The Field Technician will be responsible for assisting the State Director of Research in field and office activities associated with the current projects being carried out at Everglades Science Center. This is a full-time position that monitors roseate spoonbill nesting activities in keys and mangrove habitats in the Florida Bay region of Everglades National Park, Biscayne National Park, and the Florida Keys. The position also includes monitoring prey base fish populations in the mangrove zone of Everglades National Park, Biscayne National Park, and the Florida Keys. Scientific responsibilities include collection and analyses of fishes, submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV) surveys, monitoring nesting roseate spoonbills, and database maintenance.
Current projects:
Monitoring and banding of spoonbill chicks, conduct overflight surveys of nesting colonies, collection of fish from field sites, provide support for research including construction of devices used in monitoring projects, collect and enter data from Florida Bay, Tampa Bay, and the Everglades. Maintain and analyze database information. Spoonbill nesting colonies are monitored at scheduled times from November to as late as May
Fish populations are monitored using a 9M2 drop system, throw traps, and seines. In addition, the submerged aquatic vegetation surveys are conducted using a quadrat while snorkeling. Field data will be collected from powerboats, row boats, canoes and kayaks. Other job responsibilities include maintenance of vehicles, boats, and all field equipment including nets. The Field Technician will be expected to assist with other on-going projects at this research center.
- The job requires knowledge of bird capture and banding techniques;
- Independently work to collect, identify, preserve, and catalogue aquatic vegetation, fish and macroinvertebrates;
- Collect and enter biologic wading bird data from Florida Bay, Tampa Bay, and the Everglades; organize, maintain and analyze database information;
- Responsible for the maintenance of vehicles and all assigned field gear;
- Monitoring and banding spoonbill chicks;
- Assistance with all research projects;
- Assist with site preparation and construction (as needed); and
- Participate in group projects to maintain the base facility and improve operations.
- Bachelor’s degree in biology or related field required; understanding and respect of the scientific method is paramount.
- 2-4 years’ experience working in marine, estuarine, or wetlands ecology environments.
- Knowledge of bird capture and banding techniques, as well as the ability to conduct flight surveys of roseate spoonbill colonies highly desired.
- Excellent work ethic, a team-focused attitude, and the ability to work well independently in the field.
- Experience in Florida’s estuaries, mangrove forests and/or coastal wetlands, sampling and identification of fishes a plus.
- Experience with small boats strongly preferred.
- Ability to maintain and repair mechanical equipment such as trucks and boats highly desirable.
- A working knowledge of GIS is highly desirable.
- Valid driver’s license required
- Ability to work long hours in the field in sub-tropical wetland environments, exposed to the harsh South Florida environment (sun, heat, biting insects, wading in water or mud), sometimes alone.
- Ability and willingness to working in murky waters that serves as the home for potentially dangerous wildlife such as alligators and venomous snakes.
- Some projects may involve travel in helicopters and small, fixed-wing aircraft.