Research Technician

Tall Timbers Research is hiring a Research Technician for wildlife conservation, focusing on quail management in Williamsburg County, SC. Responsibilities include trapping and tagging quail, tracking them with telemetry, managing habitats, and conducting surveys. Candidates should have strong organizational skills and preferably experience in wildlife research. This position requires outdoor work in varying conditions and offers standard benefits, including health care and paid leave.
Area of Specialization:

Wildlife Conservation – Quail Management

Background:

Tall Timbers Research Station is seeking a Research Technician to join our team on an intensively managed wild quail property in Williamsburg County, South Carolina. This role will focus on trapping quail, radio tagging, and using telemetry to track wild quail. The successful candidate will also contribute to habitat management, operating equipment for prescribed burning, plowing, and mowing, as well as conducting surveys. This is an excellent opportunity to gain hands-on experience in wildlife research and habitat restoration on a property renowned for its rapidly growing bird dog program.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
• Quail Trapping and Tagging:
• Set up and monitor traps for capturing quail.
• Handle and process quail for radio tagging, ensuring humane treatment.
• Telemetry and Tracking:
• Use telemetry equipment to monitor the movements and behaviors of radio-tagged quail.
• Collect, record, and analyze data accurately.
• Land and Habitat Management:
• Operate equipment for prescribed burning, plowing, and mowing to manage quail habitats.
• Conduct surveys to monitor vegetation, quail populations, and other wildlife.
• Data Collection and Reporting:
• Organize and analyze field data.
• Prepare reports and contribute to research publications.

Minimum Qualifications:
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in various field conditions.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to operate 4WD vehicles.

Preferred Qualifications:
• Experience with wildlife trapping, handling, and telemetry.
• Knowledge of prescribed burning techniques and safety protocols.
• Proficiency in operating field equipment such as GPS units and telemetry receivers.
• Degree in Wildlife Biology, Ecology, Natural Resources, or a related field.
• Previous experience with wildlife research, particularly with quail or similar species.
• Familiarity with habitat management practices and data analysis.

Working Conditions and Physical Effort:
• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• Capability to lift and carry equipment weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Willingness to work irregular hours, including early mornings and weekends as needed.

Benefits:

Tall Timbers provides a package of standard benefits including health care, dental care, life insurance, voluntary tax sheltered 403(b) plan, and medical flexible spending account. These benefits are subject to employee contributions according to Tall Timbers’ policy.

Vacation and sick leave:

Upon hire, a full-time employee accrues 0.83 days per month of annual and sick leave. Accrued leave may be used following the 90-day probationary period. 5 days of leave is available in your first year (2024), following your 90-day probationary period, then employees accrue 10 days of annual leave for calendar year two, then 15 days in calendar years three and four, followed by 20 days at years five and up.

Paid holidays:

Tall Timbers provides 10 paid holidays per year: New Years Day, Martin Luther King Jr. birthday, Memorial Day, July4th, Labor Day, Veteran’s Day, Thanksgiving holidays (Thursday and Friday), Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

Workplace Environment and Commitments to Diversity:

Tall Timbers is committed to being an equal-opportunity employer and rejects racism, prejudice, discrimination, or hate toward any race, ethnicity, culture, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, ability, national origin, veteran status, socioeconomic class, religion, or professional status. We strongly encourage applications from underrepresented groups and those that add to and engage the local communities.

Contact:

Paul Grimes, DPGrimes@talltimbers.org; 706-825-0451

Position Start Date:

September 30, 2024

Full-Time/Part-Time:

Full-Time

Duration:

Minimum 3 years

Salary:

$15 per hour plus overtime opportunity

Work Location:

Based out of Williamsburg County, South Carolina

How to Apply:

Please email a single PDF to Paul Grimes that includes (1) a cover letter that explains your interest in the position, relevant skills, and experience, (2) an up-to-date resume, and (3) at least three professional references. Applications will be reviewed upon receipt, and the position will be filled as the appropriate candidate is found.

About Tall Timbers:

Tall Timbers Research Station, founded in 1958, focuses on fire ecology, vertebrate ecology, and Northern bobwhite ecology. Our research supports next-generation fire management needs and wildlife conservation. For more information, visit https://talltimbers.org/