Research Assistant III

Summary/Objective

The Avian Ecology Program at Archbold Biological Station is seeking an entry level biologist, reporting to Dr. Sahas Barve, Program Director, Avian Ecology. Candidate will aid in long-term demography research on the federally threatened Florida Scrub-Jay (Aphelocoma coerulescens, FLSJ). The ideal candidate will have at least two seasons of field work experience and the ability to work independently and have an interest in birds, ecology and evolution, natural history, and active research. Candidates will also be encouraged to conduct independent research during their tenure.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

·       July – February – responsible for independently planning, organizing, conducting and reporting FLSJ surveys and banding at sites managed by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) Highlands County.

·       February – September time will be split between collaborating with other lab members to continue the program’s long-term demography study of FLSJs at Archbold and establishing a similar demography monitoring program at one FWC site.

·       Field work will include but is not limited to finding and monitoring nests, mapping territories, trapping and banding birds to include nestlings, juveniles and adults, resighting banded birds and conducting annual acorn surveys.

·       Will coordinate with program staff to ensure all field work is complete

·       Will conduct monthly censuses of color-banded birds, habituating birds for subsequent trapping, collecting and storing blood samples from adult and nestlings.

·       Will be responsible for data entry and database management, surveying and mapping FLSJ populations at FWC sites outside of Archbold and writing survey and banding reports.

·       Will assist will all active program projects

Supervisory Responsibility

·       Will aid with recruitment and occasional supervision of volunteers and interns.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work/Benefits

·       This is a full-time position - 40 hours per week – requiring lab and field work

·       Base pay starting at $18.00 per hour – pay is commensurate with the experience

·       Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability, Life Insurance, Paid Time-off, Sick Leave and Paid Holidays

Travel/Housing

·       Station vehicles will be provided for all research activities. 

·       Housing not provided

Work Environment

·       Will regularly navigate and work alone in the field with a map. Must be able to use compass and GPS when available. GPS is not always available, and the ability to read paper maps is required.

·       Will require experience safely operating an ATV and 4x4 truck in all terrains including muddy holes, wetlands and loose/soft sand. 

·       Tolerance for biting insects, early mornings, and extreme heat/humidity and rain.

·       Will work some weekends during FLSJ breeding season.

Physical Demands

The demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; lift, push and pull items up to 50 pounds; climb stairs; stoop, bend, kneel, crouch or crawl; talk or hear. Will travel uneven surfaces for long periods of time by foot, ATV or truck. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to focus. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Required Education and Experience

·       Bachelor’s degree or equivalent level of scientific experience

·       Valid driver’s license required

·       Experience finding nests using behavior, particularly the nests of open cup nesters are a plus

·       Experience watching, recording, and interpreting bird behavior, managing projects, conducting wildlife surveys and vegetation sampling are all a plus

·       Mentoring interns and communicating to the public are also key qualities

Competencies and Additional Eligibility Qualifications

·       An understanding of and commitment to the Archbold mission

·       Candidate expected for a minimum tenure of 3 years 

Archbold is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to inclusion and diversity. We take action to ensure equal opportunity for all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, Veteran status, or other legally protected status. Archbold will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics. Archbold stands proud of its collaborative culture and all dimensions of diversity in the workplace equally and works to ensure that everyone feels a sense of inclusion and belonging.

Acknowledgment

This information is not designed to be a complete inventory of the job duties, responsibilities, and qualifications.  Rather, it’s designed to give the general nature and level of work to be performed by an employee assigned to this job title.  Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice. Questions about this role may be directed to Tori Bakley (tbakley@archbold-station.org)

To apply, please fill out this google form https://forms.gle/WrU9oSZyZg6PKb1v8 by June 23rd, 2024.

You will be asked a few questions before you are prompted to upload the following in a single pdf titled with your name:

·       Cover letter outlining experience relevant to the job responsibilities listed and describing how this position aligns with your personal goals.

·       A CV

·       The names and contact information of three references