The Department of Applied Ecology is seeking three experienced field technicians for research evaluating white-tailed deer ecology across an urban-rural gradient in the Piedmont region of North Carolina. The unit is hiring one (1) Lead Technician and two (2) supporting Field Technicians. Each crew member will assist in deer capture, radio-tracking, mortality checks, and fecal collection surveys. Candidates with animal capture and handling experience, including the use of rocket nets, wildlife immobilization, radio telemetry, and previous work with white-tailed deer or other ungulates will be given preference, as will candidates with GIS coursework and experience. The 11-month positions will begin in January and last through the end of November.
Duties for all three technicians will be as follows:
Capture and process animals safely with chemical immobilization, fitting them with GPS collars and vaginal implant transmitters (VITs), if applicable.
Use telemetry to locate mortalities and retrieve collars.
Locate fawns after birth and fit them with expandable breakaway GPS collars.
Assist in field necropsies to identify cause-specific mortality.
Assist graduate student with other daily responsibilities, including interactions with participating landowners.
Additional Responsibilities for the Lead Technician will be to serve as the point of contact for the Principal Investigators and the Graduate Student responsible for the project. Additionally, this individual will also have oversight of the two supporting field technicians and daily research operations.
Is Time Limited
No
If Yes, Appointment Length
Job City & State
Durham, NC
Department
Applied Ecology
Classification Title
Temporary Technical/Paraprofessional
Working Title
Temporary Wildlife Research Technician
Position Information
Work Schedule
40/hrs per week, hours vary based on research needs - including mornings, evenings and weekends
Other Work/Responsibilities
n/a
Minimum Experience/Education
n/a
Department Required Skills
n/a
Preferred Years Experience, Skills, Training, Education
B.S. in wildlife ecology or related field
Field experience with animal capture and tagging (darting, rocket nets, and previous work with ungulates
Strong interpersonal skills as daily interactions with landowners, hunters, state agency personnel, and other stakeholders
Willingness to work early mornings, late nights, and weekends when necessary
Ability to lead research operations and has previous experience overseeing research
Required License or Certification
Valid driver’s license
Valid NC Driver's License required?
Yes
Commercial Driver's License Required?
No
Recruitment
Anticipated Hiring Range
$14-$16/hr