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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Wildlife Research Assistant

💰 $35,000 - $50,000

Wildlife BiologyField ResearchConservationEcologyEnvironmental Science

🎯 Role Definition

The Wildlife Research Assistant supports scientific studies and conservation projects by conducting field surveys, collecting high-quality ecological data, maintaining field equipment, assisting with lab processing, and contributing to data management and reporting. This role is ideal for motivated individuals seeking practical experience in wildlife monitoring, habitat assessment, and applied ecological research. Strong emphasis on safety, animal welfare, and adherence to research protocols.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Field Technician / Seasonal Field Assistant
  • Undergraduate degree in Biology, Ecology, or Environmental Science
  • Wildlife Rehabilitation Technician or Naturalist

Advancement To:

  • Wildlife Biologist / Research Biologist
  • Conservation Scientist / Project Manager
  • Graduate study (M.S. / Ph.D.) in Ecology, Wildlife Biology, or Conservation

Lateral Moves:

  • GIS Technician / Spatial Analyst
  • Environmental Educator / Outreach Coordinator

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Plan and conduct standardized wildlife field surveys (point counts, transects, camera-trap deployments, spotlight surveys) following established protocols to ensure repeatable, statistically valid data collection for population monitoring and ecological studies.
  • Deploy, service, and retrieve remote sensing equipment including camera traps, acoustic recorders, and automated telemetry stations; perform routine maintenance, battery changes, and memory-card/media management to prevent data loss.
  • Capture, handle, and safely process wildlife (when permitted) using humane techniques (mist-netting, live traps, hoop nets), collect morphometric measurements, biological samples (blood, tissue, feathers), apply tags/markers, and record handling metadata with strict adherence to animal welfare and permitting requirements.
  • Operate radio-telemetry and GPS equipment to locate and track collared or tagged individuals, perform homing, triangulation, and GPS data downloads; troubleshoot transmitter issues and maintain tracking gear inventory.
  • Conduct habitat assessments and vegetation surveys using standardized protocols (cover estimates, point-intercept, plot sampling) to correlate wildlife occurrence with habitat variables and support habitat suitability modeling.
  • Collect, preserve, label, and chain-of-custody biological specimens (scat, hair, eDNA swabs, tissue) following laboratory and permitting standards; coordinate sample shipment and storage (cold chain) for downstream genetic, isotopic, or contaminant analyses.
  • Capture and analyze acoustical data (bat detectors, bird song recorders), annotate calls, perform preliminary species ID, and prepare datasets for acoustic analysts using software such as Raven, Kaleidoscope, or Song Scope.
  • Conduct shorelines, wetland, and aquatic surveys using small boats, canoes, or waders; measure water quality parameters (temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen), deploy aquatic sensors, and sample macroinvertebrates when required by study design.
  • Implement standardized bird and mammal point counts and nesting success monitoring, accurately identify species by sight and sound, and document breeding behavior and nest-site characteristics.
  • Maintain detailed, time-stamped field logs, datasheets, and metadata; enter, clean, validate, and back up data into project databases and spreadsheets to ensure traceability and data integrity for modeling and reporting.
  • Prepare and format geospatial datasets: collect GPS waypoints and tracks, create shapefiles, and perform basic spatial analyses in ArcGIS or QGIS to support habitat mapping, home-range estimation, and survey effort mapping.
  • Assist with sample processing in the laboratory, including DNA extraction support, fecal sorting, skeleton preparation, or stable isotope sample preparation under supervision, following lab safety and QA/QC procedures.
  • Support camera-trap image processing workflows: download images, annotate detections, perform species confirmation, and prepare datasets for automated classification or citizen-science platforms.
  • Perform preliminary statistical analyses and visualizations (summary tables, charts) using Excel, R, or Python to support progress reports, presentations, and adaptive field-season adjustments.
  • Lead or support volunteer crews and seasonal technicians during field campaigns: oversee training in field safety, ethics, species ID, sampling protocols, and equipment use to ensure consistent data collection and team safety.
  • Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal permitting, biosafety, and animal care protocols; maintain permits, authorizations, and required training certificates (e.g., IACUC, wildlife handling).
  • Maintain, calibrate, and inventory field equipment and vehicles (ATVs, boats, traps, telemetry gear), coordinate repairs and replacements, and manage supply procurement to minimize downtime during field seasons.
  • Conduct outreach and stakeholder engagement activities in the field: communicate project goals, safety information, and simple findings to landowners, community members, and partner organizations to maintain access and support.
  • Assist with technical writing: draft methods sections, field notes, and sections of progress reports, grant deliverables, and peer-reviewed manuscripts under the supervision of senior researchers.
  • Implement health and safety plans in the field, perform risk assessments, maintain first-aid kits, and respond to emergencies; maintain certifications such as Wilderness First Aid, CPR, or boat operator certification as required.
  • Support capture-mark-recapture and demographic monitoring studies: record capture histories, assist with mark application, and maintain animal identification catalogs to enable population modeling.
  • Participate in experimental manipulations, restoration actions, and translocation logistics when part of project objectives; follow protocols to minimize stress to animals and ecological disturbance.
  • Coordinate logistics for multi-site field campaigns: schedule sites, manage travel, arrange permits, and ensure equipment and personnel are staged for efficient data collection.
  • Maintain ethical standards for data stewardship and confidentiality; assist with data archiving in institutional repositories and prepare metadata for long-term accessibility.

Secondary Functions

  • Assist with grant proposal preparation by providing field-cost estimates, methodology details, and logistical considerations.
  • Support outreach by preparing photographs, raw footage, and field anecdotes for public-facing communications and social media in coordination with communications staff.
  • Facilitate data handoffs to analysts and modelers by documenting data dictionaries, QA/QC procedures, and access instructions.
  • Participate in interdisciplinary team meetings to translate field observations into actionable research questions and adaptive sampling strategies.
  • Provide seasonal training modules and SOP updates to incoming technicians to improve data consistency across field seasons.
  • Help maintain project websites, dashboards, and data visualizations that showcase monitoring results to stakeholders and funders.
  • Support community-science initiatives by training volunteers, validating incoming data, and integrating vetted observations into project datasets.
  • Coordinate with land managers and partner NGOs to schedule access, mitigate field impacts, and align monitoring with management needs.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Field survey design and execution: transects, point counts, camera-trap deployment, and standardized habitat sampling.
  • Wildlife capture and handling techniques (mist-netting, live trapping) with knowledge of animal welfare and permit compliance.
  • Radio-telemetry and GPS tracking: homing, triangulation, GPS data management, and telemetry receiver maintenance.
  • Proficiency with camera traps, acoustic recorders, and other remote-sensing devices, including deployment protocols and data retrieval.
  • Species identification (birds, mammals, herpetofauna, or focal taxa) by sight and sound in diverse habitats.
  • GIS and spatial data skills (ArcGIS, QGIS): waypoint management, shapefile creation, basic spatial analyses, and map production.
  • Data management and QA/QC: data entry standards, metadata creation, version control, and backup procedures.
  • Basic statistical and data visualization skills using R, Python, or advanced Excel for summarizing survey results and generating figures.
  • Sample collection and chain-of-custody procedures for genetic, stable isotope, contaminant, or disease analyses; knowledge of cold-chain logistics.
  • Laboratory support skills: basic molecular lab techniques, sample processing, and adherence to lab safety protocols.
  • Experience with wildlife monitoring software and platforms (e.g., eMammal, Wildlife Insights, iNaturalist, Tracker).
  • Proficiency with handheld GPS units, rugged tablets, and mobile data-collection apps (Survey123, KoBoToolbox, Avenza).
  • Boat, ATV, or 4x4 operation and maintenance where field sites require specialized access (and relevant certifications/licenses).

Soft Skills

  • Strong attention to detail and commitment to data quality and protocol adherence.
  • Excellent communication skills for collaborating with multidisciplinary teams and liaising with stakeholders and landowners.
  • Problem-solving mindset and adaptability to changing field conditions, weather, and logistic constraints.
  • Physical stamina and resilience for extended fieldwork in remote locations and variable climates.
  • Ability to train and mentor seasonal technicians and volunteers with patience and clarity.
  • Time management and organizational skills to prioritize tasks during intensive field seasons.
  • Cultural sensitivity and professionalism when working with local communities and Indigenous partners.
  • Ethical judgment and integrity in handling sensitive data and interactions with wildlife.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • Bachelor's degree in Wildlife Biology, Ecology, Environmental Science, Zoology, or related biological sciences.

Preferred Education:

  • Master's degree or ongoing graduate study in Wildlife Biology, Conservation Biology, Ecology, or related fields.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Wildlife Biology
  • Ecology
  • Conservation Biology
  • Environmental Science
  • Zoology

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 0–3 years of hands-on field experience (seasonal or full-time) working on wildlife monitoring or ecological research projects.

Preferred:

  • 1–2 years of focused field research experience with documented proficiency in at least two monitoring techniques (e.g., camera trapping and telemetry).
  • Prior experience with data management workflows, GIS, and basic statistical analysis.
  • Certifications: Wilderness First Aid (or higher), boat operator license, ATV certification, and any species-specific handling permits as required.
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