Seasonal Field Conservation Technician

Job Summary

The Field Conservation Technician will assist with local wildlife conservation efforts. This work includes conducting turtle, freshwater mussel, and sturgeon field work around West Michigan. They will also participate in our rare butterfly ex situ program by assisting with husbandry or field work as necessary. This will be a seasonal position that reports to the Conservation Manager but may work under the direction of the Grand River, Michigan Rare Turtle, and Michigan Rare Butterfly project leads.

Starting Pay: $14.25

What’s in it for you?

• Zoo Membership – during employment ($135 Value) 
• Free Bus Passes  
• Scholarship opportunities
• Free Lunches ($100 Value) 
• Incentive Opportunities for Close Encounters and behind the scenes tours
• Examples of Encounters: Penguin feeding, Brown Bear encounter, and more
• Tickets to special events  
• Lanterns Festival, Roaring Nights, and more! 
• Reward-Based Incentives  
• Examples: Free food, discounts at the retail store, zip line, rope course, and camel rides!  
• Flexible Scheduling (Student & Retiree Friendly) 
• Personal & Professional Development Opportunities  
• Career Development, Training, Professional References & Assistance 
• Easy Application  
  

What We Require

• Must be 18 to apply
• Must be available to work weekends and evenings when needed
• Must apply with a resume and cover letter
  
  

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Conduct rare turtle field studies
• Set and check turtle live traps
• Handle, mark, and collect biological samples from wild turtles
• Track wild turtles using radio telemetry
• Assist with captive husbandry of endangered butterflies
• Assist with field surveys for freshwater mussels and sturgeon
  
  

Required Skills/Abilities

• Ability to work outside in a variety of conditions
• Ability to collect, record, and report field data
• Ability to work safely in wetland habitats
• Must possess a valid Driver’s License
  
  

EDUCATION And/or EXPERIENCE

• Some college classes or equivalent preferred
• Experience safely handling wild turtles
• Experience using radio telemetry
• Experience identifying native freshwater mussels
• Experience working with rare butterflies
• Basic ArcGIS
  
  

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Must be able to work outside and will be exposed to inclement weather; pollen, mold, dust, dirt and other airborne contaminants; and temperature variations
• The typical schedule will be Monday-Friday for 8 hours daily but will include some weekend and evening work activities.
  
  

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Must be physically able to climb ladders, fences, and bend or crawl into awkward spaces
• While performing the duties of this job, the candidate is regularly required to sit; use hands; and talk or hear. The candidate is often required to stand, walk, and reach with hands and arms. The candidate must occasionally life and/or move up to 50 pounds.
• Must have sufficient mobility with or without assistive devices to access a variety of urban and wild habitats.
• Must be able to work in an outdoor weather environment in all seasons and weather, including heat/humidity, cold temperatures, and/or wet conditions.
• Must have sufficient visual acuity with or without corrective lenses to visually assess the physical condition and monitor the behavior of animals in wild and captive settings; and inspect enclosure structures, features, fixtures, and equipment for damage or deterioration.
• Must be able to descend to and ascend from a kneeling position several times per day in order to manipulate field equipment.
• Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.