Research Technician In Wildlife Biology

Hobart and William Smith Colleges (HWS) are recruiting a full-time Research Technician in Wildlife Biology to work with Dr. Bradley Cosentino for one year beginning August 2021. The research technician will work on a collaborative NSF-funded project on urban wildlife ecology and evolution with partners at SUNY-Environmental Sciences and Forestry and Yale University. The goal of the project is to understand how urbanization changes ecological conditions that affect the evolution of coat color in eastern gray squirrels. The research technician’s primary responsibilities will be to 1) coordinate field sampling of gray squirrel populations in multiple cities in the eastern U.S. and Canada during the Fall 2021 field season, for which up to three months of travel will be required, 2) create a network of partners to secure tissue samples from squirrels across the U.S. and Canada for genetic analyses, and 3) assist with local field work for ongoing studies on gray squirrels via radiotelemetry and camera trapping. The position is based at HWS in Geneva, NY.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate a network of research partners to conduct visual and camera trap sampling in multiple cities in the eastern U.S. and Canada in Fall 2021.
• Travel to conduct visual surveys and camera trapping of gray squirrel populations in multiple cities in the eastern U.S. in Fall 2021. Travel costs are supported by the project.
• Coordinate a network of partners including pest control companies, hunters, and wildlife rehabilitation clinics to collect tissue samples of eastern gray squirrels.
• Distribute sampling kits for tissue samples to partners, provide guidance for taking samples, and organize shipping and archival of samples collected by partners.
• Assist with local field work including radiotelemetry and camera trap studies.
• Assist with data entry and analysis.
• Assist with outreach efforts including citizen science initiatives and K12 education.

Required qualifications

• BA or BS in biology or related areas, with experience in wildlife biology or ecology.
• Travel required. Must have a driver’s license and clean driving record and be able to travel for field work for up to three months in Fall 2021.
• Strong communication skills.
• Ability to work with a diverse group of collaborators.
• Able to walk for long periods in uncomfortable conditions to conduct field sampling.
• Familiarity navigating urban areas.

Desirable qualifications

• MS in wildlife biology, ecology, or related areas.
• Field experience in sampling wildlife and conducting scientific research, including visual surveys and camera trapping for wildlife.
• Experience managing a project involving frequent communication with a diverse group of collaborators, including scientists and non-scientists.
• Experience with data management with spreadsheets, statistical platforms (e.g., R) and geospatial software (e.g., ArcGIS)

Start date and work hours

August 2021. Normal work hours while on campus are 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM, Monday-Friday. Nonstandard or weekend work hours may be required when traveling and conducting field work.

Other Information

This is a full-time, 12-month, benefits-eligible, hourly position (37.5-40 hours/week). Background check and Motor Vehicle Record check required.

Applicants should submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae, and list of three professional references to Interfolio, http://apply.interfolio.com/88933

Your cover letter should 1) describe your experience and how it relates to the job responsibilities and qualifications, and 2) confirm that you have a driver’s license, clean driving record, and are available to travel for field sampling for up to three months in Fall 2021. Questions can be addressed to Brad Cosentino (cosentino@hws.edu). Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

EOE