Grant Funded Wildlife Field Technician

East Stroudsburg University   East Stroudsburg, PA   Full-time     Farming / Fishing / Forestry
Posted on May 2, 2024
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East Stroudsburg University is hiring a Grant Funded Wildlife Field Technician! Located in the beautiful Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania, ESU's proximity to New York City and Philadelphia provides convenient access to internships, careers and social activities. Just minutes from campus are the country's largest water parks, scenic Delaware Water Gap Recreation Area, Appalachian Trail, and other opportunities for recreational fun.

As the Grant Funded Wildlife Field Technician, you will need to think creatively and be comfortable trapping, tagging, collecting biological samples, and conducting tick drags. You will be an active member of the Dr. Jane Huffman Wildlife Genetics team and will work closely with the Director of the Wildlife DNA Lab to apply pesticides and document field notes. You will thrive in this role if you like combining your field research and your wildlife observation experience while assisting with laboratory testing of samples. To be successful in this role, you must be able to work in small groups, be comfortable handling small mammals, and have superb note taking skills.

Your normal hours will be Monday to Friday 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. You may have to flex your schedule from time to time to work occasional evenings and or weekends based on the needs of the business to be a true Grant Funded Wildlife Field Technician. This is a seasonal temporary grant funded position with full time employment. This position is specifically for the Northwest Pennsylvania at field research sites located in Mercer and Crawford County.Contracts will be awarded based on grant funding. When our team shows up for work, they are energized and motivated to succeed - all while being the most crucial piece to keeping the ESU operations humming.

What Will I Do At ESU? (AKA Essential Duties)
  • Responsible adherence to field safety procedures is essential, carry out IACUC protocols for handling small mammals and conducting sampling from small mammals which will include retro-orbital eye bleeds.
  • Identify small mammal habitat in various environments and, set and bait live traps, apply approved pesticides at designated sites using a backpack prayer and mist blower under the direction of a certified pesticide applicator.
  • Identify ticks morphologically to separate, log and store ticks for future DNA analysis of tickborne pathogens and conduct tick drags to quantify tick densities at each study site.
  • Collect, document, and store all samples using electronic notebooks and following standards of practice.
  • Assist with carrying out tests using scientific techniques, such as DNA extractions, polymerase chain reaction, genotyping, genetic sequencing, and gel electrophoresis, deploy interventions at designated sites and conduct weekly inspections.
  • Collaborate with Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), Department of Environmental Protection, Department of Health, and local Vector Control agencies and local Colleges and Universities, along with the community on the research goals and objectives.
  • Conduct any needed public outreach to landowners or school districts on approval and access to study sites.
  • Performs related work as required.
What We're Looking For (AKA Qualifications)

Minimum Qualifications
  • Possession of a valid Pennsylvania driver's license.
  • Associate degree in Wildlife Management.
OR
  • Any combination of experience or training which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Bachelor of Science in Biology, Wildlife Biology, Ecology, Environmental Biology, or a closely related field of study with a minimum of 6 credit hours in ecology and wildlife biology.
  • Minimum of 1-year experience assisting or conducting field research.
  • Experience identifying insects and arachnids.
  • The Wildlife Field Technician candidates must be self-motivated, organized, independent, and eager to learn a breadth of techniques.
  • Ability to hike various terrains for long distances in varying climatic conditions, carry or move 50-lbs, use two-way radios per the Federal Communications Commission.
  • Able to read, write, and comprehend English; able to follow verbal instructions.
  • Experience with Word, Excel, Teams required.
What We Offer (If Eligible)
  • Outstanding benefits package including benefits such as medical from date of hire, retirement contributions, employee wellness program, and paid leave
  • Salary: $22.50 hourly
  • Living by the Warrior Code:
    • Accountable for One's Actions
    • Committed to Self-Growth
    • Willing to Sacrifice for the Greater Good
    • Positive, Honest, and Loyal
    • Respectful of the Environment and Community
    • Dedicated to Empowering Others
We believe diversity, inclusion and belonging is key for our teams. Much like our academic programs, we are proud to foster a workplace that is unique to higher education. As an organization focused on diversity, inclusion and belonging, we are committed to ensuring our employees are comfortable bringing their authentic selves to work every day. A unique perspective is critical to solving complex problems and inspiring others.

And yes, legal made us spell this out…
Must be at least 18 years old and be able to read and write English. Employment with ESU is contingent on the selected candidate passing a thorough background check that includes: FBI fingerprinting, PA Child Abuse, and employment. We are proud ESU is an equal opportunity employer. For more information on President Long's 10-point plan, click here: https://www.esu.edu/president/10-action-plan.cfm

East Stroudsburg University

East Stroudsburg , PA