Biological Field Technician I

Hattiesburg, Mississippi (MS)

The Nature Conservancy is the leading conservation organization working to make a positive impact around the world in more than 30 countries, all 50 United States, and your backyard. Founded in 1951, the mission of The Nature Conservancy is to conserve the lands and waters on which all life depends. Visit www.nature.org/aboutus to learn more.
TNC

The Biological Field Technician I provides administrative, research, project management and other general assistance to program or preserve staff.

The Biological Field Technician I assists with the implementation of long-term life history and population monitoring of the Black Pine snake, Gopher Tortoise and other rare and endangered species projects on the Camp Shelby Joint Forces Training Center (CSJFTC).

SPECIFIC DUTIES

• Assists with black pine snake, gopher tortoise and other projects to include, but not limited to, building traps, identifying potential trap sites, installation of drift fences, trapping, radio telemetry, identification of reptiles and amphibians, habitat characterization. 
• Assists with gopher tortoise projects to include, but not limited to, radio telemetry, surveys, sampling vegetation in association with habitat characterization, checking traps, and nest surveys.
• Assists with Camp Shelby Burrowing Crayfish surveys and sampling.
• Assists with field surveys for threatened and endangered species for specific project areas as requested by the Mississippi Military Department (MMD). 
• Performs project data entry and maintain records.
• Assists with prescribed burns on Department of Defense (DoD) and TNC lands.
• Performs various administrative duties.
• Assists with other duties as required.

• Associate’s degree in natural resources, environmental studies or equivalent combination of education and 6 months of experience.
• Experience managing and prioritizing tasks from multiple sources.
• Experience performing administrative duties emphasizing detail-oriented and numerical tasks.
• Experience working with Microsoft Office Suite software.
• Experience working and communicating with a diverse group of people.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Associate’s degree in natural resources, environmental studies or equivalent combination of education and 6 months to 1 year of experience.  Bachelor of Science degree in biology, zoology, herpetology, ecology or natural sciences and prior field experience preferred.
• Knowledge of southeastern fauna and flora preferred.
• Familiarity with GIS, including ability to utilize data to create appropriate maps.  Knowledge of ArcGIS and GPS units preferred.
• Experience using telemetry equipment preferred.
• Ability to meet minimum TNC annual training and health requirements for prescribed burning at the arduous training level (3 miles, carrying 45 lbs. in 45 minutes or less) within 6 months of hire.   Current certification as Firefighter Type 2 (FFT2) and prior experience with prescribed burning preferred, but not required.  NWCG Basic Firefighter (S-130/190, I-100, L-180 and arduous pack test) will be required within 6 months of hire in the case of no current certification as FFT2.
• Ability to safely operate and haul equipment such as UTVs and ATVs.  Familiarity with a variety of electrical and fuel powered tools and must be able to operate these tools safely.  Must follow safety guidelines and precautions specified for work and vehicle operation.
• Willingness to work in a military environment.
• Mandatory coordination with Range Control in an environment with poisonous plants and snakes, ticks, unexploded ordinance and restricted access areas.
• A valid driver’s license and safe driving record for operating a TNC owned or leased vehicle.  In addition, current insurance and registration of a personal vehicle available for reporting to work at Camp Shelby.
• Coordinating information from multiple sources into databases including data entry and report production.
• Completing tasks independently within assigned timeframes.
• Managing and prioritizing tasks from multiple sources.
• Performing administrative duties emphasizing detail-oriented and numerical tasks.
• Working knowledge of common software applications (e.g.; Word, Excel, Web browsers).
• Communicating clearly via written, spoken, and graphical means in English and other relevant languages.

AUTO SAFETY POLICY

This position requires a valid driver's license and compliance with the Conservancy's Auto Safety Program. Employees may not drive Conservancy-owned/leased vehicles, rental cars, or personal vehicles on behalf of the Conservancy if considered "high risk drivers." Please see further details in the Auto Safety Program document available at www.nature.org/careers.

Employment in this position will be contingent upon completion of a Vehicle Use Agreement, which may include a review of the prospective employee's motor vehicle record.

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL EFFORT

The Biological Field Technician I may work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances.  These conditions may:

• require physical exertion and/or muscular strain
• present occasional possibility of injury
• require long hours in isolated settings

The Nature Conservancy offers competitive compensation, 401k or savings-plan matching for eligible employees, excellent benefits, flexible work policies and a collaborative work environment. We also provide professional development opportunities and promote from within. As a result, you will find a culture that supports and inspires conservation achievement and personal development, both within the workplace and beyond.
TNC

To apply to position number 41318, submit resume and cover letter as one document.  All applications must be submitted in the system prior to 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on August 18, 2013

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