Summary:
The Memphis Zoo is seeking a highly motivated, ambitious, and highly energetic individual for a 1-year Field and Lab Research Technician in the Department of Conservation and Research. Specifically, the Memphis Zoo is seeking a candidate with experience in amphibian ecology, field biology, and conservation.
Purpose:
The purpose of this Research Technician is to assist in Memphis Zoo’s efforts towards amphibian conservation. Working with the Amphibian Conservation Postdoc, the Research Technician will largely focus on the dusky gopher frog recovery program, which is one of Memphis Zoo’s top-tier wildlife conservation priorities, with opportunities to be involved in a wide range of research projects in the Amphibian Lab. We seek candidates who are passionate about amphibian conservation and eager to apply their skills to contribute to both in situ and ex situ conservation and research (See Memphis Zoo website and list of of recent publications).
Essential Job Functions:
- Assist with planning and execution of conservation and research projects, specifically working with the dusky gopher frogs (Lithobates sevosus), which is a flagship conservation species at the Memphis Zoo.
- Assist with in situ conservation and research efforts, including but not limited to logistical planning, field surveys around Memphis and in southern Mississippi (aquatic and terrestrial surveys, multi-day trips), data curation and processing, etc.
- Assist with ex situ conservation and research efforts, including but not limited to behavior and morphological assessments, running laboratory assays, captive-breeding, in vitro fertilization, etc.
- Prepare permit applications and reports.
- Contribute to scientific manuscripts.
- Mentor students and volunteers.
- Foster a positive, collaborative, safe, and encouraging professional environment.
- Perform various duties as assigned.
Minimum Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in biological sciences or related field. (Must be completed by Dec 2024.)
- Experience conducting field work.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Master’s degree in Biology, Ecology, Zoology, or related fields.
- Experience conducting amphibian research projects.
- Experience developing, leading, and managing research projects.
- Exceptional communication, interpersonal, and team facilitation skills.
- Attention to detail and ability to maintain high work quality under pressure.
- Record of effectively communicating conservation and research efforts, goals, and accomplishments to the public.
- Record peer-reviewed publications and/or conference presentations.
- Record of student mentorship.
- Deep understanding and/or lived experience of diversity, equity, and inclusion issues that are at the intersection between workplace dynamics, education, scientific research, and multi-cultural conservation projects.
Competencies:
- Written and oral communication Proficiency
- Proficient in MS Office, current technology and applications for communication, research and record keeping.
- Records and reports creation and management
- Problem Solving/Analysis.
- Stress Management/Composure.
- Flexibility.
- Teamwork Orientation.
Supervisory Responsibility: Students, interns, and volunteers may be the supervisory responsibility of this position.
Reporting Structure: Reports to the Postdoctoral Researcher.
Position Type/Expected Hours of Work: This appointment is for one year, with a possibility for extension. This is a full-time position that works up to 40 hrs per week and may require weekend and holiday work. A mixture of fieldwork, lab work, and administration is to be expected.
Application Deadline: October 15, 2024.
Starting Date: January 15, 2025. Negotiable within limits.
Work Environment: While performing the duties of this job, the employee frequently works in outside weather conditions. The employee is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, fumes or airborne particles, chemicals and vibration.
The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet while in the office, or moderately loud while on Zoo grounds.
Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, talk and hear. The employee is constantly required to use hands and fingers to feel, handle or operate objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl and walk. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, color vision, and the ability to adjust focus.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Other Duties: Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
Other Requirements:
- Valid driver's license.
- Proof of current automobile insurance.
- Clear driving record.
- Clear background check.
- Clear drug screening.
- Clear TB screening.
Benefits (subject to applicable waiting periods):
- Medical, dental, vision.
- FSA, HSA.
- Short and Long Term Disability.
- Group Term Life Insurance and AD&D.
- 401K
To apply: Submit applications directly to https://www.memphiszoo.org/careers. Applications should include the following:
- Cover letter (2 pages max)
- Curriculum vitae
- College transcript (can be unofficial version download by candidate)
- Names and contacts of three people who can provide letters of recommendation at the time of application submission.
All files should be combined into one single PDF with the file name “AmphibResearchTech_LAST NAME” and uploaded under “Documents”.
Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Questions about this position should be directed to Dr. Anne Sabol Postdoctoral Researcher at Memphis Zoo (asabol@memphiszoo.org).
Answer these questions from the employer:
By submitting your application, you hereby certify that the facts set forth in the above employment application are true and complete to the best of your knowledge.
Certification
I certify that the information provided on this application is truthful and accurate. I understand that providing false or misleading information will be basis for rejection of my application, or if employment commences, immediate termination.
I authorize Memphis Zoo to contact former employers and educational organizations regarding my employment and education. I authorize my former employers and educational organizations to fully and freely communicate information regarding my previous employment, attendance, and grades. I authorize those persons designated as references to fully and freely communicate information regarding my previous employment and education.
If an employment relationship is created, I understand that unless I am offered a specific written contract of employment signed on behalf of the organization by its CEO, the employment relationship will be "at-will". In other words, the relationship will be entirely voluntary in nature, and either I or my employer will be able to terminate the employment relationship at any time and without cause.
With appropriate notice, I will have the full and complete discretion to end the employment relationship when I choose for reasons of my choice. Similarly, my employer will have the same right. Moreover, no agent, representative, or employee of Memphis Zoo, except in a specific written contract of employment signed on behalf of the organization by the CEO, has the power to alter or vary the voluntary nature of the employment relationship.
I HAVE CAREFULLY READ THE ABOVE CERTIFICATION AND I UNDERSTAND AND AGREE TO ITS TERMS.
EEOC AND INCLUSION STATEMENT The Memphis Zoo believes that human diversity is as important as the biodiversity we seek to conserve. World-class zoos are comprised of world-class team members representing a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. We value a diverse workplace and strongly encourage people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, members of ethnic minorities, and veterans to apply. The Memphis Zoo is an equal-opportunity employer. Applicants will not be discriminated against because of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, religion, national origin, citizenship status, disability, ancestry, marital status, veteran status, medical condition, or any protected category prohibited by local, state or federal laws. If you need to request any accommodations for the interview or hiring process, please let the Human Resources team (HR) know. HR can be contacted at hrteam@memphiszoo.org. The Memphis Zoo participates in E-Verify and is an EEO/ADA/Veteran employer.
How to Apply: Applications should be submitted via the Memphis Zoo Careers page. Please note that any other application submissions will not be considered. www.memphiszoo.org/careers.
