Mammal Sampling Technician

The Alabama Cooperative Fish & Wildlife Research Unit at Auburn University is seeking 5 highly motivated Mammal Sampling Technicians for a multi-species inventory and conservation project on selected state-owned lands within Alabama. Primary responsibilities will include  deployment/maintenance/retrieval of passive sampling tools such as Anabat detectors, and camera traps for meso-carnivores (including an innovate method of small mammal sampling via PVC-pipes fitted with camera traps), as well as running Sherman live-traps for small mammal mark re-capture with opportunities for handling/ear-tagging as they arise (cumulatively 90% of responsibilities). Other duties will include field gear organization, data entry/management, uploading/validation of images/videos, and maintenance of field equipment and vehicles (~10%). 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.

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 proven capacity to work both independently and as part of a team are highly desired.

Desired Skills

• Detailed oriented, problem solver, flexible, organized, eager to learn, receptive to feedback, and accountable.
• 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 organizing/annotating camera trapping images and/or offloading them onto an external hard drive

The Mammal Sampling Technician positions are 3-month appointments starting on July 9th and ending on Oct 10th.

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.

Technician 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

• Be ready to depart at scheduled leave times and prepared for daily assignments.
• Follow all field protocols accurately, consistently, and safely.
• Communicate equipment issues, safety concerns, or scheduling conflicts promptly to supervisors.
• Maintain detailed, accurate data sheets and digital records.
• Check in with crew leaders (Justin, Austin, and designated crew leaders) to confirm all work is completed each day.
• Technicians must 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.
• 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 (depending on weekly crew assignment).
• 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 crew leaders or the 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