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Todd Lab Herpetology and Wildlife Conservation

Current opportunities

Mojave Desert Tortoise Research Position (field technician)

Application link to apply

Posted February 23, 2026

We are currently seeking applicants for 1-2 positions working with Mojave Desert Tortoises in the Mojave National Preserve. Candidates can live in residence and will work at a field station in the Mojave National Preserve as part of a larger team studying head-starting and recovery of the Mojave Desert Tortoise. Work will include both husbandry and field-based data collection primarily relying on radio-telemetry and GPS. Preferred applicants will have experience with CA native reptiles and amphibians and/or experience with radio-telemetry and sensitive-status species. The ability to conduct field work in a desert setting is a requirement, including a field-worthy, high-clearance vehicle for which full federal mileage reimbursement will be provided (4WD is helpful but may not be necessary).The initial position is for one year with the option for continued renewal pending strong work performance. Candidates should have an interest in committing to the first year.

General responsibilities include caring for captive Mojave Desert Tortoises, assistance with construction/maintenance of experimental and husbandry systems, and performance of high-quality research in a field or laboratory setting. Applicants will be required to work outdoors in various weather conditions, including remote field areas where temperatures can reach extremes (Mojave Desert), working evenings or weekends to fulfill experimental or test animal maintenance requirements, as well as working during normal working hours in temperature-controlled office and lab facilities. Must be able to lift equipment up to 30 lbs.; must be able to withstand weather- and temperature-related working conditions as previously described, with careful attention to personal safety and avoiding weather-related illness. Responsibilities also include maintaining telemetry equipment in the field/lab, assisting during transmitter deployment, collecting data, entering data, and quality control of datasets. A successful applicant will be required to communicate with funding agencies, help write technical and permitting reports, and may contribute to the preparation of journal articles. Depending on field duties and schedule, they may attend remote laboratory meetings, review journal articles, engage in discussions on research and the interpretation of results, and may have the possibility of presenting research findings at technical meetings and professional societies.

The ideal candidate will have strong problem-solving, interpersonal, and communication skills, as well as the ability to work both independently and as part of a team. They will also have a demonstrated attention to detail required for successfully collecting, organizing, and storing data, as well as communicating critical project needs, changes, or challenges to senior staff and faculty in a collaborative setting.

Feel free to contact the PI, Brian Todd, for general questions about hiring and expectations. Or feel free to contact José Hernández and Carter Harris for questions about living conditions, life on the project, work environment, etc, as they are both currently working on the project.

Major duties include:

  • Husbandry of captive desert tortoises.
  • Radio-tracking tortoises in the field via VHF radio-telemetry.
  • Collecting and entering data and managing large datasets.
  • Working collaboratively with Managers and other research staff.

Location: Mojave National Preserve, CA near Nipton, CA, approximately 60 miles southwest of Las Vegas, NV.

Contract timeline: March to May 2026 for likely start date. Appointment is for 12-month duration with potential for extension pending positive performance review. Position is full time, 40 hours per week.

Compensation and Benefits:

  • approximately $55,000 annual starting salary
  • paid vacation accrues
  • Full benefits package

Job Qualifications:

  • Undergraduate degree in Ecology, Conservation, Wildlife Management, Wildlife Biology, Natural Resources, or a closely related field in the biological sciences.
  • Possess a valid, state-issued driver’s license and clean driving record.
  • Experience in performing field work, and applying methodological protocols for collecting field data.
  • Ability to lift and maneuver 30 pounds throughout the day.
  • Experience in field or laboratory research.
  • Strong organizational and communication skills.
  • Experience in Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint or other appropriate computer programs to organize, summarize and analyze data.
  • Proficiency in both written and verbal English.
  • Good oral and written skills to communicate data summary to staff and colleagues.
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
  • Ability to think critically and troubleshoot problems.
  • Provide own, reliable, transportation to and from work site; Valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record.
  • Commitment to a safe, equitable, and inclusive work environment.
  • Willingness to work a variable schedule, possibly including some weekends.
  • Possess reliable vehicle or other form of transportation.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Previous experience or permitting for handling and working with the Mojave Desert Tortoise.
  • Knowledge of GPS equipment, GIS software, and with R or other statistical software.
  • Experience working in remote field or laboratory locations.
  • Access to high-clearance vehicle suitable for use in field conditions.
  • Has basic first-aid or wilderness training and certifications.
  • Familiarity with or previous experience working in the Mojave Desert.
  • Experience with animal care/husbandry.
  • Experience working independently and as a team, and in seeking more tasks as work load lessens.
  • Experience with radio-telemetry technologies.
  • Experience with standard reptile or amphibian data collection (e.g. identification, length/weight measurement) and experience handling and transporting animals.
  • Knowledge of GPS equipment, GIS software, and with R or other statistical software.
  • Experience working in remote field or laboratory locations.
  • Basic first-aid or wilderness training and certifications.
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Evidence in the form of references who can vouch for good communication, organization, and team skills are highly desired. For more information and to apply, please visit https://recruit.ucdavis.edu/JPF07524.

Both my lab and that of my collaborator Dr. Tracey Tuberville prioritize inclusion, equity, and respectful treatment of others. All candidates are expected to adhere to the UC Davis Principles of Community and to promote a safe, respectful, and inclusive work environment.

Application deadline: The first review date is Friday, March 13, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time). Review of additional candidates after this date is likely, but apply by the first review date to ensure full consideration. The position will remain open until April 24, 2026.

Please check back here for updates on the position status as applicant review and interviews commence.