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Todd Lab Herpetology and Wildlife Conservation

Current opportunities

Junior Specialist (field technician)

Mojave Desert Tortoise research position

Update October 27, 2024: We have completed our search for technical staff working on the Desert Tortoise project. Thank you for your interest for those of you who applied. The project will operate through at least 2028 and we will post further opportunities to work on the project as our needs evolve.

Update September 12, 2024: We have begun interviewing candidates for the Desert Tortoise positions. If you have not been contacted for an interview yet, you were not selected for the first round of interviews. We hope to begin contacting successful applicants from the first round of interviews around September 20th to discuss possible position start dates.

Update August 28, 2024: We are currently reviewing applications submitted in time for the first review. We hope to reach out next week to start scheduling interviews.

August 7, 2024: 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. 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. Candidates must work well both in a team setting and when executing research with remote supervision. Feel free to contact the PI, Brian Todd, for general questions about hiring and expectations. Or feel free to contact Gabby Barnas for questions about living conditions, life on the project, work environment, etc, as Gabby recently completed nearly four years of work on the project as a resident scientist before departing recently for a graduate opportunity in the Midwest.

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 and approximately 60 miles southwest of Las Vegas, NV.

Contract timeline: September 2024 or as soon as feasible. 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:

  • $53,100 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.
  • 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 questions about living and working conditions or about the project and its personnel, please feel free to contact a recent staff member in residence by email, Gabby Barnas. For more information and to apply, please visit this link: https://recruit.ucdavis.edu/JPF06638.

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, August 23, 2024 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time). Please apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee. Review of late candidates may continue until November 8 if suitable candidates are not identified.

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