Herpetology Research Technician

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Job Title:
Herpetology Research Technician

Department:
FAES | School of Environment and Natural Resources

FUNCTION
Research and Scholarship creates and disseminates knowledge through scholarship, scientific inquiry and creative expression.

SUB-FUNCTION
Research is responsible for research or scholarship within field(s) through a reliance on methods, creative practices and or critical frameworks inherent to the discipline(s). Leads, conducts or assists with basic or applied research.

CAREER BAND
Individual Contributor - Technical - Work is primarily achieved through individual efforts or by participation on functional or project teams. May coordinate, influence, or review the work of others. May be the primary owner/authority on a given program or process. Performs work of technical (i.e. skilled trade), operational, or administrative nature. Work is performed within clearly established guidelines and procedures. Execution of work is dependent on guidance and decisions made by others. At Lead level may coordinate and review day-to-day work of others. Typically does not require a university degree but post secondary education or training may be useful or required.

CAREER LEVEL
Proficient technically or operationally. Continues to develop confidence and knowledge in more advanced technical and operational areas. Basic knowledge of processes and/or tools required for the role through on-the-job experience and training. May serve as informal resource for less experienced colleagues. Recognizes and solves routine issues that occur within the team or department without supervisory approval. May rely upon guidance and training from supervisor and more experienced colleagues when atypical issues are encountered. General support and instruction given for routine work but more detailed instruction and guidance needed for new activities or special projects. Evaluates and selects solutions from established options or procedures. Typically interacts with immediate supervisor and work team on routine matters and may also occasionally interact with other teams, departments, or customers. Effectively communicates more complicated information.

Assists in ongoing amphibian and reptile conservation projects throughout the state through field research, data analysis, and developing reports and plans.  Field work (April – September) will include travel to sites to conduct surveys for snakes, salamanders, and turtles, and monitoring individuals released to augment populations.  Responsible for safely capturing and processing animals by marking individuals (using Passive Integrated Transponders), collecting samples for genetic analyses and disease screening, determining sex, and recording data (using Survey123), including capture location, mass, length, and body condition.  Will also install and maintain AHDriFT camera trap arrays, artificial cover objects, and Hellbender Huts.  Outside of the field season (October – March), duties will focus on data analysis, report writing, and developing and writing herpetological conservation plans. Plan development will include: using population viability analysis (PVA) software to model predicted impacts of alternative strategies; conducting literature reviews and requesting expert input on strategies; summarizing findings of genetic research for wildlife agency reviewers; documenting the status of Ohio populations, habitats, and recent changes to both; and, developing timelines, contingencies, assessment criteria, and budgets. Requires travel throughout the state, often with overnight stays.  This position is 40 hrs./wk. (100% FTE) April – September and 8 hrs./wk. (20% FTE) October – March.

Required Qualifications: Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education/experience. 1-2 years of relevant experience required with a minimum of one year experience in field work and one year experience working with Eastern Massasaugas.  Proficient with Vortex population viability analysis and R statistical software packages.  Ability to work under a variety of adverse conditions, including in cold water, summer heat, and in the field with noxious plants and biting insects. Physical ability to lift at least 50 lbs. from the ground and carry bulky field gear up to one mile. Excellent oral and written communication skills. Possession of a valid driver’s license.

Desired Experience: Familiarity with amphibians and reptiles native to Ohio, common surveying, measuring, and marking techniques, and ESRI GIS software.

Additional Information:

The offer for this position will be based on internal equity, unit's available budget, and the candidate's qualifications.

Location:
Kottman Hall (0340)

Position Type:
Regular

Scheduled Hours:
40

Shift:
First Shift

Final candidates are subject to successful completion of a background check.  A drug screen or physical may be required during the post offer process.

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