Study Description: The Florida Wildlife Federation (FWF) has contracted with the University of Central Florida (UCF) to identify critical road hotspots for Florida panthers on CR 832 and CR 850 in Hendry and Lee counties. Both roads have a history of panther-vehicle collisions and it is important to identify the most significant locations where wildlife underpasses might be installed to reduce the impact to the panther population and improve overall habitat connectivity. We will monitor for panther interactions with these roadways using trail cameras, track stations and road-kill surveys as well as evaluating existing radio-telemetry and road mortality data. The study tasks include monitoring the roadways, analyzing panther movement patterns, identifying key road hotpots, and providing recommendations for wildlife underpasses and exclusionary fencing.
Job Description: This is a ½ to ¾ time position for 12 months, Sept 2017 - Sept 2018. Tasks include assisting with road-kill and tracking surveys, video and still camera monitoring, and evaluating and analyzing existing data on panther movements and road-related mortality.
Compensation and Benefits: Maximum salary is $20/hr, depending on education/experience level. A state vehicle will be provided for project-related work.
Preferred Qualifications: A master’s degree in natural sciences or bachelor’s degree in natural sciences with 2 or more years of experience as a biological field technician is preferred. The successful candidate should be knowledgeable of south Florida fauna. Experience with track identification and use of trail cameras preferred. Training will be provided where deficiencies exist. Basic computer skills and the use of a gps unit are necessary; GIS experience is preferred. The ability to effectively communicate and interact with local agency personnel and the public is important.
Start date: August 2017 We think this is a great opportunity for recent graduates or those interested in a career in field biology to gain experience. Please distribute this to anyone you think may be interested. Please submit resume and letter of interest to: daniel.smith@ucf.edu
Thank you for your interest. ---
Daniel J. Smith, Ph.D., A.I.C.P.
Research Associate/Graduate
Research Faculty
Department of Biology
University of Central Florida
4110 Libra Drive Orlando, FL 32816-2368
(386) 785-1565