Research Lead Technician

Provides daily supervision including daily and weekly work schedules of at least two Field Research Assistants. Is accountable to the project PI and graduate students to see that protocols are properly followed by subordinate field personnel and that data are thoroughly and accurately collected on a timely basis. Compiles data collected by supervisees and uploads to on-line data storage media and servers (MoveBank). Is accountable to the project PI and graduate students working on the project to ensure that all data are promptly catalogued and correctly uploaded to MoveBank on a timely basis (within ~24 hours). Co-leads (with graduate student) daily radio-tracking of wild turkey hens by project personnel at remote locations in southwestern and northeastern Ohio. Downloads GPS locations and activity data onto temporary storage media. Tracks radio-tagged hen turkeys and downloads location and activity data on to temporary and then permanent storage media. Oversees and conducts recovery of remains of dead radio-tagged turkey hens. Examines and documents field signs at carcass recovery sites. Locates, inspects, and examines nest sites after nesting activity terminates. Interprets sign at recovery and nest sites to determine fates (live/dead, hatched/unhatched) of turkey hens and nests. Oversees and conducts measurements of vegetation and other habitat characteristics at nest and brood sites. Plans and leads supervisees to conduct counts of poults tended by successful-nesting hens by placing trail cameras at brooding sites, or with infrared optical equipment at night-roosting sites and day-use sites after playback of chick distress calls. Maintains and repairs field equipment. Develops daily work schedules for self and supervisees, prioritizing activities based on project needs and generally works independently with limited supervision and oversight of supervisees (e.g. field crew leader). Coordinates daily activities with land management staff, and biologists with the Ohio Division of Wildlife and obtains permission for access to private and public lands when needed.

Duties:

• Radio-tracks wild turkey hens and downloads GPS location and activity data
• Locates and examines nest sites or recovers and inspects carcass remains to document cause of death or nest failure
• Measures environmental characteristics and vegetation and nest and brood-rearing sites
• Places trail cameras or conducts visually-aided counts to determine numbers of poults that accompany radio-tagged hens
• Other duties as assigned including data recording and computer input, maintaining field equipment
• Coordinates and develops work plans with senior project personnel and supervises daily and weekly work at off-campus field locations

Minimum Required Qualifications:

Bachelor’s or equivalent experience and 1 year of relevant experience; Associate’s or equivalent experience and 3 years of relevant experience; or HS diploma/GED and 5 years of relevant experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

College-level course work in wildlife ecology and management, forestry, zoology, or related field. Knowledge or experience with wildlife radiotelemetry and specialized equipment used to monitor locations and movements of wildlife. Must be able to operate motorized vehicles (light trucks) and possess a valid state driver’s license. Ability to identify most common Ohio birds and mammals by sight or sound. Ability to identify and measure woody and herbaceous plants. Proficient with safe operation of motor vehicles and field equipment including light trucks and utility vehicles, chain saws, and hand tools. Ability to navigate through unfamiliar terrain with maps, photos, compass, or GPS units. Proficient with computers and hand-held information devices and uploading or entering data into computer databases for statistical and Geographic Information System (GIS) analysis.

This job profile is a Research Technician 4 (T4 level) on the career roadmap.

The offer for this position will fall within this range based on internal equity, unit’s available budget, and the candidate’s qualifications

Temporary (Fixed Term) 40 First Shift