Welcome to Tall Timbers

Employment Opportunities

 

Post Doctoral Research Scientist

Area of Specialization: Fire and Forest Ecology

Tall Timbers is recruiting a Post-Doctoral Research Scientist to investigate the patterns and
mechanisms of post-fire tree mortality and fire-vegetation feedbacks in forests, savannas, and grasslands. The incumbent will work with a team including researchers and fire managers with expertise in multiple fire-prone ecosystems. The incumbent will be encouraged to lead independent research related to the broader goals of the team. The position is funded for 18 months, with additional support possible beyond that based on performance and funding availability.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities
The candidate will primarily be responsible for designing experiments, collecting data, measuring vegetation and wildland fires, analyzing and modeling data, and writing manuscripts for relevant projects. The position may include other activities, including grant proposal writing, supervision of technician(s) and intern(s), project data management, and other analyses. Collaboration with Tall Timbers research and management staff and other partners is critical for the success of the project.

Minimum Qualifications
A completed Ph.D. degree (ABD- all but dissertation- acceptable) in either forestry, plant ecology, plant physiology, geospatial analysis, fire behavior, climatology, or a related field is required. Candidate should be highly motivated with the ability to work independently. The successful candidate should have skills in two or more of the following: statistical analyses, vegetation analyses, measuring field and laboratory fire behavior, micrometeorology, geospatial analysis, and scientific writing. Valid state driver’s license required.

Preferred Qualifications
Ph.D. in aforementioned fields of study. The candidate should have experience designing and implementing laboratory experiments, as evidenced by publication in peer-reviewed outlets. A strong understanding of fire and savanna or forest ecology of eastern US fire-prone ecosystems or similar is preferred, though not required. Experience with multivariate statistical analyses and familiarity with state-and-transition models is preferred.

Working Conditions and Physical Effort
Ability to perform routine office, field, and some laboratory work in inclement weather and under strenuous conditions in southern climates throughout the calendar year, including occasional long hours and weekends for field campaigns.

Workplace Environment:
Tall Timbers is committed as equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, and does not tolerate discrimination or hate toward any race, ethnicity, culture, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, ability, national origin, veteran status, socioeconomic class, religion, or professional status. We strongly encourage applications from historically underrepresented groups and those that add to and engage the local communities of the region.

Instructions for Applying
Applications should include (in a single PDF): 1) a letter of interest that includes educational and experiential preparation and 2) a current CV. All applications should be emailed to Dr. Morgan Varner (mvarner@talltimbers.org) and Erin Wachter (ewachter@talltimbers.org).

Contact

J. Morgan Varner, Director of Research & Senior Scientist Contact Email: mvarner@talltimbers.org

Applications Reviewed: February 22, 2026 or until a suitable candidate can be found
Position Start Date: Winter/Spring 2026 (negotiable)
Salary: $65,000 (negotiable if housing needed)
Work Location: The position will be based at the main campus of Tall Timbers in Tallahassee, Florida (www.talltimbers.org). Tallahassee is a vibrant community in the Red Hills region, notable for its education (Florida State University, Florida A&M University, and Tallahassee State College), conservation and recreation opportunities, and is the state capital of Florida.

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Biologist I: Fire Research (Exempt)

The Fire Research Biologist is a key position for all fire research at Tall Timbers. The Biologist will assist the investigation of the patterns and mechanisms of post-fire tree mortality and fire-vegetation feedbacks in forests, savanna, and grasslands. The incumbent will primarily focus on a series of large permanent plots where prescribed fire is applied. The incumbent will be supervised by the Director of Research and work closely with other scientists and staff at Tall Timbers and collaboratively with other scientists and staff at the USDA Forest Service, and affiliated NGOs, universities, and land managers.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities
The incumbent will primarily be responsible for collecting field data, data management, and
writing manuscripts. Additionally, the candidate will assist coordination for multiple field-based projects, including administration, field activities, and supervision of interns and other technicians.

Minimum Qualifications
A completed graduate degree in either forestry, ecology, plant physiology, or a related field.
Candidate should be highly motivated with the ability to work independently. The candidate
should have experience designing and implementing field and laboratory experiments. Experience with advanced statistical analyses is preferred. Valid state driver’s license required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Knowledge of and experience with two or more of the following topic areas: forest ecology,
community ecology, fire ecology, fire behavior, statistical analyses, and scientific writing.

Working Conditions and Physical Effort
Ability to perform routine office work and fieldwork in inclement weather and under strenuous
conditions in southern climates throughout the calendar year, including occasional long hours and weekends for field campaigns.

Workplace Environment
Tall Timbers is committed as equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, and does not tolerate discrimination or hate toward any race, ethnicity, culture, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, ability, national origin, veteran status, socioeconomic class, religion, or professional status. We strongly encourage applications from historically underrepresented groups and those that add to and engage the local communities of the region.

Instructions for Applying
Applications should include (in a single PDF): 1) a letter of interest that includes educational and experiential preparation and 2) a current resume. All applications should be emailed to Dr. Morgan Varner (mvarner@talltimbers.org) and Erin Wachter (ewachter@talltimbers.org).

Contact: Erin Wachter, Lead Fire Research Biologist
Contact Email: ewachter@talltimbers.org
Contact Phone: 804-305-1330
Applications Reviewed: February 22, 2026 or until a suitable candidate can be found
Position Start Date: Winter/Spring 2026 (negotiable)
Full-Time/Part-Time: Full-Time (Exempt)
Salary: $50,000 – $60,000 plus potential on-site housing in Florida
Work Location: Tall Timbers, Tallahassee, Florida

About Tall Timbers
Tall Timbers, a 4,000-acre site founded in 1958, is located in Tallahassee, Florida. Research at Tall Timbers is focused on fire ecology, vertebrate ecology, Northern bobwhite ecology, fire behavior, and advanced fire training to meet next-generation fire management needs. Tall Timbers also owns and manages the 7,800 acre Livingston Place, near Monticello, Florida. Both sites are frequently burned and have a diversity of ecosystems where fire is a dominant ecological process. More information on Tall Timbers can be found here: https://talltimbers.org/

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Research Technician III: Fire Research 

Tall Timbers is recruiting a Research Technician III to coordinate field research for the Fire
Research lab at sites across the southern United States. The research will investigate the patterns and mechanisms of post-fire tree mortality and fire-vegetation feedbacks in forests, savanna, and grasslands. The incumbent will be supervised by Dr. Morgan Varner and work closely with biologist Erin Wachter at Tall Timbers and collaboratively with other scientists and staff at the USDA Forest Service, and affiliated NGOs, universities, and land managers. The position is funded for 12 months, with additional support possible beyond based on performance and funding availability.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities
The candidate will primarily be responsible for collecting field data, data management, and data analysis. Additionally, the candidate will assist coordination for multiple field-based projects, including administration and field activities.

Minimum Qualifications
A completed B.S degree in either forestry, ecology, plant physiology, or a related field. Candidate should be highly motivated with the ability to work independently. Valid state driver’s license required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Knowledge of and experience with some of the following topic areas: forest ecology, field
techniques and measurement, fire behavior, and statistical analyses.

Working Conditions and Physical Effort
Ability to perform routine office work and fieldwork in inclement weather and under strenuous
conditions in southern climates throughout the calendar year, including occasional long hours and weekends for field campaigns.

Workplace Environment
Tall Timbers has a commitment as an equal opportunity employer, and rejects racism, prejudice, discrimination or hate toward any race, ethnicity, culture, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, ability, national origin, veteran status, socioeconomic class, religion, or professional status. We strongly encourage applications from underrepresented groups and those that add to and engage the local communities.

Instructions for Applying
Applications should include (in a single PDF): 1) a letter of interest that includes educational and experiential preparation and 2) a current resume. All applications should be emailed to Erin Wachter (ewachter@talltimbers.org).

Contact: Erin Wachter, Lead Fire Research Biologist
Contact Email: ewachter@talltimbers.org
Contact Phone: 804-305-1330
Applications Reviewed: February 22, 2026 or until a suitable candidate can be found
Position Start Date: Winter/Spring 2026 (negotiable)
Full-Time/Part-Time: Full-Time
Salary: $35,000 – $42,000 plus on-site housing in Utah and Florida
Work Location: Tall Timbers, Tallahassee, FL

About Tall Timbers
Tall Timbers, a 4,000-acre site founded in 1958, is located in Tallahassee, Florida. Research at Tall Timbers is focused on fire ecology, vertebrate ecology, Northern bobwhite ecology, fire behavior, and advanced fire training to meet next-generation fire management needs. Tall Timbers also owns and manages the 7,800 acre Livingston Place, near Monticello, Florida. Both sites are frequently burned and have a diversity of ecosystems where fire is a dominant ecological process. More information on Tall Timbers can be found here: https://talltimbers.org/

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Wiregrass Prescribed Burn Association Coordinator 

Location: Southeast Alabama
Preferred Start Date: March, 2026

About Tall Timbers
Tall Timbers is recognized as the home of the study of fire ecology and an advocate to protect the right to use prescribed fire for conservation. It is also recognized as one of the nation’s leading land trusts. Since 1958, Tall Timbers has been using prescribed fire science to solve land management problems. Our unique perspective is rooted in this long-term practice of working cooperatively with partners to conduct research and apply results on the land.

Position Summary
This term position will include improving upon previous outreach efforts and establish a successful Prescribed Burn Association (PBA) in the Wiregrass region of Southeast Alabama. Utilizing the PBA to conduct prescribed fires, hosting training and workshops, and working with partners to provide technical assistance will be key to seeing success in this region.
Focus counties: Barbour, Butler, Coffee, Covington, Crenshaw, Dale, Geneva, Henry, Houston, and Pike.

The specific duties of the position include:
1) Formalizes and acts as a full-time coordinator of the Wiregrass Prescribed Burn Association (name subject to change) at the behest of Tall Timbers and the Association.
2) Works closely with Board of the Association and other partners (to include Tall Timbers Geospatial Lab) to coordinate and ensure prioritization and safe execution of prescribed burns on private land within the Association.
3) Uses Burn Association to facilitate fire use, pool risk to create cost-effective insurance coverage and annually plan burns to mitigate smoke emissions and ameliorate limited workforce capacity.
4) Leads the effort to create communication and collaboration with private land participants within the Association through regular landowner site visits and facilitating quarterly outreach and/or training workshops.
5) Assists in reducing backlog of NRCS cost-share burn acres when and where feasible within Association in part through coordinating landowners with vendors and other burning options (such as burn teams).6) Oversees local extension and outreach services to private landowners, agencies and public land managers through weekly landowner visits, quarterly workshops and participation in conferences and the Alabama Prescribed Fire Council meetings.
7) Assists with burn implementation as needed as a team member with the Tall Timbers Department of Prescribed Fire Applications.
8) Seeks funding from agencies and landowners to support efforts and assists with land management through cooperation with other groups and agencies.
9) Host field days and workshops to demonstrate successes and provide hands-on training. Increase capacity of certified burn managers through facilitating certification training.
10) Participates with other Tall Timbers outreach and training staff to implement fire or assist in other fire related activities as needed.

Qualifications and Experience That Will Help You Succeed

• Dynamic personality with a demonstrated ability to deliver high quality classroom and field instruction on topics such as fire behavior, operational safety, fire effects, smoke management, fire planning, and fire weather to diverse audiences.
• High degree of interpersonal and communication skills, emotional and professional intelligence, self-motivation, creativity, organizational skills and a positive reputation within the fire and/or forestry community.
• Bachelor’s degree in natural sciences such as, but not limited to, wildland fire, forestry and/or wildlife management.
• At least 2 years of professional experience working in wildland fire or natural resource field.
• Experience participating in and conducting prescribed burns is required.
• Alabama Certified Prescribed Burn Manager is a plus.
• ALSBRF RF, CWB, or CF is a plus.
• Must reside in or adjacent to one of the PBA focus counties listed above.

Benefits: Tall Timbers provides a package of standard benefits including health care, dental care, vision insurance, life insurance, retirement plan, and medical flexible spending account. These benefits are subject to employee contributions according to Tall Timbers’ policy.
Vacation and Sick Leave: Up to 5 days of leave is available in your first year, following a 90- day probationary period. Employees accrue up to 10 days of annual leave for calendar year two, then 15 days in calendar years three and four, followed by 20 days at years five.

How to Apply: To apply to this position, submit a resume and cover letter explaining why you are the best applicant for the job to: Ryan Mitchell rmitchell@talltimbers.org on or before February 15, 2026. Questions to same.

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Development Administrative Assistant

Department: Development
Reports to: Director of Development
Desired Hire: January – March 2026
Salary Range: $30,000 – $40,0000
Hours: 32 -40 (Flexible work schedule open for discussion)

Scope and Impact
The Development Administrative Assistant plays an important role by providing support to the Development Office by assisting with donor appeals, data base entry and filing. The Development Administrative Assistant reports to the Development Director.

Position Summary
The Development Administrative  Assistant is responsible for assisting with  all administrative aspects of the Development Office which consist of daily reports, organized record keeping, management of direct mail appeal, and assistance with day to day items.

Principle Responsibilities

  • Prepare acknowledgement letters and other correspondence.
  • Maintain foundation, corporation and individual donor files.
  • Create monthly fundraising reports and other database reports as needed.
  • Continually update and correct database records.
  • Coordinate productions and mailing of donor letters.
  • Track tax credit donations in the database and keep a file for each tax credit donor.
  • Assist with administrative details associated with the Development Committee and Foundation Board. (i.e. assist with PowerPoint presentation and board meeting notes.)
  • Digitize & and keep up with filing of all donor materials
  • Create and share monthly manager’s reports
  • Assist in office preparation of events (name tags and printed materials)

Possible Performance Measures

  • Success in maintaining accuracy of database records.
  • Success in coordinating the production of direct mail appeals.
  • Success in maintaining donor hard copy files

Preparation and Knowledge

  • Associates or bachelor’s degree in a related field.
  • A minimum of three years’ experience preferred in an administrative position, preferably in a not-for-profit development office
  • Proficiency with PC and Microsoft Office Suite, especially Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint, required. Database management systems experience –Donor Perfect preferred or similar.
  • Proficiency with digital media tools
  • Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills with the ability to act in a professional manner with donors, trustees, and other constituents
  • High level of discretion in dealing with sensitive and confidential information
  • Ability to present information concisely and effectively, both verbally and in writing
  • Ability to organize and prioritize work
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team

Tall Timbers Research, Inc. is an EOE employer.

For full consideration, please submit cover letter and resume to Crystal Rice at cdrice@talltimbers.org

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Louisiana Prescribed Burn Association Coordinator

Location: Within ≈1 hour of Leesville, Louisiana
Preferred Start Date: October 1st, 2025 (Term Position)

Position Summary:

This position will work in collaboration with existing Tall Timbers staff and local partners to include the American Bird Conservancy, Lower Mississippi Valley Joint Venture, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Services, Quail Forever, United States Forest Service, Louisiana Department of Agriculture & Forestry, Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, Longleaf Alliance, or other fire delivery organizations in the region to grow demand and implementation of prescribed fire activities on private lands.

Job Description:

– Leads and develops the concept of “neighbor-helping-neighbor” via Prescribed Burn
Associations (PBA’s) in order to facilitate fire use and gather resources on techniques to pool risk and availability of cost-effective insurance coverage. Annually plan burns to mitigate smoke emissions and ameliorate limited workforce capacity.
– Works closely with Board of the Burn Association and other partners to coordinate and ensure prioritization and safe execution of prescribed burns on private land within the Association, especially private landowners that are Farm Bill recipients.
– Leads the effort to distribute place-based communication and collaboration with private
landowners through regular site visits and facilitating quarterly workshops and/or trainings.
Work closely with Tall Timber’s East Texas Prescribed Fire Coordinator and appropriate partners to ensure production of high quality, relevant and accurate prescribed fire outreach and training modules.
– Assists in reducing backlog of NRCS cost-share burn acres within region and/or in other priority areas of LA through coordinating landowners with relevant burn contractors, QF Habitat Team, Tall Timbers Private Land Burn Team, or the PBA sweat equity model.
– Oversees local extension and outreach services to private landowners, agencies through weekly landowner visits, quarterly workshops and participation in conferences and LA Prescribed Fire Council meetings.
– Seek funding from agencies, partners, and landowners to support workshops and/or training.
– Host field days and workshops to demonstrate successes and provide hands-on training.
Facilitate increased capacity of Certified Burn Managers in Louisiana by assisting individuals, who have passed the LA Certified Burn training class, with finalizing the certification process by completing their 5 required Burn Boss certification burns under a Supervisory Burn Boss. Assist with the Louisiana certification training courses as needed.

Qualifications and Experience That Will Help You Succeed:

– Dynamic personality with a demonstrated ability to deliver high quality classroom and field
instruction on topics such as fire behavior, operational safety, fire effects, smoke management, fire planning, and fire weather to diverse audiences.
– High degree of interpersonal and communication skills, emotional and professional intelligence, self-motivation, creativity, organizational skills and a positive reputation within the fire and/or forestry community in Louisiana.
– Bachelor’s degree in natural science such as, but not limited to, wildland fire, forestry and/or wildlife management.
– At least 3 years of professional experience working in wildland fire or natural resource field.
– State certified burn manager is a plus.

Salary: $60,000.00

Benefits:
Tall Timbers provides a package of standard benefits including health care, dental care, vision insurance, life insurance, retirement plan, and medical flexible spending account. These benefits are subject to employee contributions according to Tall Timbers’ policy.

Deadline:
Applications accepted until position(s) filled.

Vacation & Sick Leave:
Up to 5 days of leave is available in your first year, following a 90-day probationary period. Employees accrue up to 10 days of annual leave for calendar year two, then 15 days in calendar years three and four, followed by 20 days at year five.

How to Apply:
To apply to this position, submit a resume and cover letter explaining why you are the best applicant for the job to: Kyle Carrington kcarrington@talltimbers.org on or before (September 15, 2025). Questions to same.
All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran and disability status.

About Tall Timbers:
Tall Timbers is recognized as the cradle of the study of fire ecology and is an advocate to protect the right to use prescribed fire for land management. It is also recognized as one of the nation’s leading land trusts. Since 1958, Tall Timbers has been using prescribed fire science to solve land management problems. Their unique perspective is rooted in this long-term practice of working cooperatively with partners to conduct research and apply results on the land. More information on Tall Timbers can be found here: https://talltimbers.org/

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Accounting Specialist

Location- Tall Timbers main campus, Tallahassee, FL.
Employer: Tall Timbers
Position Type: Full-Time, pay depending on experience
Reports To: Melissa Proctor, Controller, Chief Financial Officer

Position Description
Currently there are two positions open. The position(s) of Accounting Specialist show proficiency in basic accounting functions with a focus on accuracy over all things and ability to work as part of a team providing customer service to Tall Timbers employees/department heads. Must have excellent organizational skills and attention to details. Must be proficient in Microsoft Excel and Word, basic email correspondence. Sage Intacct experience is a plus.

Position one: Accounting Specialist Revenue Recognition
Job Duties include but not limited to:
– Recording and reconciliation of incoming e-payments (Paypal, Square, Stripe)
– Utilizing Sage – recording cash receipts/ daily deposits
– Monthly revenue reconciliation with other departments
– Digitizing/Archiving revenue records
– Basic journal entry – data entry
– Assist with preparations for audits, pulling cash receipting support documents on demand.
– Contributes to team efforts by accomplishing related tasks as needed.

Position two: Accounting Specialist Grant Tracking
Job Duties include but not limited to:
– Set up and update monthly grant records
– SEFA report management
– Digitize and manage executed grant agreements and modifications
– Utilizing Sage – prepare monthly and/or quarterly grant invoices
– Work with Assistant Controller to track unpaid invoices – grants receivable
– Assist with new grant kickoff meetings

Minimum Training and Experience
– Associates degree; high school diploma/equivalent and experience equal to four years. (Note: post-high school education may substitute for experience at the equivalent rate.)
– Knowledge of GAAP (General Accepting Accounting Principles).
– Communication skills – Ability to document and convey basic accounting information to
accounting and non-accounting users.
– Willingness to learn new concepts and skills.

Salary and Benefits: Competitive salary. Full Time. Inhouse. 10 paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave. Medical and dental/vision benefits.

Deadline: Applications accepted until position(s) filled.

For additional information, please contact Melissa Proctor at mproctor@talltimbers.org. No phone calls
How to apply: Please email all of the following information to mproctor@talltimbers.org
1. A cover letter explaining your interest and salary requirements;
2. Resume
3. Two Professional References

About Tall Timbers – The mission of Tall Timbers is to foster exemplary land stewardship through research, conservation and education. Our primary research focus is the ecology and management of fire- dependent ecosystems and wildlife, including bobwhite quail, in the Southeastern Coastal Plain. Our conservation efforts are dedicated to helping protect the distinctive rural landscapes and traditional land uses of South Georgia and North Florida. Our Tall Timbers Land Conservancy is an accredited land trust, protecting more than 157,000 acres of high-quality habitat in North Florida and Southwest Georgia.

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PhD Graduate Assistantship, Avian Community and Population Responses to Northern Bobwhite Management- Tarleton State University

Application Deadline: 06/30/2025
Education Required: Masters
Start fall 2025
Stipend approx. $30,000/year and tuition waiver

Dr. Heather Mathewson (Department of Wildlife and Natural Resources, Tarleton State University, Stephenville TX) and Dr. Brad Kubecka (Tall Timbers) are seeking an ambitious and motivated student to contribute to a collaborative research project on population restoration of northern bobwhite following pine savanna restoration in the Pineywoods of Texas.

The research will be primarily quantitative analyses of temporal and spatial trends of species of conservation concern, with a focus on northern bobwhite, using acoustic monitoring and other available data. The student will take advantage of pre-existing data sets (e.g., burn units, telemetry, ARU, timber, point counts, etc.) collected as part of Tall Timbers Western Pineywoods Quail Program which has overseen population recovery of northern bobwhite via habitat restoration (e.g., timber thinning, prescribed fire) and translocation to the study site since 2023. The PhD student will be responsible for developing their own specific research topics which need to generally be centered around the population restoration of northern bobwhite and-or broader avian community as it relates to habitat management of bobwhite.

This position starts in August 2025 in the Animal and Natural Resources Ph.D. graduate program at Tarleton State University’s main campus (Stephenville, TX). There are no online options available for these positions; all course instruction and research are in-person. This is a full-time, 12-month position for at least a 3-year contracted period. Students will receive an annual stipend with tuition waived. The program requires 45 credit hours of courses, serving as the instructor of a 3-credit undergraduate course each semester, presentations at professional conferences, mentorship of undergraduate or MS students, development of future research initiatives, grant writing, early publication of peer-reviewed publications, preliminary and comprehensive exams, and production of a dissertation.

Qualifications: MS in wildlife and natural resources, biology, or closely related field; production of a research thesis, with a minimum GPA of 3.0 (4.0 scale). Strong data management and quantitative skills required (R statistical software preferred), ideally with knowledge of acoustic monitoring and population and-or community modeling. Demonstration of strong verbal and written communication; leadership experience; ability to work independently and as a productive collaborator with a research team; ability to drive long distances and in the dark (current US driver’s license required); and ability to work under adverse field conditions. Prior bird handing experience preferred but not required. GRE is not required.

To apply for this position or for more information, contact Dr. Heather Mathewson (mathewson@tarleton.edu). We expect to fill this position by early June 2025; do not delay on submission of application materials. To apply please include (1) a cover letter describing your research interests, career goals, reason for applying, and highlighting your relevant experience; (2) CV, not limited to any number of pages; (3) email contact information for 3 references, (4) unofficial transcripts, and (5) an independently produced writing sample (thesis chapter, publication).

Contact Heather Mathewson at mathewson@tarleton.edu (preferred contact method)

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Post-Doctoral Research Scientist
Area of Specialization: Fire and Forest Ecology

Background: Tall Timbers, in collaboration with the University of Missouri and USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), are recruiting a Post-Doctoral Research Scientist to develop state-and-transition models that incorporate plant community flammability for eastern US forests. The incumbent will focus on priority ecosystems and work with a team including researchers with expertise in fire regimes and forest ecology. The position is funded for 18 months, with additional support possible beyond that based on performance and funding availability.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: The successful candidate will lead efforts on quantifying community flammability using species-specific data. The candidate will primarily be responsible for collecting, measuring, analyzing and modeling data and writing manuscripts. The position may include administration, other field activities, supervision of technician(s) and intern(s), data management, and analysis. Collaboration with Tall Timbers research and management staff, University of Missouri research staff, and NRCS staff are critical for the success of the project.

Minimum Qualifications: A completed Ph.D. degree (ABD- all but dissertation- acceptable) in either forestry, plant ecology, plant physiology, geospatial analysis, fire behavior, climatology, or a related field. Candidate should be highly motivated with the ability to work independently. The successful candidate should have skills in two or more of the following: statistical analyses, vegetation analyses, measuring field and laboratory fire behavior, micrometeorology, geospatial analysis, and scientific writing. Valid state driver’s license required.

Preferred Qualifications: Ph.D. in aforementioned fields of study. The candidate should have experience designing and implementing laboratory experiments, as evidenced by publication in peer-reviewed outlets. A strong understanding of fire and forest ecology of eastern US fire-prone ecosystems or similar is preferred, though not required. Experience with multivariate statistical analyses and familiarity with state-and-transition models is preferred.

Working Conditions and Physical Effort: Ability to perform routine office, field, and some laboratory work and fieldwork in inclement weather under strenuous conditions.

Instructions for Applying: Applications should include (in a single PDF): 1) a letter of interest that includes educational and experiential preparation and 2) a current CV. All applications should be emailed to Dr. Morgan Varner (mvarner@talltimbers.org).

Contacts: J. Morgan Varner, Director of Research & Senior Scientist

Contact Email: mvarner@talltimbers.org

Applications Reviewed: February 1st, 2025 or until a suitable candidate can be found

Position Start Date: Winter/Spring 2025 (negotiable)

Salary: $62,500 (negotiable if housing needed)

Work Location: The position will ideally be based at the main campus of Tall Timbers in Tallahassee, Florida (www.talltimbers.org) or can be a remote post for the right candidate. Tallahassee is a vibrant community in the Red Hills region, notable for its education (Florida State University, Florida A&M University, and Tallahassee State College), conservation and recreation opportunities, and is the state capital of Florida.

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Internships

 

Livingston Place Quail Management Internship
The Livingston Place Quail Management Internship is designed for students finishing up at 2 or 4 year programs in Wildlife Management with an interest in working on managed quail land. Livingston Place is a 9,125 acre working quail property near Monticello, FL owned and operated by Tall Timbers Research, Inc. Objectives include:

  1. Quail hunting and field trials,
  2. Preserving the historical, cultural and natural features, and
  3. Education and training.

The internship is a 16 week program usually from Jan-April that is designed to indoctrinate young people to Tall Timbers land ethic of Exemplary Land Stewardship. The student will be housed and employed at Livingston Place and exposed to a wide array of activities in a short time. The end result is expected to be placement of the intern in a position on a managed quail property. A checklist of activities/skills the intern will be exposed to includes the following:

  • Tractor driving (roller chopping, mowing, fire break harrowing, planting, etc.)
  • Basic power equipment operation and maintenance (chainsaw, limb pruner, lawnmower, etc.)
  • Horseback hunting for wild quail
  • Assisting with wild quail field trials
  • Introduction to horse care and maintenance
  • Prescribed burning
  • Supplemental feeding including grain handling/storage
  • Wildlife research (radio-tracking quail, avian census, predator index, small mammal trapping, etc.)
  • Nest predator trapping
  • Quail trapping for research and translocation
  • Feral hog trapping
  • ATV and pickup operation and maintenance

Interested parties should have completed an A.S. or B.S. in wildlife management or be very close to doing so. A cover letter and resume can be sent to the Livingston Place office at 1583 Livingston Road, Greenville, FL 32331. TEL 850.997.1957, or emailed to LivingstonPlace@talltimbers.org.

Fire Ecology Internships

The Fire Ecology Program seeks to provide field and laboratory experience for college students and recent graduates in the areas of plant ecology, ecosystem ecology, and fire ecology. Our research focus includes effects of fire regime on plant communities, soil chemistry and carbon sequestration, long-term pine and hardwood forest dynamics, and natural history of the southeastern U.S. Coastal Plain and Red Hills Region.

Duties:

Most internships last 8-16 weeks and are largely fieldwork based but include some lab and computer work. Specific activities vary from year to year.

Summer interns (May-August): Summer interns are usually focused on fieldwork in pine savannas with emphasis on identifying, measuring, and collecting plants to characterize changes in vegetation in response to fire regime or land-use history. Summer interns also often help conduct prescribed burns. Fall interns (October-December): We hire fall interns focused on measuring trees for a long-term census in an old-growth beech magnolia forest, longleaf pine savanna, and a shortleaf pine-oak-hickory upland community. We will consider having summer interns continue to work through the fall if interested.

In addition to the above tasks, interns may also help with mapping burned areas with a GPS unit, entering and processing data using database and GIS software, entering data in Excel or Access, collecting and processing soil samples, adding information to a database on local native plants, and drying and weighing fuels. Interns also typically have educational experiences, including an intern exchange with other regional research and conservation organizations, and opportunities assist with research in other programs at Tall Timbers.

Qualifications:

Applicants should be college students or recent graduates in biology, wildlife, forestry, natural resources, environmental studies/science, or related fields and have an interest in a career in natural resources. Applicants will be evaluated based on the potential benefit of the experience to his or her career plans and satisfactory references regarding work habits, professionalism, attitude, and physical fitness, as work is sometimes strenuous and conducted in difficult outdoor conditions. Employment will be contingent upon passing a driver’s record background check (no points on driver’s record for the past 3 years) for insurance purposes, although exceptions are sometimes made. We encourage students of varying backgrounds to apply. Deaf and hard-of-hearing applicants are welcome.

Compensation:

Internships are technically unpaid but provide a stipend of $295 per week. Limited on-site housing is available at no cost to full-time interns. For interns that commute, some compensation is provided. Interns will be expected to work full 8 hour days (8-4:30, with a half hour lunch).

Deadlines:

Summer internships: Review of applications begins March 1 each year and are filled as appropriate candidates are found.

To apply

please submit:

  • A resume
  • A 1-2 pg. cover letter describing your qualifications, interests, and how you expect the experience to benefit your career. At the end of the cover letter, please be sure to state the beginning and ending date of your availability and note whether or not you require housing on station.
  • Updated academic transcript (does not have to be official).
  • Full contact information for two or more references from previous employers or educators.

Email application materials to: Brandi Griffin

Brandi Griffin, Fire Ecologist
Tall Timbers
13093 Henry Beadel Road
Tallahassee, FL 32312

 

Fire Science Internships

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