Summary:

The Memphis Zoo is seeking a highly motivated, ambitious, and energetic individual for a 2-year Field and Lab Research Technician in the Department of Conservation and Research to support the recovery of the federally Threatened Louisiana pinesnake (LPS). Working with Memphis Zoo Senior Conservation Biologist and the LPS Post-doc Research Fellow, the Research Technician will assist with and support research to improve Louisiana pinesnake population recovery in the wild and assist in development and execution of reptile conservation research.

The Technician will work with the post-doctoral fellow to primarily 1) help develop and execute tracking techniques to study the behavior and physiology of zoo-bred snake movement patterns, habitat use, acclimation and survival at the reintroduction site and 2) help develop and run qPCR assays for in-house disease screening using qPCR of Snake Fungal Disease (SFD) and Cryptosporidium spp. to improve health and biosecurity. The technician may also help with sample collection and tissue cataloging for on ongoing disease monitoring of wild snake populations at the release site; genomic lineage assessment of the captive assurance colony and wild populations; and assist with reproductive procedures for assisted reproductive research. The zoo population of pinesnakes, held by four facilities including the Memphis Zoo, may be used to develop and test new field tracking and physiological monitoring techniques.

Essential Dates:

• This is a 2-year appointment.
• Completed applications are due 03/07/2025 (see application requirements).
• Immediate start date, negotiable within limits. Position open until filled.

Essential Job Functions:

• Assist with planning and execution of conservation and research projects, specifically working with the Louisiana pinesnake (Pitouphis ruthveni), which is a flagship conservation species at the Memphis Zoo.
• Assist with in situ conservation and research efforts, including but not limited to logistical planning, field surveys in recovery sites in Louisiana (multi-day trips), data curation and processing, etc.
• Assist with ex situ conservation and research efforts, including but not limited to behavior and morphological assessments, validation trials of accelerometer data, developing and running qPCR and other laboratory assays, captive-breeding efforts.
• Prepare permit applications and reports and contribute to scientific manuscripts.
• Mentor students and volunteers and foster a positive, collaborative, safe, and encouraging professional environment.
• Perform various duties as assigned.

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in biological sciences or related field. (Must be completed by Dec 2024.)
• Experience conducting field work.
• Experience conducting PCR and using basic laboratory equipment.

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Master’s degree in Biology, Ecology, Zoology, or related fields.
• Prior experience in field and laboratory research.
• Experience in one or more of the following: radio telemetry, wildlife tracking techniques, molecular techniques (including DNA extraction, PCR, qPCR, or genetics), assisted reproductive technologies, or immunology.
• Record of effectively communicating conservation and research to the public.
• Record peer-reviewed publications and/or conference presentations.
• Record of student mentorship.
• Deep understanding and/or lived experience of diversity, equity, and inclusion issues that are at the intersection between workplace dynamics, education, scientific research, and multi-cultural conservation projects.

Competencies:

• Written and Oral Communication Proficiency.
• Attention to Detail.
• Proficient in MS Office, current technology and applications for communication, research and record keeping.
• Proficient in R or other statistical analysis program.
• Records and reports creation and management.
• Problem Solving/Analysis.
• Stress Management/Composure.
• Flexibility.
• Teamwork Orientation.

Supervisory Responsibility: Students, interns, and volunteers may be the supervisory responsibility of this position.

Reporting Structure: Reports to Senior Conservation Scientist, and under supervision of the LPS Post-doctoral fellow.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work: This appointment is for two years. This is a full-time position that works up to 40 hrs per week and may require weekend and holiday work. A mixture of fieldwork, lab work, and administration is to be expected.

Work Environment: While performing the duties of this job, the employee frequently works in outside weather conditions. The employee is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, fumes or airborne particles, chemicals and vibration. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet while in the office, or moderately loud while on Zoo grounds.

Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, talk and hear. The employee is constantly required to use hands and fingers to feel, handle or operate objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl and walk. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, color vision, and the ability to adjust focus.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Other Duties: Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Other Requirements:

• 21 years or older.
• Valid driver's license.
• Proof of current automobile insurance.
• Clear driving record.
• Clear background check.
• Clear drug screening.
• Clear TB screening.

Benefits & Perks 

The Memphis Zoo has a comprehensive benefits and employee perks package. Please see our Memphis Zoo Careers page for details.   

EEOC and Inclusion Statement:  

The Memphis Zoo believes that human diversity is as important as the biodiversity we seek to conserve. World-class zoos are comprised of world-class team members representing a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. We value a diverse workplace and strongly encourage people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, members of ethnic minorities, and veterans to apply.  

The Memphis Zoo is an equal-opportunity employer. Applicants will not be discriminated against because of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, religion, national origin, citizenship status, disability, ancestry, marital status, veteran status, medical condition, or any protected category prohibited by local, state or federal laws. If you need to request any accommodations for the interview or hiring process, please let the Human Resources team (HR) know. HR can be contacted at hrteam@memphiszoo.org. 

The Memphis Zoo participates in E-Verify and is an EEO/ADA/Veteran employer. 

All offers of employment are contingent upon the successful completion of pre-employment screening. Memphis Zoo is a drug-free workplace. 

Application Requirements:

• Applications are to be submitted directly through Memphis Zoo Careers page. 
• Application materials should include the following:
  • Cover letter (2 pages max).
  • Curriculum vitae.
  • College transcript (can be unofficial version download by candidate).
  • Names and contacts of three people who can provide letters of recommendation at the time of application submission.
  • All materials should be combined into a single PDF with the file name “LPS RESEARCH TECH_LAST NAME” and uploaded under “Documents” section through online Job application portal listed above. 
  • Questions can be sent to Beth Roberts at broberts@memphiszoo.org. 
• Incomplete applications will not be considered.

How to Apply: Applications should be submitted via the Memphis Zoo Careers page. Please note that any other application submissions will not be considered. www.memphiszoo.org/careers.