Conservation Technician

Job Title: Conservation Technician

Department/Division: Conservation / Administration

Status: Regular, Full-time Employee beginning early - mid May 2025

Pay: $16.61 - $19.11 per hour (DOQ)

Reports to: Natural Resources Manager

Benefits: Full Benefits eligible including health insurance, flex benefits, 10 paid holidays, vacation and sick leave accrual, amenities and parking pass.
Retirement: State Employee Retirement System - GSEPS (Pension plus matching 401k)
Closing date: 4:00pm Monday March 24, 2025 *Note: This position is subject to close at any time once a satisfactory applicant pool has been identified. Only complete applications or applications with accompanying documents, when required, will be considered.

Under general direction, works under the supervision of the Natural Resources Manager, Wildlife Biologist, and Director of Conservation to carry out land and wildlife management activities to restore priority habitats and manage and monitor priority species. Duties within this position will change seasonally based on program needs and the objectives set forth in the Jekyll Island Conservation Plan.

• Land Management: The selected applicant will be responsible for and/or assist with prescribed fire operations, invasive plant management, native plant propagation, restoration planting, seed collection, plant identification, and water quality monitoring. There will be potential for engagement in planning and preparation of priority habitats.
• Wildlife Management: The selected applicant will assist with wildlife management and research projects, including monitoring the causeway for diamondback terrapins, sea turtle dawn and night patrols, radio tracking and safe capture of rattlesnakes, and wildlife population surveys/census (e.g., alligators, shorebirds, and deer). These activities will include roadway monitoring, camera trapping, live trapping, and morphometric and biological sample collection. The selected applicant will be trained in safe and effective wildlife management practices, including capture, handling, tracking, and population monitoring.
• Information Technology: Under the guidance of the Natural Resources Manager, the position will use ArcGIS Pro and ArcGIS online extensions (e.g., Field Maps, Survey123) to collect geospatial data to complete geospatial projects. This position will also work with their team to pilot UAV’s, use photogrammetry software to create imagery products, and will gain experience using RTK workflows to increase accuracy.
• Outreach and Education: Develop and give professional presentations for internal and external audiences to showcase work performed.
• Performs other duties, including administrative assistance, as assigned by the Natural Resources Manager, Wildlife Biologist, or the Director of Conservation.
• Must be able to work independently and with others, including other technicians, supervisors, volunteers and members of other departments.
• Required tasks are dynamic and situational. Selected applicant will be expected to transition readily between job duties as priorities change and as situations dictate.
• Must be able to work a flexible schedule, potentially including after hours, weekends, holidays, and be on rotation as part of the conservation department’s on-call wildlife-response team.

• Associate’s degree in directly related field (e.g. wildlife management, ecology, biology, zoology, environmental science) with at least three (3) years of relevant experience OR Bachelor's degree in directly related field with two (2) years relevant experience OR Master’s degree in directly related field with one (1) years relevant experience.
• Technical experience with monitoring wildlife and/or environmental conditions, data-management experience, good communication skills, positive demeanor, demonstrated ability to work and solve problems independently, and familiarity with the coastal ecology of the southeast required.
• A working knowledge of ArcGIS is preferred, including extensions like Survey123.
• Experience and/or training working with battery and gas-powered field equipment (e.g., chainsaw, brush cutters) desired.
• Ability to use a plant key, but knowledge of coastal plant species preferred.
• Prescribed fire certification or willingness to receive certification within 18 months of hire.
• Previous field experience working with wildlife (e.g., radio-telemetry, live trapping, camera trapping experience). Capture and handling of crocodilians and/or venomous snakes preferred.
• Must have valid driver’s license. Experience driving off road in 4WD vehicles and/or UTV’s preferred.
• Must have or be willing to obtain rabies vaccination within 1-year of hire.
• Must be able to work a flexible schedule, including time outside of normal business hours such as early morning and/or evening and night.

• Exert up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 50 pounds frequently, and/or up to 20 pounds constantly to move objects.
• More than 50% of the typical workday will be spent walking.
• Between 25 and 50% of the day will be spent lifting, reaching, standing or sitting.
• Less than 25% of the day will be spent climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, pulling, and grasping.
• Sensory abilities required include vision, hearing and touching with more than 50% of the day spent communicating, talking and hearing.
• Must have close visual clarity to perform up close work such as working with a computer as well as visual clarity to operate motor vehicles.
• Work will be performed both inside and outside. Work may be subject to extreme cold and extreme heat and high humidity. Work includes exposure to vibrations, hazards, and infectious diseases.
• Noise level is considered normal to loud, may require shouting.

This description of job responsibilities is intended to reflect the major responsibilities and duties of the job. It is not intended to describe minor duties or other responsibilities that may be assigned from time to time.

This position is subject to close at any time once a satisfactory applicant pool has been identified. Applicants who complete the online application process will receive an email receipt of submission to the email address provided. If the email confirmation is not received, the applicant may contact Human Resources at 912-635-4081 for confirmation; however, due to the volume of applicants received, we cannot provide information on the application status after receipt. Applicants who need assistance to accommodate a disability may request an accommodation by contacting Human Resources at 912-635-4081.

All qualified applicants will be considered but may not necessarily receive an interview. Only complete applications or applications with accompanying documents, when required, will be considered. Selected applicants will be contacted for the next steps in the selection process. Successful completion of background checks requires credit when applicable to the position. Relocation expenses are not authorized; applicants should consider this when applying.

Jekyll Island Authority is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The Authority supports equal employment opportunities for all persons regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, veteran status, or any other status protected by law. The Jekyll Island Authority is a Drug Free workplace.