Research & Field Technician

Job Description

We seek Field Technicians (up to 6 total) to help us capture, sample, and mark animals. Animals will be anesthetized so we can collect swabs for SARS-CoV-2 testing. Additionally, we will be collecting serum samples from these species to test for previous exposure to the virus. Technicians will gain experience using multiple types of live-traps, handle and mark multiple species, collect serum, and anesthetize animals. Technicians will be required to obtain a rabies vaccine prior to handling any bats/mesocarnivores to be provided in Blacksburg at no cost.
Field work is temporary/seasonal and will occur between April and November. Long days and odd hours will be required and work will be physically demanding. You must be able to lift and carry traps over short distances (up to 500m). Terrain is uneven and requires being able to maneuver with equipment over rocks, logs, and thorny vegetation. Hours and workdays will change depending on the temperature, weather, target species, and capture rates so you must be willing to work a flexible schedule. Technicians must be comfortable working in variable weather (summers can be warm and humid while fall will be much cooler, frequent rainstorms occur) and around ticks. Technicians must be comfortable working at night. Further duties include: entering data into excel spreadsheets, cleaning traps, and organizing equipment. Technician will be required to wear appropriate PPE for target species so you must be willing to work with N95 respirator masks, gloves, and other safety equipment.
Housing is not provided but we will work with you to find temporary housing if needed (there are typically many sublets available from students this time of year).
Further information regarding our previous research and PI's involved in this project can be found at the following links:
https://hoytresearch.org/
https://www.langwiglab.org/
https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.11.04.515237v2

Required Qualifications

• Must be able to work under harsh conditions (hot/cold weather, rough terrain, etc.)
• Have a positive attitude and a commitment to wildlife conservation
• Be physically fit enough to walk over uneven terrain throughout the work day
• Ability to pay attention to detail and record data carefully
• Ability to follow field protocols
• Be able to work both independently and with a group
• Commitment to work through the end of the project
• Previous experience handling wildlife
• Prior field experience

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience handling mesocarnivores
• Experience hiking and being outdoors
• A drivers U.S. issued driver’s license

Pay Band

3

Appointment Type

Restricted

Salary Information

$18.50/hr.

Review Date

February 20, 2024

Additional Information

The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.

About Virginia Tech

Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges, a school of medicine, a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School, and Honors College. The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including the Innovation Campus in Northern Virginia; the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke; sites in Newport News and Richmond; and numerous Extension offices and research centers. A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $500 million in research annually.