Bat field technician
University of Oklahoma (State) | http://beckerlab.weebly.com/
Details
Posting:
Application Deadline:
10/31/2024
Published:
09/24/2024
Starting Date:
between 1/1/2025 and 2/10/2025
Ending Date:
between 11/1/2026 and 1/1/2027
Hours per Week:
40
Salary:
$35,000 to $40,000 per year
Education Required:
Bachelors
Experience Required:
at least 1 year
Location:
Norman, Oklahoma
Tags:
Undergraduate Opportunities
Description
The Becker Lab at the University of Oklahoma (OU), in collaboration with Bat Conservation International (BCI), is seeking a full-time, two-year research technician to support field studies of bats in western Oklahoma and north Texas. The technician will ideally be based around Norman and manage data collection activities for projects relating to bat ecology and disease ecology.
In Oklahoma, led by OU, we are investigating how the immune system and pathogens of Mexican free-tailed bats (Tadarida brasiliensis) change across the migratory and reproductive cycle of this species. We also opportunistically sample other sympatric species, such as cave myotis (Myotis velifer) and pallid bats (Antrozous pallidus). Fieldwork will include monthly sampling over 2–3 nights between March and October near Freedom, OK, and consists of mist-netting and hand-netting bats, recording morphological and demographic data, and collecting biological samples (including but not limited to oral and rectal swabs, blood, fur, and wing biopsies). Data entry, data management, sample organization and storage, field supply inventory and purchasing, and other logistical preparation will also be required in between sampling trips.
In Texas, led by BCI, we are investigating the invasion dynamics of white-nose syndrome (WNS) across the state and the movement ecology of the WNS-affected species, cave bats (Myotis velifer). WNS cave surveys take place in the Texas panhandle for one week in late winter (March/April), early summer (May), late summer (August), and early winter (November/December). WNS surveillance fieldwork involves collecting samples from cave substrates and bats and conducting internal colony counts. Additionally, the research technician will assist with bat capture and processing for the movement study. Lastly, this position will be responsible for maintaining bat acoustic monitoring devices at the sites during trips and all sample, capture, and acoustic data management post-fieldwork.
The successful applicant will have opportunities to attend seminars in OU's School of Biological Sciences and participate in other research projects. There will also be opportunities to contribute to morning fieldwork on migratory songbirds during the winter and spring months in central Oklahoma as well as to occasional fieldwork in Panama. See more information about the Becker Lab on our website (http://beckerlab.weebly.com/). Additionally, this position will work collaboratively with BCI staff on the Science Team and have opportunities for additional professional development with a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to ending bat extinctions worldwide.
This position is ideal for recent graduates with MSc or undergraduate degrees in ecology, wildlife biology, mammalogy, or conservation with relevant field experience with bats. The successful applicant will manage all bat field activities, including overseeing and coordinating other project personnel (graduate students and undergraduates).
Required qualifications:
In Oklahoma, led by OU, we are investigating how the immune system and pathogens of Mexican free-tailed bats (Tadarida brasiliensis) change across the migratory and reproductive cycle of this species. We also opportunistically sample other sympatric species, such as cave myotis (Myotis velifer) and pallid bats (Antrozous pallidus). Fieldwork will include monthly sampling over 2–3 nights between March and October near Freedom, OK, and consists of mist-netting and hand-netting bats, recording morphological and demographic data, and collecting biological samples (including but not limited to oral and rectal swabs, blood, fur, and wing biopsies). Data entry, data management, sample organization and storage, field supply inventory and purchasing, and other logistical preparation will also be required in between sampling trips.
In Texas, led by BCI, we are investigating the invasion dynamics of white-nose syndrome (WNS) across the state and the movement ecology of the WNS-affected species, cave bats (Myotis velifer). WNS cave surveys take place in the Texas panhandle for one week in late winter (March/April), early summer (May), late summer (August), and early winter (November/December). WNS surveillance fieldwork involves collecting samples from cave substrates and bats and conducting internal colony counts. Additionally, the research technician will assist with bat capture and processing for the movement study. Lastly, this position will be responsible for maintaining bat acoustic monitoring devices at the sites during trips and all sample, capture, and acoustic data management post-fieldwork.
The successful applicant will have opportunities to attend seminars in OU's School of Biological Sciences and participate in other research projects. There will also be opportunities to contribute to morning fieldwork on migratory songbirds during the winter and spring months in central Oklahoma as well as to occasional fieldwork in Panama. See more information about the Becker Lab on our website (http://beckerlab.weebly.com/). Additionally, this position will work collaboratively with BCI staff on the Science Team and have opportunities for additional professional development with a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to ending bat extinctions worldwide.
This position is ideal for recent graduates with MSc or undergraduate degrees in ecology, wildlife biology, mammalogy, or conservation with relevant field experience with bats. The successful applicant will manage all bat field activities, including overseeing and coordinating other project personnel (graduate students and undergraduates).
Required qualifications:
- Ability to follow written protocols and comfortable asking questions and clarifying instructions
- Ability to work and communicate effectively with all levels of staff, government agencies, industry, landowners, and other partners
- Ability to walk moderate distances while carrying 5 – 15 lbs of equipment
- Comfortable working in confined, underground spaces
- Excellent organization skills and attention to detail
- Willingness to work in harsh weather (rain, heat, etc.)
- Ability to work as part of a small team
Preferred qualificatioms
- Experience conducting fieldwork for scientific research projects, especially with bats
- Experience following decontamination protocols for cave fieldwork
- Up-to-date rabies pre-exposure vaccination
- Up-to-date SARS-CoV-2 vaccination
- First aid and CPR certification
- Experience driving a 4WD vehicle
The successful applicant can begin anytime between January and February 2025. Applicants should send their resume, a brief letter of interest, and contact information for two references to Dr. Daniel Becker (danbeck@ou.edu).
Contact
Dr. Daniel Becker
danbeck@ou.edu (preferred contact method)