Mammal Sampling Crew Leader

The Alabama Cooperative Fish & Wildlife Research Unit at Auburn University is seeking 2 highly motivated Mammal Sampling Crew Leaders for a multi-species inventory and conservation project on selected state-owned lands within Alabama. Primary responsibilities will include leading crews in the field to conduct small mammal live trapping using Sherman traps, deploy/maintain/retrieve camera traps, and deploy/maintain/retrieve passive small mammal “selfie” cameras (~80-85%). Other duties will include leading field gear organization, QA/QC of datasheets, leading/assisting with data entry/management, leading/assisting with uploading/validation of images/videos, and leading/assisting with maintenance of field equipment and vehicles (~15-20%). Candidates must be prepared and able to work under challenging environmental conditions, which include exposure to elements such as heat, humidity, and the presence of wildlife and insects. This position will be ideal for individuals looking to take on additional responsibilities and further build leadership and communication skills in a field setting.

Qualifications:

General:

Ideal candidates should hold a Bachelor’s degree in a biology-related field, display high motivation, and have experience in conducting field surveys. Proficiency in GPS navigation, possession of a valid driver’s license, and the ability to work in challenging environmental conditions are essential. Candidates should be comfortable carrying light-medium weighed field equipment for extended periods. Candidates with a positive attitude, effective communication skills, and the ability to work independently and as part of a team are desired.

Desired Skills:

• Demonstrated experience leading field crews or managing people when conducting field surveys highly preferred but may be compensated with exceptional prior tech experience.
• Ability to manage their time and delegate tasks effectively
• Effective communication skills to convey instructions clearly and effectively
• Problem solving ability to think critically and solve issues that arise
• Detailed-oriented and safety conscious
• Flexibility when it comes to sampling schedule
• Accountable for work being done and speaking up if mistakes are made.
• Previous experience in southeastern small mammal identification, specifically mice, rats, shrews, moles, voles, chipmunks, and squirrels.
• Previous experience with small mammal handling and collecting physical measurements preferred
• Previous experience in deployment and management of camera traps preferred.
• Previous experience in deployment and management of Anabat detectors.
• Previous experience processing camera trapping images and/or offloading them onto an external hard drive

The Mammal Sampling Crew Lead positions are 3-month appointments starting on July 2th and ending on Oct 10th. Leads will be expected to fulfill this appointment to completion.

Benefits:

– $18/hour for ~40 hour/week (efforts will be made to meet but not exceed 40 hours whenever possible, overtime may be accrued depending on the needs of the project and will be compensated at the rate of time and a half.).

• Drive time during long distance travel to new field sites/housing compensated at same base rate.

– Housing provided (Airbnbs or field housing) during the training period and entire field season.

– Work vehicles provided to and from field sites

• Willingness to leave personal vehicles at a secure off-site location for a portion of the field season required due to limited parking capacity at Airbnbs. Responsibility will be rotated across technicians over the course of the field season.
• Work vehicle use is acceptable for essentials such as groceries and gas but may not be used for personal activities during this period.

Crew Leader Expectations

Professionalism & Conduct

• Maintain a positive, respectful, and collaborative attitude in all work and housing settings.
• Represent the ICP project, Auburn University, and ADCNR professionally at all times.

Fieldwork Responsibilities

• Lead by example: demonstrate high quality work ethic, accountability, and respectful communication with fellow coworkers and project leads.
• Be ready to depart at scheduled leave times and prepared for daily assignments.
• Follow all field protocols accurately, consistently, and safely.
• Effectively lead technicians to and from the sampling points each day.
• Communicate equipment issues, safety concerns, or scheduling conflicts promptly to supervisors.
• Maintain detailed, accurate data sheets and digital records.
• Check in with supervisors (Austin and Justin) to confirm all work is completed each day.
• Ensure technicians do not leave for the weekend until all assigned work is fully completed.

Equipment & Vehicle Use

• Operate ADCNR vehicles responsibly and only for approved work tasks.
• Report any vehicle or equipment damage immediately.
• Clean, maintain, and properly store all project equipment after use.

Housing Expectations

• Keep shared housing clean, orderly, and respectful of others.
• Enforce and follow all rules regarding quiet hours, guests, and shared spaces as outlined in the Housing Rules & Etiquette document.
• Report maintenance issues or damage promptly.

Communication & Reporting

• Provide daily or weekly updates as requested by supervisors.
• Respond to messages and instructions in a timely manner.
• Ask questions when clarification is needed, accuracy is more important than guessing.

Safety & Compliance

• Follow all safety protocols, including PPE requirements and wildlife handling guidelines.
• Always adhere to Auburn University policies while living in Auburn-provided housing.
• Immediately report injuries, unsafe conditions, or policy violations to supervisors or project PI (Dr. Jonathon Valente).

Work Ethic & Team Contribution

• Demonstrate reliability, initiative, and strong attention to detail.
• Support teammates during fieldwork, equipment preparation, and data entry.

Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.

Please read Auburn Universities policy regarding animals in field housing: Animals on Campus Policy – Animals on Campus Policy