Deadline: Thu, 11/30/2023 - 12:00pm Employer: University of Florida Job Field: Wildlife Job Type: Seasonal, Temporary, Internship Location: Florida Location Detail: Gainesville, Florida Job Description: The Disturbance Ecology & Ecological Restoration Lab at the University of Florida is recruiting one full-time (40 hours/week) research technician from January 8th to mid-March 2024 to assist on a project investigating white-tailed deer movement and survival in hunted landscapes. The primary responsibility of the technician will be to assist in the chemical immobilization and capture of white-tailed deer to fit GPS radiocollars. Other responsibilities include, but are not limited to, scouting and baiting capture sites, clearing and prepping capture sites, organizing and preparing capture equipment and supplies, and monitoring the status of GPS radiocollared deer. Fieldwork will be located in the Osceola Wildlife Management Area west of Jacksonville, Florida. Compensation includes $12/hour and shared housing on site. This is a collaborative project with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and faculty at the University of Florida. The successful candidate will primarily work with the PhD student, but also with university faculty and staff and FWC biologists. Qualifications: Applicant minimum qualifications: Background in wildlife field research; working toward or have completed a bachelor’s degree in wildlife biology, forestry, or related field; ability to operate 4WD vehicles and ATVs; experience using navigation tools including GPS units and maps; ability to lift up to 50 pounds. Preference given to applicants with: Experience working with or handling white-tailed deer or other large mammals; experience using dart guns for chemical immobilization; experience hunting large game; experience working independently in remote areas, particularly navigating off-trail terrain; experience operating wildlife camera traps; experience using radio telemetry to track wildlife; ability to climb trees using climbing equipment. Successful applicants should be comfortable working both independently and within a team, should be a fast learner that can follow directions, possess strong problem-solving skills, and can make sound “game-time” decisions in the field as circumstances for capture are constantly changing. Additionally, successful applicants must also be able to tolerate harsh environmental conditions, long hours sitting completely still in a tree stand, and work at night. Finally, successful applicants must possess strong interpersonal skills, as interactions with National Forest and State Parks employees, hunters, and university personnel will occur. Applicants with a good sense of humor amid challenges are especially appreciated. Miscellaneous: Valid U.S. driver’s license is required. Applications should be sent in prior to November 30th, 2023, and will be reviewed as they are received. Any applications received later than this date may still be considered only if the position has yet to be filled. Finalists will be asked to participate in an interview(s) over Zoom. Salary: $12/hour Benefits: Field housing, worker's comp How to Apply: To apply, please send (1) a cover letter summarizing your qualifications for the position, (2) CV/resume, and (3) contact information for 3 references as a single PDF document with the subject line “WTD technician” to Laura Franklin (laurafranklin@ufl.edu). Applicants will be working in Dr. Marcus Lashley’s D.E.E.R. lab in the Wildlife Ecology and Conservation department at the University of Florida. The D.E.E.R Lab is committed to increasing the diversity of science and scientists and we encourage applicants from underrepresented and underserved groups in STEM to apply.
