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Stream Food Web Ecology Technician

Posted: 
10/02/2019
Expiration Date: 
10/31/2019

Salary: Approximately $3000 per month depending on experience, plus benefits.

Accounts: NSF TERGG ACCNT

Type: Term – 3 year
Organization: Texas A&M University Corpus Christi
Location: Corpus Christi, Texas
Field Season: Year round sampling


Job Description: The lab’s of Dr. Hogan (https://derekhoganresearch.wordpress.com/ ) and Dr. Patrick (https://patricklab.weebly.com/ )at TAMUCC (Texas A&M University Corpus Christi) are hiring one experienced field and lab technician for a project investigating stream food web ecology and ecosystem processes in South Texas. This project is funded by the National Science Foundation and aims to contribute to our understanding of how aridity gradients drive changes in the structure and function of stream ecosystems through direct and indirect effects via both bottom-up and top-down mechanisms. This project is part of a collaboration with Sam Houston State University (Dr. Amber Ulseth) and University of Florida (Dr. Matt Whiles), who will provide students and expertise to work in conjunction with the field and lab efforts at TAMUCC.

Responsibilities:

Primary duties will include:

- Supervising undergraduate technicians

- Coordinating field and laboratory activities for the project

- Data Management

- Participating in field and laboratory work

- Purchasing of project supplies and budget management

Field and Lab Work:

- Collection, identification, and measurement of aquatic macroinvertebrate larvae.

- Collection and measurement of stream fishes using electrofishing techniques.

- Measurement of a variety of stream and riparian habitat characteristics.

- Set-up and maintenance of field experiments including caging, litter decomposition, and algae growth

- Organization and maintenance of field equipment (including data sondes, probes, and loggers) and samples.

- Gut Content Analysis of aquatic macroinvertebrate larvae and fishes

- Preparation of samples for stable isotope analysis

- Collection, preservation, and preparation of samples of DNA analyses

The successful candidate should be prepared for long days exposed to extreme conditions including high temperatures during the summer (95 degrees F), adverse weather (rain and thunderstorms), exposure to mosquitos, and dangerous wildlife (Alligators, water moccasins, and more!).

The work schedule will include monthly sampling trips for the first year. Field work will require long, variable hours that include early mornings and late nights.

Qualifications: Candidates should have a background in ecology, stream ecology, or a related field. Individuals need to be able to work independently, be adept at taking detailed field notes, and be available for the entire field season (12 month) in year 1 of the project. Ability to work in hot conditions and carry gear to field sites is necessary. Individuals from under-represented groups are encouraged to apply.

Preferred Qualifications:

- Experience identifying aquatic macroinvertebrate larvae to the genus level. If not, then a strong background in invertebrate identification that demonstrates the ability to learn quickly.

- Electrofishing experience, especially in smaller (1st to 3rd order) streams.

- Experience with gut content analysis of invertebrates and/or fish

- Experience performing stream sampling for invertebrates and habitat assessment

- Experience using and maintaining data loggers, sondes, and probes

- Experience working with and managing a team of people

- Experience with database management and data QA/QC

To apply, please follow think link here:

https://tamus.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/TAMUCC_External/job/Corpus-Christi-T...

Start date: As soon as possible, start by January 10, 2019
Application deadline: October 15th. Application will remain open until the position is filled.
 

For questions please e-mail Christopher Patrick: christopher.patrick@tamucc.edu