What are the responsibilities and job description for the Field Technician position at Virginia Tech?
Work type: Hourly Wage/Part-Time
Senior management: College of Science
Department: Biological Sciences
Location: Blacksburg Area
Categories: Research / Scientific
Job Description
We seek one field technician to help us capture and mark animals at a number of different sites. In addition, we will anesthetize individual animals so we can collect swabs for SARS-CoV-2. The technician will gain experience using multiple types of traps, handle and mark multiple species, and learn to anesthetize animals. Technician will be required to obtain a rabies vaccine prior to handling any bats/mesocarnivores. One can be provided in Blacksburg at no cost but you must be able to get here a few weeks prior to the start of the season to obtain it in time.
SARS-CoV-2 is a newly emerging virus impacting humans worldwide. Recent studies have also found evidence of the virus within wildlife populations as well. This is a concern for both wildlife health and also for potential spillback into human populations. We are interested in surveying a wide range of wildlife (bats, rodents, rabbits, and mesocarnivores) for the presence of SARS-CoV-2 along an urbanization gradient.
Field work will occur between May 15 2022 and July 15 2022. Long days and odd hours will be required and work will be physically demanding. You must be able to lift and carry traps over short distances (up to 500m). Terrain is uneven and requires being able to maneuver with equipment over rocks, logs, and thorny vegetation. Hours and workdays will change depending on the temperature, weather, target species, and capture rates so you must be willing to work a flexible schedule. Technician must be comfortable working at night. Further duties include: entering data into excel spreadsheets, cleaning traps, and organizing equipment. Technician will be required to wear appropriate PPE for target species so you must be willing to work with N95 respirator masks, gloves, and other safety equipment.
Housing is not provided but we will work with you to find temporary housing if needed (there are typically many sublets available from students this time of year).
Further information regarding our previous research and PI's involved in this project can be found at the following links:
https://hoytresearch.org/
https://www.langwiglab.org/
https://amandargoldbergresearch.wordpress.com/
Required Qualifications
- Must be able to work under harsh conditions (hot/cold weather, rough terrain, etc.)
- Have a positive attitude and a commitment to wildlife conservation
- Be physically fit enough to walk over uneven terrain throughout the work day
- Ability to pay attention to detail and record data carefully
- Ability to follow field protocols
- Be able to work both independently and with a group
- Commitment to work through the end of the project
Preferred Qualifications
- Prior field experience is desired but not required
- Rabies vaccinated
- Experience handling wildlife – especially mesocarnivores
- Experience hiking and being outdoors
- Experience entering data into Excel
Pay Band
2
Appointment Type
Regular
Salary Information
$13.00
Review Date
April 18, 2022
Additional Information
Please include a brief cover letter that includes the following information: dates of availability (Ideally, we are looking for a start date of 15-May through 15-July), a brief description of why you are interested in this position, and any further information that may speak to your qualifications as outlined in the announcement. You will also be asked to include your CV and three references.
The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.
About Virginia Tech
Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges, a school of medicine, a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School, and Honors College. The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including the Innovation Campus in Northern Virginia; the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke; sites in Newport News and Richmond; and numerous Extension offices and research centers. A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $500 million in research annually.
Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or military status, or otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose their compensation or the compensation of other employees or applicants, or on any other basis protected by law.
If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact Dreama Price at dreama@vt.eduduring regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.
Advertised: April 12, 2022
Applications close:
