Seasonal Diamondback Terrapin Technician

Jekyll Island, Georgia Vacation, Conservation, and Education Destination; Paris; Hybride; EUR 40 000 - 60 000; Temps partiel

Résumé du poste

An organization focused on conservation in Île-de-France is hiring a Seasonal Diamondback Terrapin Technician. This role involves monitoring road mortality of diamondback terrapins, conducting field research, and engaging with volunteers and the public. Candidates should have a Bachelor's degree in a related field and experience in wildlife management. The position is seasonal, from April to August 2025, with potential for extension. The role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to conservation efforts in a dynamic environment.

Prestations

Parking pass

Housing for $300/month

Amenity passes

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in related field (e.g., wildlife management, ecology, biology, zoology) required with a minimum of one (1) year related experience.
• Ability to self-manage time to ensure that all responsibilities are met.
• Team player with excellent interpersonal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work a demanding schedule including weekends and holidays.

Responsabilités

• Monitor and mitigate diamondback terrapin road mortality.
• Inventory, prepare, and maintain survey equipment throughout the season.
• Collect morphometric data on DBTs and fill out digital survey forms.
• Engage with members of the public and volunteers.

Connaissances

Self-management

Interpersonal communication

Attention to detail

Problem-solving

Physical fitness

Formation

Bachelor's degree in wildlife management or related field

Outils

Field research equipment

Digital survey forms

Motor vehicles

Description du poste

Position: Seasonal Diamondback Terrapin Technician

Location: Jekyll Island, GA

Job Id:1700

# of Openings:1

Job Title: Diamondback Terrapin Technician (1 position available)

Department: Georgia Sea Turtle Center

Status:Seasonal (April – August 2025 with possibility of extension, not to exceed 6 months)

Pay:$15.97 per hour

Reports to: Natural Resources Manager

Benefits: JIA Parking pass and Amenity passes, Georgia Defined Contribution Plan (GDCP)

Closing date: Open until filled

Note: This is seasonal position that will not exceed 6 months in duration and may work up to 40 hours week plus overtime when required.

Jekyll Island is dedicated to maintaining the delicate balance between nature and humankind through conservation, education, and preservation. Surrounded by salt marshes, expansive oceanfront, and ancient maritime forests, it is situated within the chain of the Golden Isles and just a few miles from St. Simons Island, Sea Island, and Brunswick. As a State Park, Jekyll Island is a coastal haven where nature and humans peacefully co‑exist.

Job Summary

Under general direction, works under the supervision of the Natural Resources Manager, Wildlife Biologist, and Director of Conservation to continue a long‑term field‑based efforts to monitor and mitigate diamondback terrapin (DBT) road mortality along the Jekyll Island Downing‑Musgrove Causeway. The DBT technician will be responsible for leading all field aspects of the diamondback terrapin conservation program, including daily monitoring of the Downing‑Musgrove Causeway (April through July), experimental mitigation fence, data collection, inventory and maintenance of DBT kits, assisting volunteers, and frequent impromptu public interaction. At the conclusion of the diamondback terrapin season, duties will shift to encompass assistance with other conservation duties.

Description of duties

Conduct all aspects of the diamondback terrapin conservation project including:

• Review relevant literature and background information on diamondback terrapins and the long‑term mark‑recapture project on Jekyll.
• Inventory, prepare, and maintain survey equipment throughout the season.
• Monitor causeway by work vehicle and on foot, collecting morphometric data on DBTs, marking animals for future identification using notches and PIT tags, and filling out digital survey forms.
• Conduct quality assurance and quality control of digital and physical data collected by self and other staff.
• Remove alive, dead, and injured terrapins from the roadways.
• Act as lead contact for other JIA staff on terrapin encounters and inquiries.
• Monitor and maintain 2,000-linear feet of barrier fence to reduce terrapin road mortality and nest depredation, including the use of herbicide as well as gas and battery‑powered lawn equipment.
• Lead and assist with ongoing nest studies around a barrier fence, including nest viability analysis and studies of simulated terrapin egg depredation along the Jekyll Island Causeway.
• Aid in research and monitoring on the causeway with outside collaborators when assigned.
• Engage with members of the public and volunteers in a friendly and welcoming manner.
• Assisting other department staff with projects, including but not limited to: invasive plant management, native plant propagation, radio tracking rattlesnakes and box turtles, wildlife population surveys (e.g., fish, alligators, shorebirds, deer), UAV mapping missions, water quality monitoring, data analysis, and report writing.
• Perform other relevant or necessary duties as assigned.

Qualifications and required abilities

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in related field (e.g., wildlife management, ecology, biology, zoology) required with a minimum of one (1) year related experience, which may include internships and/or volunteer experience.
• Ability to self‑manage time to ensure that all responsibilities are met.
• Ability to faithfully follow data collection and management protocols with great attention to detail.
• Team player with excellent interpersonal and written communication skills.
• Positive demeanor, with demonstrated ability to solve problems in group settings and individually.
• Diplomatic and patient communication skills; ability to communicate challenging issues.
• Ability to work a demanding schedule including weekends and holidays and be on‑call for emergencies.
• Ability to work with computers, smart devices, and new software to collect and analyze data.
• Ability to operate motor vehicles safely and responsibly.
• Valid driver’s license required.
• Successful completion of criminal and MVR background checks.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience performing field research, including handling, marking (notching, PIT tagging), and collecting morphometrics of wildlife.
• Knowledge of turtle biology, ecology and scientific literature.
• Experience working hands on with diamondback terrapins or other turtle species.
• Experience with ArcPro, Survey123, FieldMaps and/or other ESRI applications or software.

Housing

• For seasonal staff, there is shared housing available for $300.00 per month with a $100 security deposit through Jekyll Island Authority. Housing payment will be paid through payroll deduction if housing is chosen.

Physical Requirements/Working Conditions

• The work schedule may fluctuate throughout the season, but will typically be from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. 5 days a week with 2 consecutive days off. During nesting season, the position’s schedule will typically include weekends with scheduled days off occurring during the work week. Work will also include occasional holidays as necessary (e.g., 4th of July).
• Exert up to 65 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 50 pounds frequently, and/or up to 20 pounds constantly to move objects.
• Drives trucks, vans, and other motorized vehicles every day.
• More than 50% of the typical workday will be spent sitting, standing, and/or walking.
• Between 25% and 50% of the day will be spent lifting, reaching, standing, or sitting.
• Less than 25% of the day will be spent climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, pulling, and grasping.
• Sensory abilities required include vision, hearing and touching with more than 50% of the day spent communicating, talking, and hearing.
• Must have visual clarity to perform up close work, including working with a computer, mobile device, and motor vehicles.
• Work will be performed both inside and outside. Work subject to extreme cold, extreme heat, rain, high humidity, and extremely high densities of biting insects. Work includes potential exposure to vibrations, hazards, infectious diseases, and wildlife. The field portion of this position requires a level of fitness and mental resiliency for variable distances walking through thickly vegetated woods and on the beach. Tolerance of hot, buggy, rainy, inclement field conditions will be needed. Extreme diligence with checking for ticks is required.
• Noise level is considered normal to loud, may require shouting.

This description of job responsibilities is intended to reflect the major responsibilities and duties of the job. It is not intended to describe minor duties or other responsibilities that may be assigned from time to time.

This position is subject to close at any time once a satisfactory applicant pool has been identified. Applicants who complete the online application process will receive an email receipt of submission to the email address provided. If the email confirmation is not received, the applicant may contact Human Resources at 912-635-4024 for confirmation; however, due to the volume of applicants received, we cannot provide information on the application status after receipt. Applicants who need assistance to accommodate a disability may request accommodation by contacting Human Resources at 912-635-4024.

All qualified applicants will be considered but may not necessarily receive an interview. Incomplete applications or applications without accompanying documents when required will not be considered. Selected applicants will be contacted for the next steps in the selection process. Successful completion of background checks requires credit when applicable to the position. Relocation expenses are not authorized; applicants should consider this when applying.

Jekyll Island Authority is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The Authority supports equal employment opportunities for all persons regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, veteran status, or any other status protected by law. The Jekyll Island is a Drug Free Workplace.