Benefits:

Gratis Lodging (No Pets/No Smoking)

Avian Conservation Field Technicians - Seasonal Seeking (7) Seasonal Research Assistants to begin work immediately in support of a ground-nesting bird monitoring project at Avon Park Air Force Range and DeLuca Preserve in south-central Florida. These positions are seasonal, four-month appointments with the potential for extension based on project needs and performance. The roles are hourly, non-exempt, with a compensation rate of $15.25 per hour, and include shared gratis lodging, paid vacation and sick leave. Applicants should possess a strong interest or academic background in biology, ecology, or environmental science, and must be capable of working outdoors in variable field conditions. Attention to detail, reliability, and the ability to work effectively as part of a team are essential.

GENERAL QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Ecology, Wildlife Science, related field, or equivalent experience

Demonstrated ability to navigate and work alone in the field

Ability to re-sight color banded birds

Experience operating 4WD vehicles, excellent judgment when navigating poor roads (loose sand, mud holes, standing water)

Ability to hike several kilometers over uneven terrain while carrying up to 40lbs of equipment

Diligence when following protocols and entering data

Willingness to work on an active military base (Avon Park Air Force Range) or active cattle ranch (DeLuca Preserve)

Willingness to work a non-regular schedule that may include some weekends

Tolerance for Florida’s high heat and humidity, and abundance of biting insects

Dedication, sensitivity, and attention to detail when working with threatened and endangered species

Good and responsive communication with supervisors, coworkers, and housemates

Valid driver’s license and personal vehicle to access off-site housing. Field vehicles will be provided.

Must be eligible for employment in the U.S. and have the ability to provide valid documentation. Archbold is an E-Verify employer.

Florida Grasshopper Sparrow Assistants (2) Two assistants needed starting March 9, 2026. Primary duties include finding and monitoring Florida Grasshopper Sparrow (FGSP) nests, conducting point count surveys, reading color bands, installing predator exclusion equipment, conducting habitat surveys, and treating invasive fire ants. Competitive applicants will have experience:

Identifying species of the Eastern flyway by sight and sound

Conducting point count surveys

Working with grassland birds and/or sparrows

Nest-searching for ground nesting birds using behavior cues

Ability to maintain focus during early mornings to detect elusive birds and collect behavioral information on reproductive status

Ground-nesting bird Assistants (4) Four assistants needed starting March 9, 2026; (2) at Avon Park Air Force Range and (2) at DeLuca Preserve. Primary duties include conducting habitat surveys, conducting point count surveys, breeding index surveys, reading color bands, surveying for and treating invasive fire ants, and assisting with Florida Grasshopper Sparrow conservation actions (outlined above). Competitive applicants will have experience:

Identifying species of the Eastern flyway by sight and sound

Identifying grassland plants of the Southeastern United States

Conducting point count surveys

Nest-searching for ground nesting birds using behavior cues

Identifying breeding bird behavior and fledglings

Red-cockaded Woodpecker Assistant (1) One assistant needed starting March 9, 2026. Primary duties include identifying birds by reading color bands, monitoring cavities and nest attempts using peeper cameras, assisting with banding nestlings and adults, performing cavity maintenance activities (which involves climbing Swedish ladders up to 30 ft. high), conducting habitat assessments, and entering and managing data. Competitive applicants will have experience:

Reading color bands

Monitoring bird nests

Watching, recording, and interpreting bird behavior

Conducting habitat assessments/forest inventories

Entering, proofing, and summarizing data

Conservation Science of Military Lands Program Archbold Biological Station is a renowned scientific research and conservation non-profit located in south-central Florida. These positions are associated with Archbold Biological Station’s Conservation Science of Military Lands Program, headed by Dr. Todd Jones. Archbold researchers have been studying and conserving endangered species at the Avon Park Air Force Range since 1993. Avon Park Air Force Range is a 106,000-acre military installation that protects some of the best examples of native habitats in the region. DeLuca Preserve is a 27,000-acre Conservation Easement and working cattle ranch managed by Ducks Unlimited and the University of Florida located within the Avon Park Air Force Range Sentinel Landscape (learn more) near Kenansville, FL. For more information about our program see our lab website: https://archbold-station.org/programs/conservation-of-military-landscapes/

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS Applicants should upload a cover letter, resume or CV, and contact information for three references as a single pdf titled with the applicant’s surname. Cover letters should link the applicant’s experience to the job responsibilities and qualifications, highlighting relevant experience from their CV.

The deadline to apply is October 26. Questions can be directed to Mary Marine (mmarine@archbold-station.org).