Temporary Wildlife Technician

As the Temporary Wildlife Technician, you will need to think creatively and be comfortable trapping and tagging, collecting biological samples, 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 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. 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 business to be a true Temporary Wildlife Technician. This is a seasonal grant funded position. The role is full time temporary employment from August 2026 to June 2026 with the potential of extension of contract depending on the grant.
This position is specifically for Northwest Pennsylvania at field research sites located in Mercer and Crawford County. 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.

• 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, setand bait live traps, apply approved pesticides at designated sites using abackpack prayer and mist blower under the direction of a certified pesticide applicator.
• Identify ticks morphologically to separate, log and store ticksfor 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 sitesand 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.

• Associate degree in Wildlife Management or a ny combination of experience or training which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.
• Possession of a valid Pennsylvania driver’s license
• Able to read, write, and comprehend English; able to follow verbal instructions.
• Experience with Word, Excel, Teams required.

• Bachelor of Science in Biology, Wildlife Biology, Ecology,Environmental Biology, or a closely related field of study with a minimum of 6credit hours in ecology and wildlife biology.
• Minimum of 1-year experience assisting or conducting field research.
• Experience identifying insects and arachnids.
• The Wildlife Field Technician candidates must beself-motivated, organized, independent, and eager to learn a breadthoftechniques.
• Ability to hike various…