Research / Nesting Field Technician (Seasonal) 

Division / Title 
Research / Nesting Field Technician (Seasonal)

Reporting relationship 
Research Operations Manager

Job Summary
The research department has one of the longest running sea turtle monitoring programs in the state of Florida. The department is seeking nesting field technicians to assist with long-term sea turtle nesting surveys on a high density 9.5-mile stretch of beach. The survey area annually hosts at least 40,000 sea turtle crawls from March-October, and technicians will gain experience conducting nesting surveys for leatherback, loggerhead and green sea turtles. The term of the positions will be flexible to start in April or May with the possibility of extending into September. The position may start as early as March, if we are contracted for night monitoring work in conjunction with sand placement projects. The position is hourly and non-exempt, and the number of work hours will vary over the course of the season and will range 15-40 hours per week. The hourly pay rate will be commensurate with experience and education. Housing is not provided.

Core Responsibilities
• Conduct daily nesting surveys on an ATV starting at sunrise (at work as early as 5:00 AM)
- Document sea turtle nesting activity and identify each crawl to species and crawl type
- Locate egg chamber and mark nests for evaluation
- Conduct nest checks and excavations
- Document beach obstructions and disorientations
- Enter data into a Trimble GPS unit, on paper data sheets, and web-based database and/or Microsoft Access in office
• Conduct night monitoring work and relocations if necessary.
• Respond to stranding reports and conduct salvage of sick, injured, or dead sea turtles if necessary.
• Conduct sample collection and processing for various research projects.
• Contribute and compile content for our Marketing department, and for our biweekly takeovers with Sand Cloud, as part of our sponsorship agreement, using their social media platforms.
• Enroll in a free online e-course on ATV safety to be followed with a certificate of completion.
• Responsible for basic ATV care including cleaning and fueling.
• Technicians will be required to attend seasonal crew meetings, typically held at least once a month from May through August.
• Technicians will be expected to work any day of the week, including weekends and holidays.
• Technicians will generally not be allowed lengthy periods of time off during their employment at LMC. All time off must be approved well in advance of the nesting season, so that accommodations can be made to replace you in your absence.
• Technicians may be required to use their personal vehicles to drive back and forth from Tequesta in the event a company vehicle is unavailable for use.

Required Skills, Knowledge, and Experience
• Current undergraduate or recent graduate with a Biological Science related degree
• A minimum of three months experience conducting field work
• In good physical condition with the ability to work outdoors under extremely adverse conditions for up to 12 hours (high humidity, rain, heat and direct sunlight)
• Strong communication skills
• Ability to engage professionally with the public
• Ability to learn complex tasks quickly and manage high stress work environment
• Attention to detail and strong problem solving abilities
• Ability to work independently and in a group
• Must possess a valid driver’s license
• Must possess a working cell phone
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States

Preferred Skills
• Experience collecting field data quickly and accurately using a Trimble GPS
• Ability to operate an all-terrain vehicle (ATV)
• Experience conducting sea turtle nesting surveys
• Confidence with basic computer skills and data entry

About Us
Founded in 1983, Loggerhead Marinelife Center is a leading cultural attraction in South Florida that provides open access to all guests. Today the Center is a global leader in the research, rehabilitation, and protection of sea turtles, serving our broader mission to promote ocean ecosystem conservation. Annually we reach 900,000 guests with our transformational education programs and partner with nearly 100 organizations across six continents and 16 countries in ocean conservation. In early 2022, we opened a new 27,500 square-foot campus that greatly expands our exhibition, education, and convening space and doubles our medical facilities.

Physical Demands + Work Environment 
The physical demands described herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Successful applicants must be comfortable in a highly dynamic environment in an active and busy office or outdoor setting. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms, and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand and walk. The employee is frequently required to climb or balance and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 30 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. This position may involve working outdoors in Florida, often in hot and humid conditions, and at events that extend into evening and weekend hours. Must be willing and able to travel for offsite programming and possess a valid driver’s license.

Notes
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, with a closing date for February 28, 2023.

To Apply
Interested applicants may submit their resume or curriculum vitae, cover letter with available start date and two letters of recommendation to be sent directly from references to Jennifer Reilly, Research Operations Manager, at jreilly@marinelife.org.