Together with the Associate Director of Field Conservation, devises, plans, supervises, and executes a fifteen-month research program intended to increase our understanding of the dynamics of mammalian predation on juvenile and adult wood turtles and to devise methods that may decrease the rate of this predation. The Post-Doctoral Research Fellow will compile and analyze the results of this research, take a leading role in summarizing the findings in reports for permitting agencies and partners and in manuscripts for peer-reviewed journals. The research fellow will also assist with monitoring wood turtle populations that are being studied by the Field Conservation Department and will become familiar with the department's other conservation management programs, participating in those other projects as time permits.
Duties & Responsibilities
- Oversees and conducts field studies on the species identity, seasonality and timing, and distribution among available habitat types of mammalian predation attempts on wood turtles through the use of wood turtle facsimiles, camera-traps, and genetic analysis of swabs taken from radio-tracked wood turtles.
- Collects field data on the distribution, abundance, and movement patterns of the primary mammal species likely to prey on wood turtles in the area of selected wood turtle populations.
- Tests out possible methods to reduce mammalian predation on wood turtles through the use of aversive conditioning technologies or habitat modification.
- Collects data on stress hormone levels of free-living wood turtles and possibly on the relative boldness of individuals and the relation between those traits and the risk of death or injury by predators.
- Assists in radio-tracking and finding and protecting nests of wood turtles and in other field projects as time permits.
- Conducts a literature review on studies of mammalian predation on turtles and on the ecology of selected mammal species and uses existing and new field data to model and estimate the impacts of mammalian predation on wood turtle populations in Massachusetts.
- Works with FCD staff to enter, compile, and analyze data related to the above studies and takes a leading role in drafting reports and manuscripts for permitting and for peer-review.
- Works with supervisor to seek out funding opportunities to continue and expand this research program beyond the term described here.
Hours, Location and Term of Appointment
Hours: Full-Time, generally Mondays through Fridays. Evening, night-time, and weekend work will be necessary at times as required by field work, particularly during turtle nesting season.
Location: The Field Conservation Department office is in Acton, MA, but the Research Fellow will spend much time working at field sites throughout eastern Massachusetts.
Term: Twelve months - July, 2024 through June, 2025.
Wage: $30.00/hour
Working Conditions
- Frequent exposure and close contact with a variety of animals including mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish and insects, including direct handling of large snapping turtles and other potentially injurious wildlife, as well as exposure to ticks, mosquitos, and other biting arthropods.
- Frequent field work in difficult natural conditions, including wetlands, streams, and brush thickets.
- Frequent exposure to varying and challenging weather conditions (g. heat, rain, snow, ice), and to dust, and allergens.
Minimum Job Requirements
- D. degree in conservation biology or a related biological discipline or a terminal degree in veterinary medicine with demonstrated experience conducting field work with wild animals
- Experience in conducting and managing field research projects and in analyzing and reporting upon the results of those projects
- Excellent organizational skills
- Superb written and verbal communications skills, including experience with writing and editing non-technical publications and conducting public presentations and educational programs
- Commitment to teamwork, excellence, continuous improvement, creativity, and innovation
- Adherence to zoonotic disease prevention protocols as mandated by Zoo New England
- Must have completed rabies pre-exposure prophylaxis vaccinations
- Must possess a valid drivers' license and be able to lawfully drive in Massachusetts
Preferred Job Requirements
- Record of successful grant applications and grant administration
- Record of peer-reviewed publications in relevant disciplines
- Field experience with reptile species
- Radiotelemetry experience
- Experience with the use of camera traps
- Proficiency in R statistical software or equivalent
- Priority will be given to early applicants
Zoo New England is an Equal Opportunity Employer by Choice
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