Research Technician in Amphibian Conservation (Field/Lab)
Memphis Zoo
Memphis, Tennessee
| Job Type | Temporary |
| Salary Details | $20/hour |
| Deadline | Oct 15, 2024 |
| Required Experience | 2 - 6 years |
The Memphis Zoo is seeking a highly motivated, ambitious, and highly energetic individual for a 1-year Field and Lab Research Technician in the Department of Conservation and Research. Specifically, the Memphis Zoo is seeking a candidate with experience in amphibian ecology, field biology, and conservation.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
The purpose of this Research Technician is to assist in Memphis Zoo’s efforts towards amphibian conservation. Working with the Amphibian Conservation Postdoc, the Research Technician will largely focus on the dusky gopher frog recovery program, which is one of Memphis Zoo’s top-tier wildlife conservation priorities, with opportunities to be involved in a wide range of research projects in the Amphibian Lab. We seek candidates who are passionate about amphibian conservation and eager to apply their skills to contribute to both in situ and ex situ conservation and research (See Memphis Zoo website and list of of recent publications).
The successful candidate will be expected to:
- Assist with planning and execution of conservation and research projects, specifically working with the dusky gopher frogs (Lithobates sevosus), 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 around Memphis and in southern Mississippi (aquatic and terrestrial surveys, 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, running laboratory assays, captive-breeding, in vitro fertilization, etc.
- Prepare permit applications and reports.
- Contribute to scientific manuscripts.
- Mentor students and volunteers.
- Foster a positive, collaborative, safe, and encouraging professional environment.
- Perform various duties as assigned.
Technical / Professional Requirements & Qualifications
Minimum requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in biological sciences or related field. (Must be completed by Dec 2024.)
- Experience conducting field work.
- Valid driver’s license.
Preferred qualifications:
- Master’s degree in Biology, Ecology, Zoology, or related fields.
- Experience conducting amphibian research projects.
- Experience developing, leading, and managing research projects.
- Exceptional communication, interpersonal, and team facilitation skills.
- Attention to detail and ability to maintain high work quality under pressure.
- Record of effectively communicating conservation and research efforts, goals, and accomplishments 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.
Starting Date:
January 15, 2025. Negotiable within limits.
Position Type/Expected Hours of Work:
This appointment is for one year. There is a possibility of a one-year extension, but it is not guaranteed. 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.
Salary/Compensation:
$20/hr. All benefits of full time staff are included. Inquiries on details are welcomed and should be directed to Human Resources: HRteam@memphiszoo.org.
Supervisory Responsibility:
Students, interns, and volunteers may be the supervisory responsibility of this position.
Reporting Structure:
The Research Technician will report to and work closely with the Postdoctoral Researcher, Dr. Anne Sabol (asabol@memphiszoo.org).
Application Deadline:
October 15th, 2023.
Application Requirements:
Application materials should include:
- 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 files should be combined into one single PDF with the file name “AmphibResearchTech_LAST NAME” and uploaded under “Documents”.
Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Physical Demands:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform 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 to 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.
Inquiries:
Inquiries about the positions should be directed to Dr. Anne Sabol (asabol@memphiszoo.org).
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, LGBT 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, creed, 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 your hiring manager or HR know. Human resources can be contacted by emailing: HRteam@memphiszoo.org
All offers of employment are contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment drug screening and background check.
The Memphis Zoo participates in e-verify and is an EOE/ad/vet employer.
Application webpage:
See Memphis Zoo’s career webpage. https://www.memphiszoo.org/careers
When you apply, please indicate that you are responding to the posting on Conservation Job Board.
| Category | Ecology, Wildlife |
| Tags | Zoo, Herpetology |
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