Job Details

East Stroudsburg University is hiring a Wildlife Field Technician! Located in the beautiful Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania, ESU’s proximity to New York City and Philadelphia provides convenient access to internships, careers and social activities. Just minutes from campus are the country’s largest water parks, scenic Delaware Water Gap Recreation Area, Appalachian Trail, and other opportunities for recreational fun.

As the Wildlife Field Technician, you will need to think creatively and be comfortable working in small groups with student researchers to trap, handle, and take samples from live small mammals while adhering to research methodologies and IACUC-approved protocols. You will be an active member of the Dr. Jane Huffman Wildlife Genetics Institute and will record all field notes accurately, generate reports, and follow standards of practice for sample storage. You will thrive in this role if you like combining your knowledge of wildlife management and field research experience while maintaining a high sense of curiosity. To be successful in this role, you must be detail-oriented, organized and eager to learn a breadth of techniques.

This position will be located in Northeast PA - Monroe and Pike County and Northwest PA - Crawford and Mercer County. 

This is a temporary grant-funded position. Typical hours are Monday-Friday 8 am – 4:30 pm. You may have to flex your schedule from time to time with occasional evening and/or weekend work being required.  When our team shows up for work, they are energized and motivated to succeed - all while being the most crucial piece to keeping the Dr. Jane Huffman Wildlife Genetics Institute operations humming.

What Will I Do At ESU? (AKA Essential Duties)

• Adhere to field safety procedures, carry out IACUC protocols for handling small mammals and conduct sampling from small mammals which will include retro-orbital eye bleeds.
• Identify small mammal habitats in various environments and set and bait live traps. Apply approved pesticides at designated sites using a backpack sprayer and mist blower under the direction of a certified pesticide applicator.
• Identify ticks morphologically to separate, log and store ticks for future DNA analysis of tickborne pathogens and conduct tick drags to quantify tick densities at each study site.
• Collect, document, and store all samples using electronic notebooks and following standards of practice.
• Assist with carrying out tests using scientific techniques, such as DNA extractions, polymerase chain reaction, genotyping, genetic sequencing, and gel electrophoresis. Deploy interventions at designated sites and conduct weekly inspections
• Collaborate with the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), Department of Environmental Protection, Department of Health, local Vector Control agencies, and local Colleges and Universities, along with the community on the research goals and objectives.
• Conduct any needed public outreach to landowners or school districts on approval and access to study sites
• Perform other duties as assigned.

What We're Looking For (AKA Qualifications)

• Associate degree in Wildlife Management OR any combination of experience or training which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.
• Possession of a Valid Pennsylvania Driver’s License.
• Self-motivated, organized, independent, and eager to learn a breadth of techniques.
• Bachelor of Science in Biology, Wildlife Biology, Ecology, Environmental Biology or a closely related field of study with a minimum of 6 credit hours in ecology and wildlife biology preferred.
• Minimum of 1-year experience assisting or conducting field research preferred.
• Experience identifying insects and arachnids preferred.
• Ability to hike various terrains for long distances in varying climatic conditions, carry or move 50-lbs, and use two-way radios per the Federal Communications Commission preferred.

What We Offer

• Outstanding benefits
• Salary: $21.43/hr
• Living by the Warrior Code:
  • Accountable for One's Actions
  • Committed to Self-Growth
  • Willing to Sacrifice for the Greater Good
  • Positive, Honest, and Loyal
  • Respectful of the Environment and Community
  • Dedicated to Empowering Others

We believe diversity, inclusion and belonging is key for our teams. 
Much like our academic programs, we are proud to foster a workplace that is unique to higher education. As an organization focused on diversity, inclusion and belonging, we are committed to ensuring our employees are comfortable bringing their authentic selves to work every day. A unique perspective is critical to solving complex problems and inspiring others.

And yes, legal made us spell this out…
Must be at least 18 years old and have English literacy skills. Employment with ESU is contingent on the selected candidate passing a thorough background check that includes: FBI fingerprinting, PA Child Abuse, and employment. We are proud ESU is an equal opportunity employer. For more information on President Long's 10-point plan, click here: https://www.esu.edu/president/10-action-plan.cfm