Nesting Field Technician

Job Summary

The Research Department is seeking nesting field technicians to assist with a long-term sea turtle nesting survey program on a high-density beach. The 9.5-mile survey area hosts over 40,000 sea turtle crawls annually. 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 with the possibility of extending into September/October.

Some individuals may start in late February/early March, if we are contracted for night monitoring work related to sand placement projects. The position is hourly and non-exempt, and the number of work hours varies over the course of the season, ranging from 15–40 hours per week. Hourly rate is commensurate with experience. Housing is not provided.

• Conduct daily nesting surveys on an ATV starting s includes:
  • Documenting sea turtle nesting activity and identifying each crawl to species and type
  • Locating egg chambers and marking nests for evaluation
  • Conducting nest checks and excavations
  • Documenting beach obstructions and disorientations
  • Entering data into a GPS unit, on paper data sheets, and into our database
• Responsible for basic ATV care including cleaning and fueling
• Conduct sample collection for various research projects
• Attend seasonal crew meetings, typically held every three weeks from May through August
• Conduct night monitoring work and relocations for sand placement projects, as necessary
• Assist with stranding reports of sick, injured, or deceased sea turtles as needed

• 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 in adverse conditions for up to 12 hours
• Strong communication skills
• Ability to engage professionally with the public
• Ability to learn complex tasks quickly
• Attention to detail and strong problem-solving abilities
• Ability to work independently and in a group
• Expected to work any day of the week, including weekends and holidays.
• All time off must be approved prior to nesting. Extended absences are generally not permitted.
• Technicians may need to use personal vehicles for travel to and from survey sites if no company vehicle is available and will receive monthly mileage reimbursement at the standard GSA rate.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license and working cell phone
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States

• Experience collecting field data quickly and accurately using a GPS
• Ability to operate an all-terrain vehicle (ATV)
• Experience conducting sea turtle nesting surveys

Upon receiving an official acceptance of the nesting field technician position, a total of two (2) female candidates will be selected as Research Fellows for the DaRin Butz Foundation. The DaRin Butz Research Fellow program aims to support women in STEM fields. In addition to nesting technician duties, Research Fellows serve in a supervisory role, leading training, overseeing data collection, and coordinating logistics for the morning survey program.

Please indicate in your cover letter if you would like to be considered for the fellowship. If selected, you will be required to submit a report to the DaRin Butz Foundation summarizing your experience as a Research Fellow.

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.

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…