The University of Florida, Range Cattle REC at Ona, is currently seeking a Senior Agricultural Technician/Wildlife Research Assistant. To apply go to jobs.ufl.edu search jobs - in the work location field choose Hardee. Salary range $26,000 - $30,000. Deadline to apply is May 5, 2014. Call 863-735-1314 for any questions.
Wildlife Research Assistant / Senior Agricultural Technician The positions primary role will be the support of the field activities of the Range Cattle Research and Education Centers new Rangeland Science Wildlife and Stewardship Program. Responsibilities for this position include, but are not limited to, maintenance of experimental plots through the use fire, mechanical treatments and physical structures (fences), conducting and recording field collections including animal and plant surveys, moving livestock and general husbandry, maintaining databases and data entry. The position will also include working in geographical information systems and performing mapping and aerial imagery analyses. The bulk of the activities for this position involve field work in south central Florida pastures, rangeland, and natural areas. Duties will include: 1. Coordinate and conduct research experiments focused on the interaction of cattle management practices and wildlife in Florida rangelands. This will include: undertaking field treatments involving prescribed burns, collecting and measuring occurrence data of wildlife (that may at times include trapping/handling and tagging of a variety of wildlife), and plants; moving cattle on rotation for specific research projects 2. Supervise and maintain rangeland areas under the direction of the Rangeland Scientist and Ranch Manager, which includes use of prescribed burning (burn boss certification must be acquired), preparation for burning, potential brush management, and fence maintenance. Responsible for coordinating and supervising activities in the field including: teaching graduate students field techniques, animal handling procedures, and proper health and safety procedures during these activities. 3. Maintain process and enter monitoring/research data into appropriate databases for subsequent analyses. Types of data needing processing will include aerial imagery, game camera photography, GPS locations and boundaries. Responsible for upkeep of laboratory, storage, and field equipment, including cleaning and organizing repairs as needed. Experience Required 1. Demonstrated interest and experience identifying or working with wildlife in the outdoors and on research projects 2. Demonstrated ability to communicate science with a broad array of stakeholders Experience Preferred 1. Experience working in a ranching environment 2. Experience especially with ArcGIS, databases and spreadsheets The position is fulltime 40 hr week. Normal hours are 8 am to 5 pm Monday Friday, however, work hours may be amended to meet the schedule of the employee, or to meet the expectations of particular research projects (e.g., early morning bird surveys and weekend work). Travel to experimental locations may require overnight stays. This position is located at the University of Florida Range Cattle Research and Education Center, Ona, FL.
