Research Assistant (Seasonal) - Avon Park, FL

Overview

Avian Conservation Field Technicians - Seasonal Seeking (7) Seasonal Research Assistants to begin work immediately in support of a ground-nesting bird monitoring project at Avon Park Air Force Range and DeLuca Preserve in south-central Florida. These positions are seasonal, four-month appointments with the potential for extension based on project needs and performance. The roles are hourly, non-exempt, with a compensation rate of $15.25 per hour, and include shared gratis lodging, paid vacation and sick leave. Applicants should possess a strong interest or academic background in biology, ecology, or environmental science, and must be capable of working outdoors in variable field conditions. Attention to detail, reliability, and the ability to work effectively as part of a team are essential.

Benefits

Gratis Lodging (No Pets / No Smoking)

General qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Biology, Ecology, Wildlife Science, related field, or equivalent experience
• Demonstrated ability to navigate and work alone in the field
• Ability to re-sight color banded birds
• Experience operating 4WD vehicles, excellent judgment when navigating poor roads (loose sand, mud holes, standing water)
• Ability to hike several kilometers over uneven terrain while carrying up to 40lbs of equipment
• Diligence when following protocols and entering data
• Willingness to work on an active military base (Avon Park Air Force Range) or active cattle ranch (DeLuca Preserve)
• Willingness to work a non-regular schedule that may include some weekends
• Tolerance for Florida's high heat and humidity, and abundance of biting insects
• Dedication, sensitivity, and attention to detail when working with threatened and endangered species
• Good and responsive communication with supervisors, coworkers, and housemates
• Valid driver's license and personal vehicle to access off-site housing. Field vehicles will be provided.
• Must be eligible for employment in the U.S. and have the ability to provide valid documentation. Archbold is an E-Verify employer.

Florida Grasshopper Sparrow Assistants

(2) Two assistants needed starting March 9, 2026. Primary duties include finding and monitoring Florida Grasshopper Sparrow (FGSP) nests, conducting point count surveys, reading color bands, installing predator exclusion equipment, conducting habitat surveys, and treating invasive fire ants. Competitive applicants will have experience :

Ground-nesting bird Assistants

Four assistants needed starting March 9, 2026; (2) at Avon Park Air Force Range and (2) at DeLuca Preserve. Primary duties include conducting habitat surveys, conducting point count surveys, breeding index surveys, reading color bands, surveying for and treating invasive fire ants, and assisting with Florida Grasshopper Sparrow conservation actions (outlined above). Competitive applicants will have experience :

Red-cockaded Woodpecker Assistant

(1) One assistant needed starting March 9, 2026. Primary duties include identifying birds by reading color bands, monitoring cavities and nest attempts using peeper cameras, assisting with banding nestlings and adults, performing cavity maintenance activities (which involves climbing Swedish ladders up to 30 ft. high), conducting habitat assessments, and entering and managing data. Competitive applicants will have experience :

Program context

Conservation Science of Military Lands Program Archbold Biological Station is a renowned scientific research and conservation non-profit located in south-central Florida. These positions are associated with Archbold Biological Station's Conservation Science of Military Lands Program, headed by Dr. Todd Jones. Archbold researchers have been studying and conserving endangered species at the Avon Park Air Force Range since 1993. Avon Park Air Force Range is a 106,000-acre military installation that protects some of the best examples of native habitats in the region. DeLuca Preserve is a 27,000-acre Conservation Easement and working cattle ranch managed by Ducks Unlimited and the University of Florida located within the Avon Park Air Force Range Sentinel Landscape near Kenansville, FL. For more information about our program see our lab website : https : / / archbold-station.org / programs / conservation-of-military-landscapes /

Application instructions

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS : Applicants should upload a cover letter, resume or CV, and contact information for three references as a single pdf titled with the applicant's surname. Cover letters should link the applicant's experience to the job responsibilities and qualifications, highlighting relevant experience from their CV.

The deadline to apply is October 26. Questions can be directed to Mary Marine (mmarine@archbold-station.org).

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