Amphibian Surveyor (Extended Temporary Employment)

The Research Technician (Amphibian Surveyor) 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. This position will conduct daytime and nighttime surveys for bullfrogs and endangered Chiricahua leopard frogs, implement and/or assist in bullfrog eradication efforts, conduct and/or assist in Chiricahua leopard frog translocation efforts, collect genetic samples and disease samples from various amphibian species, and assist with other research and monitoring projects as necessary. Some data entry will be required. This position will involve repeated overnight travel, camping in remote areas, working and hiking in hot, rugged field conditions carrying packs up to and exceeding 40 lbs, and operating a 4x4 vehicle. Applicant must 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.

This is an Extended Temporary Employment (ETE) position.

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

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• Assist with surveying wetland habitats for
  native and non-native amphibians using standardized survey methods. This will
  include daytime and nighttime area-constrained visual encounter surveys combined with dipnetting. Technicians will record all observations of native and non-native amphibians on
  standardized data sheets as well as additional survey data (e.g., start/end
  times, weather conditions, vegetation levels). All survey sites have been
  preselected; no site selection work will be required.
• Under guidance, 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.
• Assist with the collection of 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.
• Assist with data entry and management. Data from the standardized amphibian surveyor datasheets will be entered by hand
  (i.e., manually) into a preprepared Excel file.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs):

• 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.). Must provide own
  camping gear.

This job posting reflects the general nature and level of work expected of the selected candidate(s). It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. The institution reserves the right to amend or update this description as organizational priorities and institutional needs evolve.

• Prior work experience not required.
• High school diploma or high school diploma equivalency is required.
• Must have a valid driver's license and ability to drive according to the University Fleet Safety Policy.