Tick Surveillance System Coordinator

• Job Type: Support Staff - Non-Union
• Regular/Temporary: Regular
• Hours Per Week: 35
• Salary Range: $40,400 - $41,000

Position Summary

The Eco-epidemiology Lab at Columbia University is looking for a project coordinator to help coordinate and maintain tick collections and wildlife cameras along an urbanization transect that spans across New York City, from Staten Island to Long Island! This project looks to develop a long-term Tick Urban Surveillance System across New York City through Long Island, NY.

Established in 2001, the Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Environmental Biology (E3B) at Columbia University focuses on ecology, evolutionary biology, and environmental biology, which constitute a distinct subdivision of the biological sciences with its own set of intellectual foci, theoretical foundations, scales of analysis, and methodologies. The E3B community offers academic excellence in a range of natural and social science disciplines that are directly related to biodiversity conservation, including evolution, systematics, genetics, behavioral ecology, public health, business, economics, political science, anthropology, and public and international policy.

Responsibilities

This position includes fieldwork during summer fieldwork and deployment seasons. The successful candidate will be capable of working in challenging environmental conditions (e.g. rain, heat, overgrowth, steep slopes, fog, vector-infested habitat, etc.). During the summer months, work weeks will generally be M-F, but occasional weekend work may be required. Overnight stays near field sites on Long Island may also be required. Hotel or Airbnb accommodation will be provided. Daily hours may be irregular and may include weekend work, but weeks will not exceed 35 hours per week.

• Coordinate the short-term and long-term goals of the NYC Tick Surveillance transect.
• Collect ticks in the field across the transect sites.
• Prepare field materials.
• Help facilitate the work of tick-collection field teams of up to four personnel.
• Deploy, check, and pull wildlife cameras during seasonal deployments.
• Maintain inventory of field equipment.
• Renew site permits annually.
• Maintain relationships with stakeholders.
• Maintain organization of digital database of wildlife photos.
• Develop various outreach activities.
• Engage with stakeholders and maintain relationships.
• Coordinate the identification of wildlife images through both human efforts and artificial intelligence.
• Assist with GIS work and generate maps and reports.

Minimum Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent required. 0-3 months of experience in a research environment.
• Valid driver's license and willingness to drive to field sites within NYC and on Long Island.

Preferred Qualifications

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  A strong interest in urban disease, ecology, epidemiology, and/or the natural sciences.

  
  
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  GIS and R skills are a plus.

  
  

Other Requirements

• Ability to walk long distances on rough terrain, carrying field equipment, etc.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to maintain high confidentiality and professionalism with a client focus.
• Strong multi-tasking, prioritization, and organization skills.
• Attention to detail, research, critical thinking, analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Self-starter, a fast learner who can work independently under limited supervision.
• Work well in an interactive team environment.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

Columbia University is committed to the hiring of qualified local residents.