Summary:

The Memphis Zoo is seeking a highly motivated, ambitious, and highly energetic individual for a 1-year Field and Lab Research Technician in the Department of Conservation and Research. Specifically, the Memphis Zoo is seeking a candidate with experience in amphibian ecology, field biology, and conservation.  

Purpose:

The purpose of this Research Technician is to assist in Memphis Zoo’s efforts towards amphibian conservation. Working with the Amphibian Conservation Postdoc, the Research Technician will largely focus on the dusky gopher frog recovery program, which is one of Memphis Zoo’s top-tier wildlife conservation priorities, with opportunities to be involved in a wide range of research projects in the Amphibian Lab. We seek candidates who are passionate about amphibian conservation and eager to apply their skills to contribute to both in situ and ex situ conservation and research (See Memphis Zoo website and list of of recent publications).

Essential Dates:

• This appointment is for one year, with a possibility for extension based on future funding support.
• Completed applications are due October 15, 2025.
• Anticipated start date for position is January 5, 2026. 

Essential Job Functions:

• Assist with planning and execution of conservation and research projects, specifically working with the dusky gopher frogs (Lithobates sevosus), which is a flagship conservation species at the Memphis Zoo.
• Assist with in situ conservation and research efforts, including but not limited to logistical planning, field surveys around Memphis and in southern Mississippi (aquatic and terrestrial surveys, multi-day trips), data curation and processing, etc.
• Participant in short (2-4 days) monthly trips to the field site and occasional longer trips (~3-4 weeks) during the spring/summer months, depending on data collection and experimental design.
• Assist with ex situ conservation and research efforts, including but not limited to behavior and morphological assessments, running laboratory assays, captive-breeding, in vitro fertilization, etc.
• Work with collaborators at local universities.
• Prepare permit applications and reports.
• Contribute to scientific manuscripts.
• Mentor students and volunteers.
• Foster a positive, collaborative, safe, and encouraging professional environment.

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in biological sciences or related field. (Must be completed by Dec 2025.)
• Experience conducting field work.

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Master’s degree in Biology, Ecology, Zoology, or related fields.
• Experience conducting amphibian research projects.
• Experience developing, leading, and managing research projects.
• Record of effectively communicating conservation and research efforts, goals, and accomplishments to the public.
• Record peer-reviewed publications and/or conference presentations.
• Record of student mentorship.
• Deep understanding and/or lived experience of diversity, equity, and inclusion issues that are at the intersection between workplace dynamics, education, scientific research, and multi-cultural conservation projects.

Competencies:

• Exceptional communication, interpersonal, and team facilitation skills.
• Attention to detail and ability to maintain high work quality under pressure.
• Proficient in MS Office, current technology and applications for communication, research and record keeping.
• Records and reports creation and management
• Problem Solving/Analysis.
• Stress Management/Composure.
• Flexibility and Adaptability.
• Teamwork Orientation.
• R Programming.
• Project Management.

Supervisory Responsibility: Students, interns, and volunteers may be the supervisory responsibility of this position.

Reporting Structure: Reports to the Postdoctoral Researcher.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work: This appointment is for one year. This is a full-time position that works up to 40 hrs per week and may require weekend and holiday work. A mixture of fieldwork, lab work, and administration is to be expected. When conducting field work, this position is required to work in various weather conditions, which could include rain, humidity, and heat or cold. There may also be night work when working with nocturnal animals. 

Work Environment: While performing the duties of the job, the employee will primarily operate in a mixed work environment that includes both laboratory and zoo grounds. Time will be split between indoor laboratory settings and outdoor or behind-the-scenes animal care areas.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

This position requires frequent sitting, standing, walking. May require bending, kneeling, or navigating uneven terrain during animal observations or habitat evaluations. Occasional lifting or movement of items up to 50 pounds is required.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Other Duties: Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Other Requirements:

• 21 years or older.
• Clear background check.
• Clear drug screening.
• Clear TB screening.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Clear MVR screening.
• Proof of current automobile insurance.

Benefits & Perks

The Memphis Zoo has a comprehensive benefits and employee perks package. Please see our Memphis Zoo Careers page for details.  

EEOC and Inclusion Statement: 

The Memphis Zoo believes that human diversity is as important as the biodiversity we seek to conserve. World-class zoos are comprised of world-class team members representing a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. We value a diverse workplace and strongly encourage people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, members of ethnic minorities, and veterans to apply. 

The Memphis Zoo is an equal-opportunity employer. Applicants will not be discriminated against because of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, religion, national origin, citizenship status, disability, ancestry, marital status, veteran status, medical condition, or any protected category prohibited by local, state or federal laws. If you need to request any accommodations for the interview or hiring process, please let the Human Resources team (HR) know. HR can be contacted at hrteam@memphiszoo.org. 

The Memphis Zoo participates in E-Verify and is an EEO/ADA/Veteran employer.

All offers of employment are contingent upon the successful completion of pre-employment screening. Memphis Zoo is a drug-free workplace.

Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.