the effects of anthropogenic land-use legacies on community assemblages, the technician will be hired to assist in the collection of herpetofauna richness and abundance data, as well as environmental (water quality, hydrology, and vegetation) data, in coastal South Carolina wetlands. Field work will include visual encounter surveys (VES), checking cover boards and PVC pipes, aquatic trapping, and acoustic recording unit (ARU) monitoring for reptiles and amphibians in the ACE Basin (centered around Yemassee, SC).

The technician will be supervised by Dr. Erin Buchholtz at the SC Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit and Clemson University M.S. Student Tyler Tobias. The technician will be an employee of Clemson University and an affiliate of the SC Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit.

Data collection is tentatively scheduled to take place from March 17th to May 9th (approximately 8 weeks) at field sites located 4-5 hours from Clemson University’s main campus. However, start and end dates are somewhat flexible and subject to slight adjustments/changes due to contingency on Clemson's academic calendar, the nature of field work, and weather conditions. The expected work schedule will be 5 days on and at least 2 days off per week, but this may also vary. Successful applicants will be expected to be available for a flexible schedule, including weekend and some night work.

Field work will occur in inland and tidal open, isolated wetland environments, some of which will require the use of canoes or kayaks to access. The successful applicant will be expected to work well independently and in a team, to collect data efficiently and accurately, and to manage equipment responsibly and effectively.

We seek applicants with previous experience sampling in isolated wetland environments. Experience surveying for herpetofauna is a plus.

Additionally, applicants must be willing and able to conduct physically demanding work on long days in hot and humid weather conditions. Mosquitos, ticks, and biting/stinging insects, as well as alligators and venomous snakes, will be present. Applicants must be comfortable working in these environs and around open water environments.

Compensation: $15 per hour

On-site housing will be provided.

Qualifications:
• Ability/Willingness to identify, capture, and handle herpetofauna
• Ability to capture environmental data
• Ability to record data
• Ability to maintain positive/enthusiastic attitude in the field
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Degree in Biology, Natural Resources, Wildlife Biology, Ecology, Environmental Science, or related field preferred.
• Wilderness CPR/AED Certification, Non-motorized Water Vehicle Training, and or Defensive Driving Training preferred but not required.
• Experience working with/handling crocodilians and venomous reptiles preferred but not required.

Application Instructions: Those interested in applying for this position should fill out the Google Form, which can be accessed using the following link:

https://forms.gle/ab2uTcrmErbzWzCQ8

Hiring will take place through Clemson University’s Human Resources Department. Any and all necessary training will be provided.

Application review will begin January 22, 2025 and continue on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

We strongly encourage applications from people whose identities and or backgrounds are marginalized or otherwise underrepresented in wildlife research.

If you have any questions or concerns, please email Tyler Tobias at ttobias@g.clemson.edu.

Tyler N. Tobias