Paid Research Assistant: Research Associate – Coastal Birds (SC)
The South Carolina Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit and the Department of Forestry and Environmental Conservation at Clemson University seek to hire a Research Associate to conduct research on the ecology of seabirds and shorebirds in coastal South Carolina, USA. Deadline to apply: 10/22/2023.
Agency/Organization: South Carolina Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, Department of Forestry and Environmental Conservation at Clemson University
Location: Clemson, South Carolina
Website: https://jobs.rwfm.tamu.edu/view-job/?id=84139
Job Description: The South Carolina Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit and the Department of Forestry and Environmental Conservation at Clemson University seek to hire a Research Associate to conduct research on the ecology of seabirds and shorebirds in coastal South Carolina, USA. As part of a broader project assessing contaminant levels of coastal birds in the region, our lab will be tracking breeding adults and collecting biological and environmental samples for contaminant analysis. Data collection will occur at field sites ~4-5 hours from Clemson during March to August of 2024. Our lab will take the lead on the collection, management, analysis, and interpretation of movement data while collaborators at the University of Rhode Island will lead analyses of contaminant data.
Field work will occur in estuarine, tidal river, and nearshore environments and require extensive use of motorboats. Focal species are likely to include American Oystercatcher, Brown Pelican, and Black Skimmer. A dedicated field technician will also be part of our team (to be hired at a later date). The hire will be expected to work on campus at Clemson University prior to and following the field season, lead field work in coastal SC, participate in team research meetings, manage and analyze data streams, and manage equipment and samples. The scientist will be supervised by Dr. Patrick Jodice at the South Carolina Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit and by Dr. Juliet Lamb with The Nature Conservancy. The scientist will be an employee of Clemson University. Research partners include The Nature Conservancy, University of Rhode Island, EPA, and SC Department of Natural Resources.
Qualifications: This position requires a BS in the field of wildlife, zoology, marine science, or a related discipline although a MS degree is preferred. We are seeking a candidate who is able to capture and handle birds; attach bands and manage banding data; collect biological samples including feathers, blood, and eggs; attach biologgers; and collect environmental samples (e.g., water, sediments, vegetation). The field team will be required to operate 12-16′ power boats in tidal areas and estuaries (including launching and trailering power boats) and candidates will be required to attend safety training for such operations if not already certified. Experience analyzing movement data is desirable although our team can provide support with analysis. Excellent oral and written communication skills and the willingness and ability to work both in field and lab settings in a collaborative research environment are essential. This is a one-year appointment with an anticipated start date of December 2023 to January 2024. A starting salary cannot be provided until HR assess and rates the selected candidate, although we have budgeted for ~ 45k/year.
Wage: ~$45,000 per year
To apply: Applications can only be accepted through the Clemson University Careers Page here. Choose “External Applicants” and search for job # 108231 (Research Specialist – Forestry & Environmental Conservation). Although the closing date is currently listed as 10/8/2023, it will be extended by ~2 weeks. Questions can be emailed to Dr. Patrick Jodice at the email listed below or to Dr. Juliet Lamb at juliet.lamb@tnc.org.
Application Deadline: 10/22/2023
Start Date: 1/1/2024
Contact: Patrick Jodice (pjodice@g.clemson.edu) and Juliet Lamb (juliet.lamb@tnc.org)
