SNAIL KITE ASSISTANT CREW LEADER

The University of Florida Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit is currently hiring one candidate for the Assistant Crew Lead position on the Snail Kite population monitoring crew based out of Three Lakes Wildlife Management Area in Kenansville, FL. The University of Florida, located in Gainesville, oversees several ongoing wetland-related research projects. This particular project focuses on monitoring the statewide Snail Kite population via mark-resight surveys and extensive nest searching/monitoring adhering to stringent protocols.

Field work for this project is conducted throughout the wetland ecosystems of central and south Florida from the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes in the north (near Orlando) to the Everglades in the south (near Miami). All surveys are conducted via airboat and applicants must be willing to spend long hours on an exposed to excessive noise and varying water conditions. Strong candidates will be willing to work long, flexible hours in a hot, humid environment and maintain a team player positive attitude in adverse conditions. Some days involve working from sunrise to sunset. All of the necessary training will be provided including airboat operation and maintenance.

We are seeking motivated candidates with strong leadership skills to apply ASAP. This position will begin during our “off season” which will consist heavily of nest monitoring and will provide the opportunity to band Snail Kite nestlings. During this time the incumbent ACL will receive all necessary training after which they will assume responsibilities of Assistant Field Crew Leader once the survey season begins in January 2024. Following the end of 2024 field season at the end of June the ACL is expected to transition into the Field Crew Leader role and lead the project until late summer of 2025.

Duties include operating airboats throughout diverse wetlands, mark-resight surveys that include re-sighting banded snail kites, nest searching and monitoring, banding and handling nestlings, data entry, and maintenance of field equipment and boats. Applicant will be responsible for assisting with the logistics of operating two synchronous two-person crews conducting field research throughout southern and central Florida.

Salary is $14/hour including free housing that will be provided at the Three Lakes Wildlife Management Area south of St. Cloud, FL. Applicant should be comfortable living in a field house with only a few other coworkers.

Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in Ecology, Biology, Environmental Science, Wildlife, or a related field. Previous experience leading a field crew is a plus. Previous experience handling and banding birds is required; ability to comfortably handle and band wild raptors is preferred. Basic mechanical repair skills and engine troubleshooting knowledge is also preferred. Applicant must have a valid U.S. driver's license and citizenship.

This position starts AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. This is a two yearlong commitment with the expectation that the chosen candidate will assume the Project Crew Lead position for the 2024-2025 season. Interested persons should send a resume with a cover letter and contact information for three references to Kateri Bilay (EM: snailkites@gmail.com). For questions see our website www.wec.ufl.edu/coop, or contact Kateri Bilay via email.