Wildlife Field Tech (Ticks and Tickborne Pathogens)

East Stroudsburg University is hiring a Wildlife Field Technician! This position will be based out of Northwest Pa in Mercer and Crawford Counties with opportunities to come to the lab in East Stroudsburg to conduct additional lab work. 

As the Wildlife Field Technician, you will need to think creatively and be comfortable trapping and tagging, collecting biological samples from small mammals, conducting tick drags, and assisting with laboratory tests. You will be an active member of the Dr. Jane Huffman Wildlife Genetics team and will work closely with other Wildlife Field Techs and the Director of the Wildlife DNA Lab to trap, handle, and sample from live small mammals while adhering to research methodologies and IACUC approved protocols. You will thrive in this role if you like combining your wildlife observation and lab testing experience while maintaining records of research. To be successful in this role, you must have wildlife fieldwork experience, detailed knowledge on lab testing, and the ability to generate reports for review and publish peer-reviewed literature.  

Your normal hours will be Monday to Friday 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. You may have to flex your schedule from time to time based on the needs of the project timelines to be a successful Wildlife Field Technician. This is a grant funded position with grants renewed annually. The role is full time employment from April 2024 to June 2025. Work hours may vary based on research methodologies and will require occasional evening and or weekend work.  When our team shows up for work, they are energized and motivated to succeed – all while being the most crucial piece to keeping the ESU operations humming.

What Will I Do At ESU? (AKA Essential Duties)

• Responsible adherence to field safety procedures is essential, carry out IACUC protocols for handling small mammals and conducting sampling from small mammals which will include retro-orbital eye bleeds.
• Identify small mammal habitat in various environments and, set and bait live traps, apply approved pesticides at designated sites using a backpack prayer and mist blower under the direction of a certified pesticide applicator.
• Identify ticks morphologically to separate, log and store ticks for future DNA analysis of tickborne pathogens and conduct tick drags to quantify tick densities at each study site.
• Collect, document, and store all samples using electronic notebooks and following standards of practice.
• Assist with carrying out tests using scientific techniques, such as DNA extractions, polymerase chain reaction, genotyping, genetic sequencing, and gel electrophoresis, deploy interventions at designated sites and conduct weekly inspections.
• Collaborate with Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), Department of Environmental Protection, Department of Health, and local Vector Control agencies and local Colleges and Universities, along with the community on the research goals and objectives.
• Conduct any needed public outreach to landowners or school districts on approval and access to study sites.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

What We’re Looking For (AKA Qualifications)

• Any combination of experience or training which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities listed above.
• Possession of a valid Pennsylvania driver’s license.
• The Wildlife Field Technician candidates must be self-motivated, organized, independent, and eager to learn a breadth of techniques.
• Ability to hike various terrains for long distances in varying climatic conditions, carry or move 50-lbs, use two-way radios per the Federal Communications Commission.
• Bachelor of Science in Biology, Wildlife Biology, Ecology, Environmental Biology, or a closely related field of study with a minimum of 6 credit hours in ecology and wildlife biology (Preferred).
• 1-year experience assisting or conducting field research (Preferred).
• Experience identifying insects and arachnids (Preferred).
• Able to read, write, and comprehend English; able to follow verbal instructions.
• Experience with Word, Excel, Teams required.

What We Offer

• Salary: $22.50 hourly   
• Living by the Warrior Code:
  • Accountable for One’s Actions
  • Committed to Self-Growth
  • Willing to Sacrifice for the Greater Good
  • Positive, Honest, and Loyal
  • Respectful of the Environment and Community
  • Dedicated to Empowering Others

We believe diversity, inclusion and belonging is key for our teams.
Much like our academic programs, we are proud to foster a workplace that is unique to higher education. As an organization focused on diversity, inclusion and belonging, we are committed to ensuring our employees are comfortable bringing their authentic selves to work every day. A unique perspective is critical to solving complex problems and inspiring others.

And yes, legal made us spell this out…
Must be at least 18 years old and be able to read and write English. Employment with ESU is contingent on the selected candidate passing a thorough background check that includes: FBI fingerprinting, PA Child Abuse, and employment. We are proud ESU is an equal opportunity employer. For more information on President Long’s 10-point plan, click here: https://www.esu.edu/president/10-action-plan.cfm