Research Technician

The Ohio State University

9d • Remote

About The Position

Assists in ongoing amphibian and reptile conservation projects throughout the state through field research, data analysis, and developing reports and plans. Field work (April – September) will include travel to sites to conduct surveys for snakes, salamanders, and turtles, and monitoring individuals released to augment populations. Responsible for safely capturing and processing animals by marking individuals (using Passive Integrated Transponders), collecting samples for genetic analyses and disease screening, determining sex, and recording data (using Survey123), including capture location, mass, length, and body condition. Will also install and maintain AHDriFT camera trap arrays, artificial cover objects, and Hellbender Huts. Outside of the field season (October – March), duties will focus on data analysis, report writing, and developing and writing herpetological conservation plans. Plan development will include: using population viability analysis (PVA) software to model predicted impacts of alternative strategies; conducting literature reviews and requesting expert input on strategies; summarizing findings of genetic research for wildlife agency reviewers; documenting the status of Ohio populations, habitats, and recent changes to both; and developing timelines, contingencies, assessment criteria, and budgets. Requires travel throughout the state, often with overnight stays. This position is 40 hrs./wk. (100% FTE) April – September and 30 hrs./wk. (75% FTE) October – March.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED
• 1 year of relevant experience in field work and working with Eastern Massasaugas
• Proficient with Vortex population viability analysis and R statistical software packages
• Ability to work under a variety of adverse conditions, including in cold water, summer heat, and in the field with noxious plants and biting insects
• Physical ability to lift at least 50 lbs. from the ground and carry bulky field gear up to one mile
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Possession of a valid driver's license

Nice To Haves

• Familiarity with amphibians and reptiles native to Ohio, common surveying, measuring, and marking techniques, and ESRI GIS software

Responsibilities

• Conduct surveys for snakes, salamanders, and turtles
• Monitor individuals released to augment populations
• Safely capture and process animals by marking individuals (using Passive Integrated Transponders)
• Collect samples for genetic analyses and disease screening
• Determine sex, and record data (using Survey123), including capture location, mass, length, and body condition
• Install and maintain AHDriFT camera trap arrays, artificial cover objects, and Hellbender Huts
• Data analysis
• Report writing
• Developing and writing herpetological conservation plans
• Using population viability analysis (PVA) software to model predicted impacts of alternative strategies
• Conducting literature reviews and requesting expert input on strategies
• Summarizing findings of genetic research for wildlife agency reviewers
• Documenting the status of Ohio populations, habitats, and recent changes to both
• Developing timelines, contingencies, assessment criteria, and budgets

Benefits

• Eligible Ohio State employees receive comprehensive benefits packages, including medical, dental and vision insurance, tuition assistance for employees and their dependents, and state or alternative retirement options with competitive employer contributions.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED