A technician position is available to help with sea turtle research on Sanibel and Captiva Islands. The technician will be responsible for assisting with ongoing research projects, including a study assessing the impact of the incubation environment on hatch success/embryonic development and possibly a study assessing the effects of Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) on hatchlings. The successful applicant must be able to verify egg chambers, routinely lift over 50 pounds, install temperature, moisture, and groundwater loggers, and work in hot/buggy conditions. Duties will also include assisting with collaborative research projects with other non-profits, universities, and FWRI. Additional responsibilities include helping the nest monitoring team, volunteer coordination, data management, ordering supplies, responding to hotline calls, responding to strandings, and miscellaneous tasks as needed.
Early morning field surveys will be required to install data loggers and work could potentially continue into the evening on busy days. Lab work is required for embryonic staging. Previous experience conducting sea turtle nesting surveys and applied research desired. Weekend work and on-call availability will be required.
Required qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree and at least 2 years of sea turtle related experience
- Experience verifying sea turtle egg chambers
- Experience following protocols and independently collecting data
- Experience providing leadership and support to interns and volunteers
- Experience driving ATVs and UTVs
- Ability and desire to work long, irregular hours (including weekend hours)
- Ability to work under adverse conditions (intense sun and heat, biting insects, rain)
- Ability to maintain a positive attitude & sense of humor
- Data entry/management experience
- Willingness to use your personal vehicle for work if needed (mileage compensated)
- Experience with public outreach (interacting with the public when asked questions)
- Ability to lift at least 50 pounds
- Ability to walk 2-4 miles on the beach and maneuver through dense vegetation while carrying heavy equipment
Desired qualifications:
- Experience installing data loggers and using HOBOware
- Experience staging sea turtle embryos
Compensation: $15/hr
Deadline to apply: April 12, 2024
