NEWS RELEASE
The Center for North American Herpetology
Lawrence, Kansas
http://www.cnah.org
17 February 2009
Title: Herpetology Research Assistant
Organization: Archbold Biological Station (http://www.archbold-station.org/abs/
index.htm)
Locations: Clayton, Georgia and Lake Placid, Florida
One full-time, term (16 mo.) position
DESCRIPTION: This is a unique opportunity to conduct research on amphibians in the Blue
Ridge Mountains of north Georgia from March to September and herps of the Florida scrub from October to February.
The work in Georgia entails: 1) developing and implementing population monitoring protocols for stream and terrestrial salamanders, 2) assisting with ongoing disease surveillance of amphibians, and 3) involving partner organizations (e.g., Georgia Wildlife Federation, Zoo Atlanta) and volunteer citizen-scientists in some aspects of data collection. The project is funded through a State Wildlife Grant from the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. The Research Assistant must be able to live at the relatively remote research site for both field seasons. The site is a privately owned, 130-acre conservation area in the Upper Tallulah River watershed, located approximately 20 miles from Clayton, Georgia.
While in Florida, the Herpetology Research Assistant will provide general support for the Herpetology and Restoration Ecology programs at Archbold. Duties will include assisting with population monitoring of gopher tortoises, surveys of amphibians in seasonal wetlands, collections management, and data entry and analysis.
Start date is negotiable (preferably by the end of March 2009).
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: A Bachelor’s degree in wildlife science, biology, or a related field and at least 1 year of experience conducting field-based herpetological research. Familiarity with standard herpetological survey and marking techniques, knowledge of basic statistics, and experience using GPS. In addition, the successful candidate will be highly self-motivated, able to manage multiple tasks with minimal supervision, and possess excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
Preferred qualifications include a Master’s degree in a relevant field; experience with herpetofauna of the southeastern U.S., particularly the natural history and identification of plethodontid salamanders; and experience with mark-recapture methodology and data analysis (e.g., Program MARK).
Applicants must have their own vehicle and the successful candidate must be able to verify that s/he is authorized to work in the U.S.
SALARY: $11/hr plus full benefits. Housing will be provided at both locations (no pets).
LAST DATE TO APPLY: 23 FEBRUARY 2009
TO APPLY: Email a letter of interest and resumé with names, phone numbers, and email
addresses of three references to Dr. Betsie Rothermel, Archbold Biological Station (brothermel@archbold-station.org). Please indicate “Herp field assistant” in the subject line.
Archbold is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.
