Senior Field Technician

The Atlanta Botanical Garden’s Southeastern Center for Conservation seeks a Senior Field Technician to advance field work to achieve the management goals of the Ecological Management for Enhanced Resilience in the Northwest Florida Sentinel Landscape project, funded through the United States Department of Defense Readiness & Environmental Protection Integration Program (REPI). This project aims to enhance and survey habitats to achieve the management goals of the Nokuse Land Trust (Nokuse) and its adjacent neighbor, Eglin Air Force Base (EAFB). The Senior Field Technician’s work will support that of project Field Biologists.

Central objectives of this project are to: 1. Implement a prescribed burn program to reduce backlogged burn acreage and ensure 13,000 acres of prescribed fire a year; 2. Monitor resulting changes in habitat, determine plant and herpetofaunal species richness/composition, and 3. Conduct site surveys focusing on state and federally listed species across habitat types on 55,000 acres of conservation land to identify occurrences of and threats to rare plants, herps, animals, and habitats. The resulting data will inform management actions to enhance the resiliency of native habitats bordering EAFB, thereby aiding in the continuation of the base’s mission. 

This is a full-time temporary position with benefits, that will run for 3 years ending June 30, 2028.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assist in the conduct plant and herpetofauna surveys targeting at-risk species using standardized census techniques (e.g., timed observations, photographic records)
• Collect and manage detailed ecological data using Survey123, ArcGIS Field Maps, and BadElf GNSS units
• Implement monitoring protocols to assess plant and herpetofauna presence and change pre- and post-prescribed burn application, and map plant communities
• Assist in collecting and documenting herbarium vouchers and seed from native plant populations in coordination with the Atlanta-based team. If collected, the seed will be banked at the Garden’s Conservation Seedbank for future augmentation
• Support the compilation of field data, development of summary maps, and assist in the preparation of technical reports and visualizations for agency and funding partners, including Nokuse Plantation and EAFB
• Work closely with other Field Biologists and collaborate with project partners and community volunteers to support conservation efforts
• Serve as a member of the prescribed fire crew to implement fire on Nokuse Plantation under a Certified Prescribed Fire Manager and alongside Nokuse staff
• Conduct prescribed burns safely and effectively according to ABG burn standards
• Perform physical fitness testing, training, and maintain documentation files of training and qualifications for prescribed burn certification
• Work in a team environment and participate in prescribed operations which involve ignition, control, mop-up, suppression, monitoring, and other tasks as assigned by the Program Manager
• Generate a robust assessment of the habitat’s condition and the presence of imperiled or rare plant species, informing a greater understanding of biodiversity at Nokuse
• Map and evaluate key natural communities for future restoration efforts
• Occasional travel to Atlanta, Georgia, or additional sites in the Florida Panhandle may be required

Requirements

• B.S. in Biology, Botany, Ecology, or a closely related field required; an M.S. is preferred but not required
• S130/S190 Basic Wildland Firefighter training and/or prior prescribed fire experience preferred but not required. Training will be available
• Demonstrated familiarity with wetland plant identification and ecosystem restoration in the southeastern U.S., knowledge of southeastern U.S. flora and fauna is highly desirable
• Experience using ArcGIS, BadElf, and/or Trimble GNSS equipment is preferred
• Must hold a current valid driver’s license; reliable personal transportation to the work site is essential
• Must be able to work effectively within a team setting or independently. Ability to work at night may be required to conduct herpetofauna sampling

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• The position involves strenuous fieldwork in extreme weather conditions, and the ability to lift 50 pounds is required
• Ability to pass the Work Capacity Test, walk 2 miles in under 30 minutes wearing a 25lb pack

MENTAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to organize detailed data and coordinate schedules with coworkers and partners
• Excellent organizational and time management skills
• The ability to effectively respond to multiple, changing, and often conflicting priorities is essential
• Must be able to effectively interact with the general public and co-workers and peer professionals