Conservation Field Herpetology Technician

Toledo Zoo is seeking Seasonal, Full-Time Conservation Field Herpetology Technicians for fieldwork involving surveys and telemetry of various turtle species in Ohio. Responsibilities include conducting surveys, collecting data, and mentoring volunteers. The position requires travel within the state and is expected to last from April to mid-August 2025. Candidates must be 21+, have a valid driver's license, and be able to work in various weather conditions.
Conservation Field Herpetology Technician (Seasonal, Full- Time)

Toledo Zoo & Aquarium

Our Conservation Department is currently seeking Seasonal, Full-Time Field Herpetology Technicians to conduct surveys and radio-telemetry for Copperbelly Watersnakes, Blanding’s Turtles, Spotted Turtles, and Box Turtles, biodiversity assessments of restored habitats, captive husbandry of head-started species, and mentoring teenage volunteers. Work will be based out of Toledo, but extensive, within-state travel and overnight stays are required to conduct fieldwork. Technicians are expected to provide their own transportation to and from field sites, but work-related mileage will be reimbursed. This position reports to the Director of Vertebrate Conservation and is non-exempt under the Fair Labor Standards Act.

Job Category: This position is temporary and expected to run from April to mid-August 2025.

Start Date: 04/1/2025 End Date: 08/15/2025

Application Deadline: 4/15/2025
• NOTE* Housing is NOT Provided

Essential Job Functions:
• Setting and checking aquatic funnel traps
• Conducting visual encounter surveys
• Collecting demographic, morphometric data and blood samples
• Inserting passive integrated transponders (PIT)
• Recording locations using a GPS unit
• Radio-telemetry
• Assessing habitat
• Recording data
• Training and supervising teenage volunteers
• Additional zoo-related tasks as required.

Minimum Training & Qualification
• Must be 21+ years of age
• Must have a valid drivers’ license and be insurable by the fleet insurance carrier.
• Willingness and ability to work long hours in inclement weather (heat, cold, rain, etc.) with exposure to mosquitoes, biting flies, ticks, and noxious plants.
• Ability to travel up to five days at a time
• Commitment to maintaining a safe work environment
• Dedication to accurate and thorough data collection
• Self-motivated with a positive attitude
• Respectful and professional in interactions with other team members, partners, and the public
• Must have the ability to lift 50lbs and traverse irregular terrain (e.g., wetlands)
• The Toledo Zoo is a drug-free workplace, including marijuana.  

Additional Preferred Qualifications
• Experience working with reptiles and amphibians, specifically turtles and snakes.
• Experience with herpetological surveying techniques and/or radio-telemetry.
• Previous work with teenage volunteers or community outreach.

To Apply

Please submit the following to the Toledo Zoo’s ADP site: 1) cover letter indicating you meet the job requirements and your available start and end dates; 2) resume/CV; and, 3) names, phone numbers, and email addresses of three professional references. NOTE: The ADP site will give you the option of including a cover letter, but it is still required.

Questions

Contact Matt Cross at 419-385-5721 x2156 or matt.cross@toledozoo.org.

The Toledo Zoo is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, creed, genetic information, sex, age, national origin, disability, military status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by law.