The Nature Conservancy’s Camp Shelby Field Office seeks a Biological Field Technician I works closely with science and conservation staff to research and gather conservation planning data related to at-risk wildlife management at the Camp Shelby Training Site located within the DeSoto National Forest in south Mississippi.
The Biological Field Technician I performs field work in remote settings to assist with the development and implementation of long-term life history and population monitoring of the Black Pine snake, Gopher tortoise and other rare and endangered herptofauna projects. Work also includes monitoring breeding activities, head starting and translocation of the Dusky Gopher frog. S/he gathers and synthesizes data related to at-risk species management in order to create conservation activities and implementation plans. S/he works with staff and partners to create conservation plans to identify priorities.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE
- Coordinates with Wildlife Biologist and Biological Field Technician II to perform projects.
- Assists with black pine snake, gopher tortoise and other projects to include, but not limited to, building traps, identifying potential trap sites, installation of drift fences, trapping, radio telemetry, identification of reptiles and amphibians, habitat characterization and restoration.
- Assists with gopher tortoise projects to include, but not limited to, egg nest surveys/transport, incubation care, hatchling tortoise care, burrow surveys/scoping, sampling vegetation in association with habitat characterization, checking traps.
- Performs Camp Shelby Burrowing Crayfish surveys and sampling.
- Assists with field surveys for threatened and endangered species for specific project areas as requested by the Mississippi Military Department (MMD).
- Captures field collected GPS data for incorporation into a GIS database.
- Performs data entry, analysis and interpretation of projects.
- Presents data and findings as requested by the Wildlife Biologist and/or the Biological Field Technician II.
- Assists with prescribed burns on Department of Defense (DoD) and TNC lands.
- Performs various administrative duties.
- May work with a small group of staff or volunteers on a project basis.
- Purchase equipment and supplies as provided for in budget.
- Work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, in hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances.
- Experience managing and prioritizing tasks from multiple sources.
- Experience using common software applications (e.g.; Word, Excel, Web browsers).
- A valid driver’s license and safe driving record for operating a TNC owned or leased vehicle.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor of Science degree in biology, zoology, herpetology, wildlife biology, ecology or natural sciences and 6 months to 1 year prior related field experience.
- Experience with herptofauna (including snakes).
- Experience using telemetry equipment.
- Training and/or experience using GPS units and GPS Pathfinder Office software.
- Experience with database management skills using a variety of sources including report production.
- Experience and/or coursework with analyzing, manipulating, and interpreting data which may include statistics.
- Experience and/or coursework involving natural systems and natural systems management techniques.
- Ability to meet annual training and health requirements for prescribed burning at the arduous training level (3 miles, carrying 45 lbs. in 45 minutes or less) and/or current certification as Firefighter Type 2 (FFT2) and prior experience with prescribed burning.
- Ability to safely operate and haul equipment such as UTVs and ATVs. Familiarity with a variety of electrical and fuel powered tools and must be able to operate these tools safely. Must follow safety guidelines and precautions specified for work and vehicle operation.
- Ability to work in a military environment which includes mandatory coordination with Range Control to enter restricted access areas with unexploded ordinance.
- Ability to work in an environment with red bugs, ticks, poisonous plants and venomous snakes.
- Ability to complete tasks independently within assigned timeframes.
- Ability to perform administrative duties emphasizing detail-oriented and numerical tasks.
- Ability to interpret guidelines and evaluate information and adapt accordingly.
- Ability to work independently and exercise independent judgment.
- Training and/or experience in supervisory skills.
The Nature Conservancy offers competitive compensation, 401k or savings-plan matching for eligible employees, excellent benefits, flexible work policies and a collaborative work environment. We also provide professional development opportunities and promote from within. As a result, you will find a culture that supports and inspires conservation achievement and personal development, both within the workplace and beyond.