We are looking to hire 1-2 candidates this month and possibly another later this spring!
Job Description:
Candidate will work with Virginia Tech to assist with research, monitoring, and management of reticulated flatwoods salamander and other wildlife on Eglin Air Force Base, Florida. Position will require working a combination of days/nights in potentially adverse conditions (high heat, cold rain, wind). Responsibilities will include monitoring drift fences and conducting dipnet surveys for flatwoods salamanders, habitat restoration work in federally endangered reticulated flatwoods salamander breeding ponds, rearing flatwoods salamander larvae in cattle tanks, conducting gopher tortoise burrow surveys, and data entry/proofing. Candidate must be able to walk several miles in inclement weather over uneven terrain while carrying up to 30 pounds of equipment, be able to work in standing water using hip waders, be able to haul large, awkward brush and cut woody debris weighing up to 50 lbs for short distances out of wetland basins for up to 8 hrs/day, be able to follow complex protocols while wet, cold, tired, and being bitten by mosquitos at night. Work will begin in February and will continue for at least three months and possibly through May or early June 2020. Hours are variable, including nights and weekends, but will total 36-40 hours week. Shared housing is provided. Successful applicants will be adaptable, detail-oriented, enthusiastic, comfortable working on an active military base, comfortable working alone and with others at night, and able to live and work harmoniously with others.
Please send a cover letter and resume to Mr. Timothy Calhoun (timjc16@vt.edu) with AMPHIBIAN/REPTILE TECH in the subject line of the email. Please include names and contact info for up to three references if possible. (For questions about the project, contact our field crew supervisor, Mr. Kelly Jones, kcjones7@vt.edu) Applications will be accepted until the position is filled, but those received by 11 February are most likely to receive full consideration. Virginia Tech is an EO/AA EMPLOYER COMMITTED TO DIVERSITY.
Qualifications:
Required Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in wildlife conservation or a related field; Previous natural resource field experience, valid driver’s license; excellent organization and communication skills, including attention to detail in data recording and entry; demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively
Preferred Qualifications
previous experience working with amphibians and reptiles, especially ambystomatid salamanders and tortoises, and/or experience handling federally threatened or endangered species; experience running drift fences; experience marking amphibians using VIE and/or PIT tags; chainsaw safety certification and/or Florida pesticide applicator certification; experience working on a military installation, and operating 4WD vehicles.
Hourly wage, commensurate with experience, starting at $11.