The Restoration Ecology & Herpetology Program at Archbold Biological Station is seeking a research assistant to support ecological research and monitoring, habitat restoration, and land management on its >8,800 acres of conservation land on the southern Lake Wales Ridge, Florida. We are seeking a broadly trained ecologist with excellent field, organizational, and communication skills to contribute to our research and restoration efforts in three main areas: community ecology of seasonal wetlands, restoration of agriculturally modified wetlands (in USDA Wetlands Reserve Program easements), and behavior and demography of Gopher Tortoises.
This is a full-time, term position for 16 months starting between January 8-15, 2018, with the possibility of extension dependent on funding. The Restoration Ecology/Herpetology RA will play a central role in coordinating fieldwork and managing data for a variety of ongoing projects. The RA will also devote about 10% of his/her time to land management activities, including exotics control and assisting with prescribed fires on both the Station (http://www.archbold-station.org/html/land/lmovr.html) and adjacent Archbold Reserve (http://www.archbold-reserve.org/). Specific field-related duties will include: sampling amphibians, fish, and aquatic invertebrates; monitoring wetland and groundwater depths and water chemistry; collecting data on severity of feral hog rooting; measuring vegetation responses to hydrological restoration within WRP easements; mapping and treating exotic plants as part of wetland and sandhill restoration initiatives; occasionally assisting with prescribed fires; radiotracking Gopher Tortoises; and mapping and surveying tortoise burrows. Office/lab duties will include: entering and managing data; occasionally supervising volunteers and research interns; and assisting with statistical analyses and report writing. Qualifications: - B.S. in biology, environmental science, or a related field - At least 1 year of relevant work experience - Experience with wetland/aquatic ecosystem monitoring techniques - Experience capturing, handling, and identifying amphibians and reptiles - Familiarity with herpetofauna and plants of Coastal Plain ecosystems of the southeastern U.S. - Highly organized and able to work independently - Proactive approach to project management and communication - Meticulous attention to data quality - Ability to safely operate 4WD vehicles in off-road conditions - Ability to perform physically strenuous activities under hot, humid subtropical conditions - Applicants must have U.S. citizenship or current authorization to work in the U.S. Preference will be given to candidates with at least 2 years of relevant experience; demonstrated ability to manage multiple field projects; and familiarity with ArcMap and Microsoft Access. Salary will be dependent on experience, in the range of $24,000 - $26,500 per year plus benefits. To apply, email the following (preferably as one attachment in PDF format) to Dr. Betsie Rothermel at [email protected]: 1) Cover letter describing your qualifications and availability with respect to the desired start date 2) Current resumé or CV, including GPA and a list of relevant coursework 3) Contact information for three references Please include ‘RA position’ in the subject line of your email. Review of applications will begin November 5th and continue until the position is filled. -- Archbold is an Equal Opportunity Employer --
