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Todd Lab Herpetolgy and Wildlife Conservation

Current opportunities

Junior Specialist (field technician)

Mojave Desert Tortoise research position

Update July 2024: We are currently seeking applicants to fill 1–2 openings for the following position. We anticipate the application portal to open in August 2024. Please check back here for the link when it becomes available and any updates as they happen. Please contact the PI, Brian Todd, for all other questions.

I am seeking candidates to fill one position beginning as soon as possible in Fall 2024 (start flexible but earlier is better) to live in residence and 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 opportunity for continued renewal pending performance. Candidates must 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. Primary job duties include husbandry of captive desert tortoises and tracking of tortoises via VHF radio-telemetry in the Mojave National Preserve, CA, approximately 60 miles outside Las Vegas, NV. Additional duties include data entry and checking, scanning, and saving data sheets, and coordinating with multiple faculty and researchers involved in the project. Evidence in the form of references who can vouch for good communication, organization, and team skills are highly desired. For questions about living conditions and the project and other personnel, please feel free to contact a current staff member in residence by email, Gabby Barnas.

Candidates must have a Bachelor's degree in biology, ecology, or related discipline and some familiarity with wildlife techniques like VHF radio-telemetry. We are unable to hire candidates with a graduate degree in this title series. Previous experience with reptiles or with the desert tortoise are preferred, but may not be necessary; you will receive training and will be added to our permits after supervised experience. UC Davis offers a generous benefits package; salary starts at $53,100 annually. For more information and to apply, the link will be posted here: TO BE POSTED ASAP.

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.