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.=20

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.=20

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 [mailto:brothermel@archbold-station.org:=20]brothermel@archbold-station.org:=20

1) Cover letter describing your qualifications and availability with respect to the desired start date

2) Current resume or CV, including GPA and a list of relevant coursework

3) Contact information for three references

Please include =91RA position=92 in the subject line of your email. Review of applications will begin November 5th and continue until the position is filled.

---