DescriptionGENERAL PURPOSE
Conservation Interns will assist with rewilding Federal- and California-endangered Blunt-nosed Leopard Lizards (Gambelia sila, BNLL) to relict San Joaquin Desert habitat in the Panoche Hills in central California. By assisting with the recovery of an endangered species, Conservation Interns will directly advance the mission and vision of Fresno’s Chaffee Zoo Corporation (FCZC). This is a seasonal position lasting approximately 15 weeks.
We are pleased to offer this part time position an Employee Assistance Program, 401K, Paid CA Sick Time. The pay range for this position is $17.78 - $18.10 per hour. Offers will be based on the successful candidate’s experience.
ESSENTIAL ACCOUNTABILITIES
• Perform or assist with phenotype assays. Phenotypes to be measured include morphology [e.g., length, mass], thermoregulation via thermal gradient assay, fecal corticosterone concentration via commercial EIA, and behavior [aggression and boldness].
• Perform regular radiotelemetry to locate animals.
• Assist with field ultrasound to assess reproductive output of females.
• Perform regular field surveys.
• Assist Conservation Manager and Conservation Specialist in keeping field supplies organized and prepped for the next field day.
• Assist with construction/maintenance of Automated Radio Telemetry System at Panoche Plateau.
• Assist with data collection and analysis to assess re-wilding success and natural selection on the landscape.
• Assist with husbandry of blunt-nosed leopard lizards housed in the Conservation Action Center including preparing and administering daily diets, cleaning and disinfecting animal enclosures, and seeing that animals have sufficient water that is refreshed throughout each day.
• Maintain a field journal and take part in weekly field team meetings, including discussions of relevant scientific literature.
• Safely operates a vehicle for business purposes including but not limited to going to and from the zoo’s facilities offsite.
• Perform additional responsibilities as assigned to support team and organizational goals.
QualificationsEDUCATION AND JOB QUALIFICATIONS
• High school diploma required.
• Early career wildlife professional experience preferred by meeting one of the following:
o Currently enrolled in a 2-year or 4-year degree program in Conservation Biology, Wildlife Science, Integrative Organismal Biology or related field or;
o Graduated from one of the above degree programs within the last two (2) years or;
o Three (3) months to two (2) years of prior full-time work experience as a wildlife biologist or similar.
• California driver's license, valid vehicle insurance, enrolled in the CA Employer Pull Notice program and successful completion of the FCZ Drivers Training Program required.
• Strong verbal and written English communications skills required. Bilingual (Spanish or Hmong) communication skills a plus
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
These are physical and mental requirements of the position as it is typically performed. Inability to meet one or more of these physical or mental requirements will not automatically disqualify a candidate or employee from the position. Upon request for reasonable accommodation, the Zoo may be able to adjust or excuse one or more of these requirements, depending on the requirement, the essential functions to which it relates, and the proposed accommodation.
• This position requires the employee to stand and walk continuously for up to 4 hours at a time during the shift.
• The employee is regularly required to kneel, bend, stoop, or crouch when collecting or working with research animals.
• Close visual acuity to perform activities such as preparing and analyzing data and figures, viewing a computer terminal, and extensive reading. Color perception is also required.
• Ability to receive detailed information through oral communication (in person and via telephone) at normal speaking levels with or without correction.
• Expressing or exchanging ideas through the spoken word. The employee must convey detailed or important spoken information to others in individual and small group settings.
• Hand and finger dexterity is sufficient for typing and other administrative tasks.
• Must be able to lift, push, pull or carry up to 40 lbs.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
• This position regularly works with others including Zoo executives and employees.
• This position functions both indoors and outdoors, with possible exposure to heat, cold, inclement weather, poor air quality, insects, Zoo environments, harsh desert environments, and external events.
• The employee may be exposed to environmental substances such as dust/dirt from Zoo grounds and field sites.
• The position works in close proximity to Zoo animals.
• Regular local travel and occasional out-of-town travel may be required.
• Ability to work overtime, evenings, weekdays, weekends, and holidays.
