What are the responsibilities and job description for the Lead Field Technician (Spotted Turtles) position at Zoo New England?
Essential Job Functions
Lead Field Technicians assist ZNE Field Biologists and other staff with ZNE’s local rare species conservation projects. The Spotted Turtle Lead Field Technician will specifically assist with conducting standardized visual surveys, radiotracking, searching for nesting turtles and protecting and monitoring nests, and conducting trap surveys. The lead technician will be directly supervising two field technicians, collaborating with the Associate Director of Field Conservation to plan work schedules, and performing fieldwork alongside field technicians. The technician will also keep careful notes, regularly input field data into online databases, and assist with data analysis and map generation, and will support other projects as their time and primary duties allow.
Duties & Responsibilities
- Conducts standardized biological surveys of animals and plants for ZNE’s field conservation management and research projects.
- Collects accurate and complete data and assists other Field Conservation Department staff with initial reporting and analysis.
- Supervises two field technicians and creates weekly work plans and schedules.
- Meets weekly with Field Conservation Department staff to discuss and plan field activities.
Hours, Location and Term of Appointment
Hours: Usually 9:00 am-5:00 pm Monday-Friday, except during June nesting season when hours will shift to 2:00 pm-10:00 pm Thursday - Monday.
Location: Our Conservation Department office is in Acton, MA, but the technician will travel throughout eastern Massachusetts.
Term: April 14 - August 15, 2025 (start and end day may be slightly negotiable, with possibility for extension up to 26 weeks total)
Wage: $22/hour
Working Conditions
- Frequent exposure and close contact with a variety of animals including mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish and insects, including direct handling of aquatic animals including large snapping turtles and other potentially injurious wildlife, as well as exposure to ticks, mosquitos, and other biting arthropods.
- Frequent field work in difficult natural conditions, including hiking through muddy wetlands, streams, and dense brush thickets.
- Frequent exposure to varying and challenging weather conditions (e.g. heat, rain, direct sun), and to dust, allergens, and noxious plants (poison ivy, poison sumac, stinging nettle).
Minimum Job Requirements
- At least three years post-secondary education, pursuing a degree in biology, ecology or related field
- Able to work nights and weekends during the month of June
- Must possess a valid driver's' license and be able to lawfully drive in Massachusetts and transport field materials and equipment in personal vehicle
- Must have no criminal history or convictions in relation to animal-related issues or child welfare
- One season applied field research experience, especially with freshwater turtles or other herpetofauna
- One season supervisory experience (incl. interns, volunteers, or undergraduate workers)
Preferred Job Requirements
- Two seasons of applied field research experience
- Prior experience with radiotelemetry
- Prior experience with thread bobbin use in turtles
- Ability to identify common native plants, especially of wetland environments
Zoo New England is an Equal Opportunity Employer by Choice
NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE
Salary : $22
