Employment Opportunities

Land Management Technician – Ames Quail Program

Employer: Tall Timbers

Description: We are seeking a full-time land management technician to assist in wild bobwhite restoration and management on Ames Plantation in Grand Junction, Tennessee. Ames is operated by the University of Tennessee as the Ames AgResearch and Education Center emphasizing research and extension on cattle, agronomy, forestry, and wildlife. Ames has also been the home of the bird dog National Championship Field Trial since 1915. Despite a long history of wild bobwhite management on Ames, a pen-reared bobwhite release program has been in place for over 20 years. However, renewed interest in wild bobwhite on Ames by both the conservation and field trial community has developed into a multi-partner restoration project
on a 6,000-acre portion of the property.

This presents an opportunity for an experienced and motivated person to work closely with Tall Timbers and Ames staff to guide the restoration of bobwhite habitat and a wild bobwhite population on the property. There will also be an opportunity to assist with research and extension activities to help fulfill the mission of the University of Tennessee. This position will be supervised by the Ames Quail Program Land Manager and work closely with the Tall Timbers Quail Expansion Biologist. The land management technician’s primary responsibility will be assisting in the implementation of a bobwhite management plan on Ames.

This will include heavy equipment operation, prescribed fire and herbicide application, predator management, and supplemental feeding. Additional duties may include assisting with field trial operations, participating in outreach activities to assist land owners, and providing support for research projects. The candidate should have extensive experience in heavy equipment operation; knowledge of land management practices such as herbicide application and prescribed fire; possess strong communication and inter-personal skills, and be extremely organized. Preference will be given to candidates with bobwhite management experience.

Benefits: Tall Timbers provides a package of standard benefits including health care, dental care, life insurance, voluntary tax sheltered 403(b) plan, and medical flexible spending account.
These benefits are subject to employee contributions according to Tall Timbers’ policy. Additionally, the candidate has the option for on-site housing, will be provided a work truck, and receive a phone stipend.

Vacation and sick leave: Upon hire, a full-time employee accrues 0.83 days per month of annual and sick leave. Accrued leave may be used following the 90-day probationary period. Five
days of leave is available in the first year of employment, following a 90-day probationary period, then employees accrue 10 days of annual leave for calendar year two, 15 days in calendar years three and four, followed by 20 days at years five and beyond.

Paid holidays: Tall Timbers provides 10 paid holidays per year: New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Jr. birthday, Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day, Veteran’s Day, Thanksgiving holidays
(Thursday and Friday), Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

Workplace Environment and Commitments to Diversity: Tall Timbers is committed to being 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.

Contact: Alex Jackson, ajackson@talltimbers.org; 901-833-0542

Application Deadline: March 1, 2025

Position Start Date: March 15, 2025

Employment Type: Full-time

Duration: Minimum 5 years

Salary: Commensurate with experience

Work Location: Ames Plantation; Grand Junction, Tennessee

How to Apply: Please email a single PDF to Alex Jackson that includes (1) a cover letter that explains your interest in the position, relevant skills, and experience, (2) an up-to-date resume, and (3) at least three professional references. Applications will be reviewed upon receipt, and the position will be filled as the appropriate candidate is found.

About Tall Timbers: Tall Timbers, founded in 1958, focuses on fire ecology, vertebrate ecology, and Northern bobwhite ecology. Our research supports next-generation fire management needs and wildlife conservation. For more information, visit https://talltimbers.org/.

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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.

Workplace Environment and Commitment to Diversity: 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).

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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Research Technician – Quail Trapping, Radio Tagging, and Telemetry

Area of Specialization:
Wildlife Conservation – Quail Management

Background:
Tall Timbers Research Station is seeking a Research Technician to join our team on an intensively managed wild quail property in Williamsburg County, South Carolina. This role will focus on trapping quail, radio tagging, and using telemetry to track wild quail. The successful candidate will also contribute to habitat management, operating equipment for prescribed burning, plowing, and mowing, as well as conducting surveys. This is an excellent opportunity to gain hands-on experience in wildlife research and habitat restoration on a property renowned for its rapidly growing bird dog program.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Quail Trapping and Tagging:
  • Set up and monitor traps for capturing quail.
  • Handle and process quail for radio tagging, ensuring humane treatment.
• Telemetry and Tracking:
  • Use telemetry equipment to monitor the movements and behaviors of radio-tagged quail.
  • Collect, record, and analyze data accurately.
• Land and Habitat Management:
  • Operate equipment for prescribed burning, plowing, and mowing to manage quail habitats.
  • Conduct surveys to monitor vegetation, quail populations, and other wildlife.
• Data Collection and Reporting:
  • Organize and analyze field data.
  • Prepare reports and contribute to research publications.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in various field conditions.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to operate 4WD vehicles.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with wildlife trapping, handling, and telemetry.
• Knowledge of prescribed burning techniques and safety protocols.
• Proficiency in operating field equipment such as GPS units and telemetry receivers.
• Degree in Wildlife Biology, Ecology, Natural Resources, or a related field.
• Previous experience with wildlife research, particularly with quail or similar species.
• Familiarity with habitat management practices and data analysis.

Working Conditions and Physical Effort:

• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• Capability to lift and carry equipment weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Willingness to work irregular hours, including early mornings and weekends as needed.

Benefits: 

Tall Timbers provides a package of standard benefits including health care, dental care, life insurance, voluntary tax sheltered 403(b) plan, and medical flexible spending account.  These benefits are subject to employee contributions according to Tall Timbers’ policy. 

Vacation and sick leave:  

Upon hire, a full-time employee accrues 0.83 days per month of annual and sick leave. Accrued leave may be used following the 90-day probationary period. 5 days of leave is available in your first year (2024), following your 90-day probationary period, then employees accrue 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 and up.

Paid holidays: 

Tall Timbers provides 10 paid holidays per year: New Years Day, Martin Luther King Jr. birthday, Memorial Day, July4th, Labor Day, Veteran’s Day, Thanksgiving holidays (Thursday and Friday), Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

Workplace Environment and Commitments to Diversity:
Tall Timbers is committed to being 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.

Contact:
Paul Grimes, DPGrimes@talltimbers.org; 706-825-0451
Position Start Date:
September 30, 2024
Full-Time/Part-Time:
Full-Time
Duration:
Minimum 3 years
Salary:
$15 per hour plus overtime opportunity
Work Location:
Based out of Williamsburg County, South Carolina

How to Apply:
Please email a single PDF to Paul Grimes that includes (1) a cover letter that explains your interest in the position, relevant skills, and experience, (2) an up-to-date resume, and (3) at least three professional references. Applications will be reviewed upon receipt, and the position will be filled as the appropriate candidate is found.

About Tall Timbers:
Tall Timbers Research Station, founded in 1958, focuses on fire ecology, vertebrate ecology, and Northern bobwhite ecology. Our research supports next-generation fire management needs and wildlife conservation. For more information, visit https://talltimbers.org/

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Avian Research Technician
Area of Specialization: Pine savanna species

The Stoddard Bird Lab of Tall Timbers Research Station is recruiting a full-time Research Technician II to assist in Red-cockaded Woodpecker translocation and Bachman Sparrow monitoring at sites across the Red Hills Region of Florida and Georgia. The research will investigate patterns of occurrence and translocation success of birds in pine savanna ecosystems. The findings are expected to offer insight into whether restoration of fragmented private lands should be prioritized by proximity to fire-maintained habitat. The incumbent will be supervised by Dr. Kate Richardson and work closely with Research Biologist, Rob Meyer. The position is funded for 5 months, with additional support possible based on performance. On-site shared housing is available at no cost.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
The candidate is primarily responsible for collecting field data and data management, but there will be the opportunity to contribute to manuscripts. Additionally, the candidate will assist in project coordination, including administration and supervision of interns.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Completion of at least 60 credit hours of undergraduate coursework and knowledge of the scientific principles of avian biology, ecology, and conservation.
• Candidate should be highly motivated and organized with the ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Candidate has (or must have the proclivity to develop) the following skills: point count surveys, behavioral observations, and geodatabase management.
• The successful candidate maintains a positive, professional demeanor and effectively communicates with private landowners and Tall Timbers staff. Valid driver’s license and clean driving record required.

Preferred Qualifications:

• A completed bachelor’s degree in a biological science and interest in statistical analyses and scientific writing.
• The candidate should have previous field work and data management experience.
• Experience handling and banding birds is preferred.

Working Conditions and Physical Effort:

• Ability to perform routine office work and fieldwork in inclement weather under strenuous conditions in southeastern climates during the summer, including occasional long hours and weekends.
• Willingness to climb ladders.
• Ability to drive a 4WD truck daily and long distances among locations within the Red Hills Region.
  
  

Contact: Kate Richardson, krichardson@talltimbers.org
Contact Phone: 850-868-1011
Position Start Date: 05-01-2024 (negotiable but earlier preferred)
Duration: 5 Month
Salary: $18 per hour plus on-site housing
Work Location: Based out of Tall Timbers, Tallahassee, FL (spring and summer).
Benefits: On-site housing, health and dental insurance coverage is available.

How to Apply:
Please email a single pdf to Kate Richardson (krichardson@talltimbers.org) that includes (1) a cover letter that explains your interest in the position, relevant skills and experience, (2) an up-to-date resume, and (3) at least three professional references. Applications will be reviewed upon receipt and the position will be filled as the appropriate candidate is found.

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, and applications of fire modeling and training to meet next-generation fire management needs. Tall Timbers also owns and manages the 9,100 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: www.talltimbers.org

Workplace Environment and Commitments to Diversity:
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.

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