Field Technician (Region A)

Region A: Austin and Waco, TX + Lafayette, LA

Central Cities- Austin, TX / Waco, TX

Contract Duration: 2-3 months beginning mid-August

Tangled Bank Conservation, in partnership with Pheasants Forever and as part of the USDA’s Working Lands for Wildlife (WLFW) initiative, is seeking 10 Seasonal Field Technicians to support the development and validation of new standardized aquatic monitoring protocols. These protocols will be used to assess the success of conservation practices implemented under the Aquatic Connectivity Framework (ACF) program. This project aims to enhance aquatic habitat connectivity, improve biodiversity, and increase climate resilience across 16 states in the eastern and central United States.

Field Technicians will be responsible for conducting field surveys, collecting environmental DNA (eDNA) samples, and gathering macroinvertebrate samples using Hess stream bottom samplers from designated sites throughout target watersheds. The collected data will contribute to the establishment of cost-effective and accurate monitoring methods, providing critical accountability measures for evaluating project outcomes. Surveys will be conducted across 16 states within the study area. Technicians will be broken into teams of 2 and each pair will be responsible for a subsect of watersheds across the 16 states. We encourage applications from pairs who have previously worked well together and can demonstrate strong teamwork and cohesion.

The work involves extensive travel across multiple states, often for weeks at a time, and requires the ability to work in various weather conditions and challenging terrains. Technicians will work in teams of two, necessitating strong interpersonal skills and the ability to collaborate closely with one other person.

This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to large-scale ecological restoration efforts and gain hands-on experience in environmental conservation.

Responsibilities:

• Collect eDNA samples and aquatic invertebrate samples using Hess stream bottom sampler.
• Assess field sites and determine suitability of habitat for sampling.
• Properly filter, store, and ship collected samples to Tangled Bank Conservation laboratory and other partners.
• Collect and record field data accurately and systematically.
• Travel extensively to multiple states within the ACF priority area.
• Collaborate closely with a partner in teams of two, ensuring effective communication and cooperation.
• Participate in virtual training sessions on eDNA and macroinvertebrate sampling techniques.

Requirements:

• Each team will require one person to be willing to use their personal vehicle for field work. Travel compensation will be provided to the driver of their personal vehicle.
• Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, biology, ecology, or a related field (or equivalent work experience).
• Demonstrated experience with field work and data collection, particularly in aquatic environments.
• Ability to work outdoors for extended periods in various weather conditions (e.g., heat, cold, rain).
• Willingness to travel extensively, potentially for weeks at a time, across multiple states in the project area.
• Flexibility to adapt to a changing schedule and different field sites.
• Comfortable working in teams of two, with the ability to collaborate closely with one other person for extended periods.
• Strong interpersonal skills to maintain effective communication and cooperation with a single team member during potentially challenging conditions.
• Ability to accurately record, organize, and report on field data.
• Basic understanding of GPS and mapping tools for site navigation and data collection.
• Strong organizational and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to follow written protocols.

Position Details:

• Seasonal contractor for 2-3 months beginning in mid-August 2024.
• All sampling gear will be provided by Tangled Bank Conservation. Contractor will be responsible for providing their own waders. Sampling gear will be returned to Tangled Bank Conservation at the end of the field season.
• Virtual training on field methods will be provided.

Compensation:

• Compensation will include a base pay of $6,000 + lodging/travel compensation of $4,500 for the duration of the field season. The team member who will be using their personal vehicle and driving will receive an additional sum for travel compensation.
• Opportunity to contribute to significant ecological restoration projects.
• Hands-on experience with innovative aquatic monitoring technologies.
• Professional development through training and collaboration with USDA, PF, and TBC.