Job Details

Job Requisition:
JR101224 Lead Black Rail Technician (Open)

Job Posting Title:
Lead Black Rail Technician

Department:
CC00050 WM001 | PROV | Center for Conservation Biology

Job Family:
Staff - Lab & Research Support

Worker Sub Type:
Wage-Temporary (requires end date - non-benefited) (Fixed Term) (Fixed Term)

Job Requisition Primary Location:
Remote Work - Florida

Primary Job Posting Location:
William & Mary

Job Description Summary:
The Center for Conservation Biology (CCB) seeks a lead field technician to conduct crepuscular call back surveys for Black Rails and other secretive marsh birds in high marsh habitats within Everglades National Park and Big Cypress National Preserve, FL from 15 Feb-15 July. This project aims to describe the eastern black rail breeding season in South Florida and address key data gaps to improve management of this species. The lead technician will help supervise 2 technicians on the project. Pay rate is up to $18.00/hr commensurate with experience.

Job Description:

The Center for Conservation Biology (CCB) seeks a lead field technician to conduct crepuscular call back surveys for Black Rails and other secretive marsh birds in high marsh habitats within Everglades National Park and Big Cypress National Preserve, FL from 15 Feb-15 July. This project aims to describe the eastern black rail breeding season in South Florida and address key data gaps to improve management of this species. The lead technician will help supervise 2 technicians on the project. Pay rate is up to $18.00/hr commensurate with experience. Both properties boasts endless recreational opportunities including fishing, kayaking, beach combing, birding, stargazing, among many others, making them an outdoor paradise.

Call back surveys will primarily be crepuscular: 30 minutes before sunrise to 3 hours after sunrise; 3 hours before sunset to 30 minutes after sunset. Both survey periods (early and late) will occasionally be surveyed during the same day. Technician will also deploy trail cameras and analyze photos to identify nesting and completion of chick rearing. Surveys will be a mix of roadside, ATV-accessible, and hiking. Lead technician should be capable of operating an ATV. Technicians must possess the ability to navigate using GPS and through marsh/scrub habitats to point count locations. Applicant will need to be physically capable of accomplishing the work and willing to work early mornings and late evenings. Candidate should be familiar with bird survey techniques and able to identify birds found in Florida wetlands by sight and sound, or be experienced birders that can learn new songs/calls quickly. Applicant must be able to traverse marsh type habitat to deploy cameras and conduct vegetation/habitat surveys. Candidate will be responsible for entering and proofing all data collected. Applicant must have a valid driver's license and will be required to pass a standard background check. Field vehicles and equipment will be provided.

Additional duties for lead field technician include coordination with CCB and property personnel, maintaining a field schedule to accomplish the project's goals within a specific timeline. Adjusting schedule to accomplish goals as required due to weather, tides, etc. Ensuring data is collected, entered, proofed, and stored correctly. Applicants for the lead technician position should be highly organized and possess strong communication and interpersonal skills.

Additional Job Description:

Required Qualifications

• Familiar with point count surveys.
• Ability to identify eastern marsh birds by sight and sound or ability to learn calls quickly.
• Experience operating an ATV
• Experience with data entry and management.
• Willingness and ability to walk distances in marsh.
• Ability to complete tasks and maintain a good attitude in less than ideal conditions.
• Familiar with use and operation of handheld GPS

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience leading a field team
• Experience in hiking in coastal marshes
• Experience conducting call back surveys
• Experience with trail camera operation

Supplemental Questions

• Are you comfortable with identifying eastern marsh bird species by sight and sound?
• Have you worked independently in the field?
• Have you lived in shared housing with your coworkers?
• Do you have experience with trail cameras?
• Have you conducted any types of scientific bird surveys?

Job Profile:
JP0084 - Laboratory & Research Specialist I - Nonexempt - Hourly - H05

Qualifications:

Pay Rate Type:
Hourly

Compensation Grade:
H05

Recruiting Start Date:
2025-12-17

Review Date:
2025-12-31

Position Restrictions:

EEO is the Law. Applicants can learn more about William & Mary's status as an equal opportunity employer by viewing the "Know Your Rights" poster published by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. https://www.eeoc.gov/know-your-rights-workplace-discrimination-illegal

Background Check: William & Mary is committed to providing a safe campus community. W&M conducts background investigations for applicants being considered for employment. Background investigations include reference checks, a criminal history record check, and when appropriate, a financial (credit) report or driving history check.

Remote Work Disclaimer: Remote work eligibility is not guaranteed and is subject to approval. Employee eligibility depends on the likelihood of the employee succeeding in a remote work arrangement and the supervisor's ability to manage remote workers. Departments and/or Human Resources may amend, alter, change, delete, or modify eligibility.