Lead Research Technician – Tarantula Population Surveys

Hiring Department

Biology

Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States. The University will not sponsor applicants for this position for employment visas.

Job Description

The University of Missouri-St. Louis and the Missouri Department of Conservation are cooperating to assess populations of Aphonopelma hentzi in glade habitats. This survey will include glade complexes across the state and give decision makers baseline information about tarantula populations at the state level.

The Lead Research Technician will be responsible for coordinating research in the field with another junior level technician.

Coordination will include working with local Missouri Department of Conservation offices to access field sites and ensuring each site is completely surveyed according to established protocols and timelines.

The lead technician will also be responsible for problem solving any issues related to camping, equipment, and other field activities.

• Maintain a safe work environment by following safety protocols, showing good judgement ,and keep in daily contact with project leads
• Maintain professional decorum with junior technician, state employees, partner organization staff, campground hosts, and private landowners
• Assign duties and direct activities of junior technician
• Conduct field surveys according to established protocols
• Meet survey site completion target dates
• Maintain equipment and report any issues to supervisor
• Measure, photograph, and release tarantulas according to approved protocol
• Data entry and quality control
  
  

Shift

M-F; 8:00am-5:00pm

Minimum Qualifications

The person who would thrive in this position is someone who loves to spend their time looking for things in nature. If you get a thrill out of seeing a new plant, animal, or rock – this might be a good fit for you. In terms of experience, you’ve led small groups of research teams or recreational groups during overnight camping trips. During your free time you won’t let heat, humidity, rain and mosquitoes ruin your hike or camping trip.

• Associates or equivalent coursework
• Thorough knowledge of leading or co-leading others in the outdoors
• General knowledge of ecological survey techniques and data entry
• Demonstrated ability to work outside under harsh conditions for long periods of time
• Experience camping for a week or so at a time
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• At least one field season successfully leading/supervising research or outdoor recreation teams in remote areas
• Experience working with stakeholders from multiple organizations
• First aid certification
• Knowledgeable about zoology--specifically “creepy crawly” creatures
  
  

Anticipated Hiring Range

$6000/8 weeks

Application Materials

Application materials include a cover letter and resume. Finalists will be asked to provide references at a later date.

Applicants must combine all application materials into one PDF or Microsoft Word document and upload as a resume attachment to the UMSL Job site: http://umsl.jobs.

Limit document name to 50 characters. Maximum size limit is 11MB. Do not include special characters (e.g., /, &, %, etc.). For questions about the application process, please email employment@umsl.edu. If you are experiencing technical problems, please email umpshrsupport@umsystem.edu

Benefit Eligibility

This position is not eligible for University benefits. Individuals in non benefit eligible positions may choose to participate in the Tax Deferred Annuity Plan (403b). For information about this plan, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at https://www.umsystem.edu/totalrewards/benefits.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Missouri is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

To request ADA accommodations, please email the Office of Human Resources at umslhr@umsl.edu.