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

Research Technician-Tarantula Population Surveys

Purpose

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.

Job Description

• The Research Technician will be responsible for assisting the lead technician with research in the field. Both technicians 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.
• 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
• Follow directions and assignments from the lead technician
• Conduct field surveys according to established protocols
• Measure, photograph, and release tarantulas according to approved protocol
• Assist with data entry and quality control
• Assist with equipment maintenance
  
  

Working Conditions

• The job requires living and working in the field for weeks at a time. Research technicians will need to be in good physical condition and willing to work in sunny, hot conditions.
• Hiking and walking on uneven terrain (off trail) while carrying equipment, food, and water
• Lifting and replacing rocks for 90% of the workday with little shade
• Ability to tolerate working around ticks, stinging insects, mosquitos, and biting flies
• Comfortable working around non-target species such as snakes, lizards, amphibians, and scorpions
• Comfortable tent camping during fieldwork. Overnight backpacking is not expected.
  
  

Equipment and Travel

• The university will provide per-diem payments to cover food and incidentals after field stints
• Technicians need a reliable vehicle and ability to be reimbursed for mileage
• A working smartphone to aid in data collection
• Access to appropriate personal equipment (hiking boots, pants, water bottles, ect.)
• University can provide tents and basic camping equipment
  
  

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 helped with research projects in the outdoors or worked in outdoor recreation. During your free time you love overnight camping and won’t let heat, humidity, rain, and mosquitoes ruin your hike or camping trip.

• Associates or equivalent coursework
• Working knowledge of ecological survey techniques and data entry
• Ability to work in a team environment
• 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

• Previous experience assisting with data collection as part of a project or college course
• First aid certification
• Knowledgeable about zoology, specifically “creepy crawly” creatures Click here to enter preferred qualifications.
  
  

Anticipated Hiring Range

$5000/8 weeks

Hiring Range and Work Hours

Mid-May through mid-July (2 weeks on and 4 days off (1 day includes drive time)

8-week field season with $5000 stiped

Mileage reimbursement

Per diem for sites outside of the St. Louis area

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.