Summary/Objective

The Conservation Science of Military Landscapes Program (CSML; https://www.archbold-station.org/programs/conservation-of-military-landscapes/) at Archbold Biological Station is seeking a Research Assistant III, reporting to Dr. Todd Jones. The successful candidate will primarily aid in long-term demographic research and management of the federally threatened Florida Scrub-Jay (Aphelocoma coerulescens, FLSJ) at Avon Park Air Force Range (APAFR) in Avon Park, Florida.

This position is part of a 30+ year study on threatened, endangered, and at-risk species (TES) at APAFR, funded through a cooperative agreement with the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and U. S. Air Force (USAF).

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Under minimal supervision, perform research tasks (field work, data management and analysis, lab work, and report writing) relevant to management and conservation of FLSJs and other TES at APAFR.

Field work including but not limited to mapping territories, trapping and banding birds (including nestlings, juveniles, and adults), resighting color-banded birds, conducting quarterly censuses, conducting habitat assessments, and time-permitting, finding and monitoring nests. May also assist colleagues with field work on other TES including the Florida Grasshopper Sparrow and Red-cockaded Woodpecker. Coordinate with program staff to ensure all fieldwork is complete.

Coordinate with program staff to manage inventory, care, and use of technical equipment.

Be responsible for data entry and database management for FLSJs.

Assist program director with writing annual reports to USFWS and USAF, and potential collaborations on peer-reviewed manuscripts drawing from long-term databases.

May present papers at scientific meetings (e.g., Archbold and statewide meetings) in collaboration with supervisor and/or collaborators.

Collaborate with USFWS liaison, USAF biologists, and land managers for APAFR activities; opportunities for participation in FLSJ conservation and recovery meetings.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

This is a full-time position (40 hours per week) requiring lab and field work.

Medical, dental, vision, disability, life insurance, paid time-off, sick leave and paid holidays.

Travel/Housing

Station vehicles are provided for all research activities.

Position may require occasional travel to conferences, scientific meetings, workshops, or other professional gatherings.

Housing not provided; temporary housing at relocation available.

Work Environment

Will regularly navigate and work alone in the field with a map (paper and on Field Maps on smart phone) and operate a radio to communicate with Air Force Range Control.

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

Work on some weekends when necessary

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 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

1-2 years or more experience watching, recording, and interpreting bird behavior, banding birds, managing projects, conducting wildlife surveys and vegetation sampling, mentoring technicians/interns preferred

Experience communicating to the public a plus

Competencies and Additional Eligibility Qualifications

An understanding of and commitment to the Archbold mission

Seeking a candidate expected for a minimum tenure to the end of the current cooperative agreement funding the position (June 2027; ~2.5 years)

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 Dr. Todd Jones (tjones@archbold-station.org).

To Apply

Please apply online by October 11, 2024.

Please complete the assessment questions, upload a CV/Resume and cover letter outlining experience relevant to the job responsibilities listed and describing how this position aligns with your personal goals, include also the names and contact information for three references.

Expected start date is early November 2024