Benefits:

Paid Holidays

Training & development

SEASONAL HERPETOLOGY RESEARCH ASSISTANT needed for population monitoring and radiotracking of Gopher Tortoises in south-central Florida. The successful candidate will contribute to a 57-year study of Gopher Tortoises while supporting habitat restoration efforts benefiting tortoises and other rare species endemic to Florida’s Lake Wales Ridge.

This is a 40 hr/week, 6-month position with a desired start date of March 5, 2025 and approximate end date of August 20, 2025. On-site temporary housing is available for the first month, with the expectation that the person hired will secure off-site housing for the remaining 5 months.

Responsibilities:

Capture, measure, mark, and radiotrack Gopher Tortoises

Assist with surveying, mapping, and scoping tortoise burrows

Assist with habitat management and restoration activities, including mapping of invasive plants and fire ant mounds, manual removal and chemical treatment of invasives, and occasional prescribed burning

Assist with biweekly hydrological monitoring of seasonal wetlands

Assist with entering, checking, and managing data using a variety of software programs (Trimble Pathfinder, MS Excel, MS Access)

Assist with public outreach and environmental education, including leading activities for children during summer camp

Requirements:

Bachelor’s degree in biology, wildlife science, or related field

Minimum 3 months relevant experience conducting field-based, herpetology-focused research

Ability to perform physically strenuous activities (e.g., hiking while carrying field equipment, frequent bending and kneeling) in hot, humid weather conditions

Unwavering attention to data quality and following established protocols for recording data

Responsive, proactive communication with supervisors and coworkers

Valid driver's license and ability to safely operate 4WD vehicles in off-road conditions

The ideal candidate will have knowledge of herpetofauna of the southeastern U.S. and/or prior experience with radiotelemetry

About Us:

Archbold is a not-for-profit, independent institution dedicated to long-term ecological research, conservation, and environmental education. We manage a field station and 20,000 acres of natural laboratories: 1) the main Station - a 5,200-acre scrub preserve, 2) the Archbold Reserve - a diverse 3,600-acre landscape of grazing land and restored habitats, and 3) Buck Island Ranch - a 10,500-acre working cattle ranch and agro-ecology research center. For more information, visit https://www.youtube.com/user/ArchboldExpeditions

How to Apply: For full consideration, upload the following required application materials and submit your application online by midnight on January 17, 2025.

1-page cover letter (addressed to Dr. Betsie Rothermel) describing your qualifications and availability with respect to the desired start date

Current resume or CV, including a list of relevant coursework

Contact information for 3 references

Archbold is an E-Verify Employer