We are currently reviewing applications for six seasonal paid positions in three locations for the 2020 sea turtle nesting season in South Carolina. Applications are reviewed as received and positions will remain open until filled.
The right candidates for these positions don’t mind early mornings, long days, and physically demanding work in hot, humid, and buggy conditions. The hours can be odd, the environment challenging, and the location remote, but technicians are rewarded with a summer of sunrises and independent, hands-on fieldwork documenting the nests of threatened and endangered sea turtles.
Sea Turtle Project Technician (2 Positions, Edisto Island)
Work Dates: May 1 - September 30, 2020
Location: Botany Bay Plantation, Edisto Island, SC 29438
Description: The SCDNR Marine Turtle Conservation Program is seeking a motivated individual for a seasonal field technician for the 2019 sea turtle nesting season at the Botany Bay Plantation Wildlife Management Area located on Edisto Island. Botany Bay Plantation is a 4,600-acre barrier island property approximately 50 miles southeast of Charleston, SC. A sea turtle nest protection project currently exists on the property and the beach can have over 400 nests per season. Position is from 1 May through 30 September 2020. Work is predominantly conducted outside, seven (7) days per week beginning in the early morning (daily schedule may change with tidal/weather conditions, etc.). All applicants must be accustomed to physically demanding outside work conditions including extreme heat, humidity, rain, direct sunlight, uneven terrain (sand) and insects.
Duties:
Conduct daily beach surveys at sunrise (~6 am) to monitor new turtle nesting activity and hatching emergences
Locate egg chamber and mark nests for evaluation
Determine if required and conduct nest relocation
Enact nest protective measures against predation
Document hatchling disorientations and conduct post-emergence nest inventories
Record all data accurately and completely on field forms and via electronic nest database
Document and assist with sea turtle strandings
Responsible for basic ATV care (to include cleaning and fueling) and maintenance of field supplies
Schedule and work with volunteers and members of the public
Requirements:
Educational background in biology, marine sciences or ecology is preferred
Sea turtle nesting monitoring or surveying experience
Applicant must be willing to take responsibilities seriously and demonstrate desire to learn
Enjoy working independently without direct supervision
Ability to lead others in a team situation with experience in field supervision preferred
Strong Communication skills, including experience interacting with the public
Competence with data entry, detail-oriented, problem-solving skills
Able to work a flexible schedule, including weekends and holidays
ATV operation experience
Possess a valid driver’s license and clean driving record
Must be a citizen of the United States
Hours/Salary: Schedule will not exceed 40 hours per week. Seasonal technicians are paid $10 an hour. A private room within a shared house is provided at on site. Applicant must provide own transportation.
Contact: Applicants should submit a cover letter (including dates of availability), resume, unofficial college transcript and references (3) to seaturtles@dnr.sc.gov with “Botany Bay Technician Position” in the subject line. Open until filled. Applications will be reviewed as received.
Two positions are also available in Charleston and another two in Georgetown.
