Job Summary
The Research Department is seeking nesting field technicians to assist with a long-term sea turtle nesting survey program on a high-density beach. The 8.5-mile survey area hosts over 40,000 sea turtle crawls annually. Technicians will gain experience conducting nesting surveys for leatherback, loggerhead, and green sea turtles. Start dates are flexible, with most technicians expected to begin by April. Positions may extend into September or October. Some individuals may start in February or March, depending on contracted monitoring projects. The position is hourly and non-exempt, and the number of hours varies over the course of the season, ranging from 15–40 hours/week. Hourly rate is commensurate with experience. Housing is not provided.
Core Responsibilities
- Daily nesting surveys starting at This includes:
- Use all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), document sea turtle nesting activity and identify each crawl to species and type
- Locate egg chamber and mark nests for evaluation
- Nest checks and excavations
- Document beach obstructions and disorientations
- Enter data into GPS unit, on paper datasheets, and into our database
- Basic ATV care, including cleaning and fueling
- Sample collection for various research projects
- Attend seasonal crew meetings, typically held every three weeks from May through August
- Night monitoring work and relocations for sand placement projects, as necessary
- Assist with stranding reports of sick, injured, or deceased sea turtles
Requirements
- Current undergraduate or recent graduate with Biological Science related degree
- A minimum of three months experience conducting field work
- In good physical condition with the ability to work outdoors in adverse conditions for up to 12 hours
- Strong communication skills
- Ability to engage professionally with the public
- Ability to learn complex tasks quickly
- Attention to detail and strong problem-solving
- Ability to work independently and in a group
- Expected to work any day of the week, including weekends and
- All time off must be approved prior to nesting Extended absences are discouraged.
- Technicians may need to use personal vehicles for travel to and from survey sites and will receive mileage reimbursement at the standard GSA rate.
- Must possess a valid driver’s license and working cell phone
- Must be legally authorized to work in the United States
Preferred Skills
- Experience collecting field data quickly and accurately
- Ability to operate an ATV
- Experience conducting sea turtle nesting surveys
DaRin Butz Foundation Research Fellowship Opportunity
Upon receiving an official acceptance of the nesting field technician position, a total of three (3) female candidates will be selected as Research Fellows for the DaRin Butz Foundation. The DaRin Butz Research Fellow program supports women in STEM fields. Research Fellows report to the Data Scientist. In addition to nesting technician duties, Research Fellows serve in a supervisory role within the morning survey program. They assist with technician training, oversee field data collection, and coordinate survey logistics. If you would like to be considered for the fellowship, please indicate interest in your cover letter. If selected, you will be required to submit a report to the DaRin Butz Foundation summarizing your experience as a Research Fellow.
Physical Demands + Work Environment
The physical demands described are representative of those required to perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities. Employees must be comfortable working in a fast-paced office or outdoor environment, including Florida’s hot and humid conditions. The position requires regular sitting, standing, walking, reaching, handling, and communication, as well as occasional climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, or crawling. Employees may be required to lift and/or move up to 30 pounds.
To Apply
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, with a closing date for January 31, 2027.
Interested applicants may submit their resume or curriculum vitae, cover letter with available start date via BambooHR, and names and contact information for two professional references.