Research Technician II (Extended Temporary Employment) (Multiple Positions)

The School of Natural Resources and the Environment seeks to fill the positions of Research Technicians. The Research Techs will assist with ongoing projects to aid in the restoration and recovery of imperiled native wildlife in riparian and aquatic systems including eradication efforts for non-native American bullfrog, monitoring projects for federally threatened Chiricahua leopard frogs, and implementing Chiricahua leopard frog recovery actions. These positions will be responsible for leading and training field crews in the implementation of project activities including conducting daytime and nighttime surveys for bullfrogs and endangered Chiricahua leopard frogs, implementing and/or assisting in bullfrog eradication efforts, conducting and/or assisting with Chiricahua leopard frog translocation efforts, collecting genetic samples and disease samples from various amphibian species, and assisting with other research and monitoring projects as necessary. Part of the work performed by these positions is data entry. Completing the work will involve repeated overnight travel, camping in remote areas, working and hiking in hot, rugged field conditions, carrying packs up to 50 lbs and operating a 4x4 vehicle. The ideal candidate will have at least six months of previous experience in conducting surveys for amphibians in southeast Arizona, have attended the Chiricahua leopard frog workshop training offered by Arizona Game and Fish Department and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and possess necessary state and federal permits.

Outstanding UA benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; UA/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; state and optional retirement plans; access to UA recreation and cultural activities; and more!

The University of Arizona has been recognized for our innovative work-life programs. For more information about working at the University of Arizona and relocations services, please click here.

• Lead field crews that will implement bullfrog control methods by removing bullfrogs seen during surveys. Removal methods will include hand-capture, capture with a net, or lethal removal using firearms. All surveyors will receive the U.S. Geological Survey's Specimen Collection with Firearms safety training course.
• Collect genetic and disease samples from native and non-native amphibians. Genetic samples will include toe-clips from adult frogs or tail-clips from tadpoles which will be placed in individual 95% ethanol tubes. Disease samples will involve using prepackaged swabs to swab the external surfaces of amphibians and then place swabs in individual 95% ethanol tubes.
• Data entry and management. Data from the standardized amphibian surveyor datasheets will be entered by hand (i.e., manually) into a pre-prepared Excel file.

Knowledge, skills and abilities:

• Ability to transport up to 50 lbs in rugged terrain
• Ability to provide own camping gear
• Ability to reliably identify all native and nonnative amphibians in southeast Arizona under field conditions, including nighttime conditions
• Ability to survey for native and non-native amphibians using standardized methods and record data on standardized data sheets
• Ability to implement bullfrog control methods
• Knowledge of field conditions of southeast Arizona (e.g., extreme heat, thunderstorms, thick vegetation, etc.)

• High school diploma or high school diploma equivalency is required
• Minimum of 3 years of relevant experience, or equivalent combination of education and work experience
• Ability to drive according to the
  University Fleet Safety Policy.

• Bachelor's degree in wildlife resources, biology, or related field
• Six months or greater of previous experience in conducting surveys for amphibians in southeast Arizona
• Completion of the Chiricahua leopard frog workshop training offered by Arizona Game and Fish Department and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
• Possession of necessary state and federal permits

April Bagley

aprilbagley@arizona.edu