Research Assistant (Seasonal) - Avon Park, FLArchbold Station
Research Assistant (Seasonal) - Avon Park, FL
Seasonal (Not Benefit Eligible) • Archbold Station
Benefits:
Gratis Lodging No Pets/No Smoking
Paid Holidays
Training & development
SEASONAL RESEARCH ASSISTANT (1) needed AS SOON AS POSSIBLE for monitoring of ground-nesting birds at Avon Park Air Force Range and DeLuca Preserve in south-central Florida.
GENERAL QUALIFICATIONS:
Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Ecology, Wildlife Science, related field, or equivalent experience
Demonstrated ability to navigate and work alone in the field
Ability to hike several kilometers over uneven terrain while carrying up to 40lbs of equipment
Diligence when following protocols and entering data
Willingness to work on an active military base (Avon Park Air Force Range) or active cattle ranch (DeLuca Preserve)
Willingness to work a non-regular schedule that may include some weekends
Tolerance for Florida’s high heat and humidity, and abundance of biting insects
Dedication, sensitivity, and attention to detail when working with threatened and endangered species
Good and responsive communication with supervisors, coworkers, and housemates
Willingness to comply with Archbold and Federal Covid-19 prevention guidelines, which includes mandatory vaccination for shared housing and wearing masks in indoor workspaces when case numbers are high.
US citizenship or a US work visa is required.
Valid driver’s license and personal vehicle to access off-site housing. Field vehicles will be provided.
Ground-nesting Bird Assistants (1 Technician)
Hiring Immediately for approximately 5 months. Primary duties include conducting point count surveys, reading color bands, finding and monitoring nests of ground-nesting birds (primarily Eastern Meadowlark, Bachman’s Sparrow, and Common Nighthawk), and assisting with Florida Grasshopper Sparrow work as needed. Competitive applicants will have experience:
Identifying species of the Eastern flyway by sight and sound
Conducting point count surveys
Working with grassland birds, especially sparrows or meadowlarks
Nest-searching for ground nesting birds using behavior cues
Ability to maintain focus during early mornings to detect elusive birds and collect behavioral information on reproductive status
This position is associated with Archbold Biological Station’s Conservation Science of Military Lands Program, headed by Dr. Todd Jones. Archbold researchers have been studying and conserving endangered species at the Avon Park Air Force Range since 1993. Avon Park Air Force Range is a 106,000-acre military installation that protects some of the best examples of native habitats in the region. DeLuca Preserve is a 27,000-acre Conservation Easement and working cattle ranch managed by Ducks Unlimited and the University of Florida located within the Avon Park Air Force Range Sentinel Landscape (learn more) near Kenansville, FL. For more information about our program see our lab website: https://www.archbold-station.org/programs/conservation-of-military-landscapes/
How to Apply: Applicants are asked to upload a cover letter, resume or CV, and contact information for three references as a single pdf titled with the applicant’s surname. Cover letters should link the applicant’s experience to the job responsibilities and qualifications, highlighting relevant experience from their CV. Questions can be directed to Mary Marine (mmarine@archbold-station.org)
Compensation: $15.25 per hour
Archbold is an equal opportunity employer. We take action to ensure equal opportunity for all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, Veteran status, or other legally protected status. Archbold will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics and stands proud of its collaborative culture.
Archbold's mission is to build and share the scientific knowledge needed to protect the life, lands, and waters of Florida, and beyond. Archbold’s footprint encompasses the ancient scrub habitats of the Lake Wales Ridge; the Avon Park Air Force Range Sentinel Landscape; the vast, open ranchlands of Central Florida; and the many waterways that flow south into Lake Okeechobee and then drain to the coasts, touching the lives of millions of Floridians. Archbold studies and protects these natural wonders as ecosystems: as complex networks shaped by measurable natural processes. Our dozens of research sites encompass the pristine sand dunes of the Lake Wales Ridge; the ranchlands and wetlands that make up much of Central Florida; and the rivers that flow south into Lake Okeechobee and beyond.
Today Archbold stewards a rich mosaic of natural habitats, native ecosystems, working lands, and historic buildings at Archbold Biological Station and Buck Island Ranch. The Station and the Ranch serve as the place-based crucible for our innovative science, conservation, and education programs. These draw from a long, deep history, dating back from our beginnings, founded by Richard Archbold in 1941.