Position Title: Avian Research Technician

Area of Specialization: Pine savanna species

Background: The Stoddard Bird Lab at Tall Timbers is seeking a seasonal avian research technician to assist in research of pinewoods avifauna. This project is meant to understand how fire-dependent systems impact bird communities in terms of their phylogenetic and functional relatedness. This position will run for 6 months starting in March and ending in August of 2025. Start and end dates are flexible. Free on-site housing may be available if needed for candidate.

Essential Responsibilities and Duties: The job will consist of both office (40%) and field work (60%) occurring on several private lands within the Red Hills ecoregion of South Georgia and North Florida. Office work will primarily involve digitizing pdf maps using ESRI ArcPro software and data management. Field work will consist of point counts as well as locating and mapping woodpeckers of the southeast and identifying their behaviors in pineland habitats. Field work will also include breeding bird census surveys of all bird species occurring in old-growth longleaf pine habitat.

Minimum Qualifications: Completion of at least 60 credit hours of undergraduate coursework and knowledge of the scientific principles of avian biology, ecology, and conservation. Candidate should be highly motivated and organized with the ability to work independently and as part of a team. Candidate has (or must have the proclivity to develop) the following skills: point count surveys, behavioral observations, data collection and geodatabase management. The successful candidate maintains a positive, professional demeanor and effectively communicates with private landowners and Tall Timbers staff. Valid driver's license and clean driving record required.

Preferred Qualifications: A completed bachelor’s degree in a biological science and interest in statistical analyses and scientific writing. The candidate should have previous field work and data management experience. Experience with bird ID by sight and sound is preferred.

Working Conditions: Field work will consist of bird observations in sometimes adverse conditions including hot and humid environments. Potentially hazardous plants (poison ivy) and animals (venomous snakes and ticks) may be encountered while conducting field work. Safety equipment and supplies will be provided. Occasional long hours and weekend work may be needed to complete weekly tasks.

Workplace Environment and Commitments to Diversity: Tall Timbers has a commitment as an equal opportunity employer, and rejects racism, prejudice, discrimination or hate toward any race, ethnicity, culture, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, ability, national origin, veteran status, socioeconomic class, religion, or professional status. We strongly encourage applications from underrepresented groups and those that add to and engage the local communities. 

Contact: Robert Meyer

Contact Email: rmeyer@talltimbers.org

Position Start Date: March 3rd 2025 (flexible)

Full-Time/Part-Time: Full-Time 

Duration: 6 Month 

Salary: $17.25 per hour plus on-site housing

Work Location: Based out of Tall Timbers, Tallahassee, FL (spring and summer).

Benefits: On-site housing, health, and dental insurance coverage is available.

About Tall Timbers: Tall Timbers, a 4,000 acre site founded in 1958, is located in Tallahassee, Florida. Research at Tall Timbers is focused on fire ecology, vertebrate ecology, Northern bobwhite ecology, and applications of fire modeling and training to meet next-generation fire management needs. Tall Timbers also owns and manages the 9,100 acre Livingston Place, near Monticello, Florida. Both sites are frequently burned and have a diversity of ecosystems where fire is a dominant ecological process. More information on Tall Timbers can be found here: https://talltimbers.org/