Scientific Research Specialist

University of Maine; Fort Kent (ME); On-site; USD 25,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Mileage reimbursement

Lodging provided

Job summary

The University of Maine at Fort Kent seeks a detail-oriented Scientific Research Specialist to perform field inventory and sampling for winter ticks across study sites in Northern Maine. This temporary five-week, full-time role involves hands-on data collection during autumn peak activity.

You will travel to remote forested locations, follow standardized sampling protocols, and document ecological data. Field mileage and lodging are reimbursed; the position pays $18 per hour.

Qualifications

• Background in Forestry, Wildlife Biology, Ecology or Environmental Science.
• Experience outdoors in dense cover and long autumn hours.
• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation; travel and overnight stays may be required.
• Strong attention to detail in species identification, labeling and protocol adherence.

Responsibilities

• Execute standardized field sampling protocols for winter tick inventory.
• Travel to designated field study sites on a daily or weekly schedule.
• Maintain precise field notes and accurate data entry.
• Follow field safety protocols in outdoor environments.
• Undertake other duties as assigned.

Skills

Field sampling

GPS navigation

Data recording

Attention to detail

Independent work

Education

Forest Technician diploma

B.Sc. student/graduate

Job description

The University of Maine at Fort Kent is seeking to hire a detail-oriented and motivated Scientific Research Specialist to conduct field inventory and sampling for winter ticks (Dermacentor albipictus) across designated study sites in Northern Maine. This temporary 5-week, full-time position involves active field data collection during the peak autumn tick host-seeking period (September through November).

The successful candidate will travel to remote and forested field locations, execute sampling protocols, and record accurate ecological data. Field mileage and lodging expenses will be compensated. The pay for this position is $18/hr.

Key Responsibilities:

• Execute standardized field sampling protocols for winter tick inventory (e.g., tick drag sampling, vegetation sweeps, and habitat assessments).
• Travel to designated field study sites on a daily or weekly schedule as required by the survey plan.
• Keep precise, detailed field notes and manage digital data entry accurately.
• Adhere strictly to field safety protocols, working effectively in outdoor environments under varying weather conditions.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

• Background or ongoing studies in Forestry, Wildlife Biology, Ecology, Environmental Science, or a related field (e.g., Forest Technician diploma or B.Sc. student/graduate).
• Experience working outdoors in dense cover, navigation using GPS/maps, and comfortable working long hours in autumn weather conditions.
• Must possess a valid Driver’s License and reliable transportation (or be eligible to drive project vehicles). Ability to travel and stay overnight near study sites as needed.
• Strong attention to detail, particularly regarding species identification, protocol adherence, and sample labeling.
• Ability to work independently in the field while maintaining regular communication with the project lead.

We are not able to consider applicants who require Visa sponsorship support.

Appropriate background checks are required.

About the University

Located on the northernmost border of Maine, the University of Maine at Fort Kent is a career-focused campus offering relevant, experiential, academic programs and services with personalized attention. UMFK’s diverse student population enjoys the opportunity to live and learn in a beautiful, natural setting and a caring, friendly atmosphere where they thrive as engaged members of the community.

Our vision is that UMFK will transform students into professionals who have the knowledge, skills, and dispositions necessary to meet the evolving demands of a modern workforce.

Taught by full-time faculty, our average class size is 16 students to one faculty member. Our students come to us from throughout the United States as well as approximately 30 countries.

The great outdoor environment of the St. John Valley and forests of New England provide UMFK with abundant resources for learning and research, as well as easy access to the joys of outdoor sports and nature activities. The University and surrounding communities also play important roles in preserving, cultivating, and celebrating the Franco-American/Acadian culture in the St. John Valley and housing one of two Acadian Archives/Archives acadiennes in the nation. UMFK is the only institution in the United States located at the center of the French culture of northern Maine, eastern New Brunswick, and western Québec, offering opportunities for students to study and live in a bilingual region. The surrounding town of Fort Kent is a welcoming town of approximately 3,800 people who are active in various festivals, community gatherings, and civic work. UMFK is embedded near the center of town allowing easy access to amenities and the community at large.

UMFK ranks among the top tier of all northern colleges for the tenth consecutive year, according to the U.S. News & World Report 2021 rankings. For the past 15 years, UMFK has been repeatedly selected as one of the outstanding colleges and universities that The Princeton Review recommends to college applicants in its print and online editions.

Equal Opportunity Statement

The University of Maine System (the System) is an equal opportunity institution committed to fostering a nondiscriminatory environment and complying with all applicable nondiscrimination laws. Consistent with State and Federal law, the System does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender, gender identity or expression, ethnicity, national origin, citizenship status, familial status, ancestry, age, disability (physical or mental), genetic information, pregnancy, or veteran or military status in any aspect of its education, programs and activities, and employment. The System provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. If you believe you have experienced discrimination or harassment, you are encouraged to contact the System Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX Services at 5713 Chadbourne Hall, Room 412, Orono, ME 04469-5713, by calling 207.581.1226, or via TTY at 711 (Maine Relay System). For more information about Title IX or to file a complaint, please contact the UMS Title IX Coordinator at www.maine.edu/title-ix/.

Clery Act

The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, or Clery Act, mandates that all Title IV institutions, such as the University, prepare, publish and distribute an Annual Security Report, (ASR) and provide notice of the availability of the ASR to all prospective employees. This report consists of two basic parts: disclosure of the University’s crime statistics for the past three calendar years; and disclosures regarding the University’s current campus security policies. You may view the University’s Annual Security Report. If you have any questions, contact Student Affairs at [phone].