JOIN BLACK ROCK FOREST!
Black Rock Forest (BRF) is a growing environmental non-profit organization with programs in research, education, and conservation. The organization’s facilities, including offices, labs, classrooms, and a lodge, are located in the 3,920-acre Forest of the same name in Cornwall, NY. BRF has a staff of 10 and functions as a biological field station with 26 miles of hiking trails and another 17 miles of gated forest roads.
Employment Opportunity:
Position: Wildlife Ecology Technician (seasonal)
Reports to: Director of Research (Dr. Scott LaPoint)
Position Summary:
Join our research staff this winter to help us execute our research programs in wildlife ecology. Our winter wildlife ecology efforts focus on the movement and behaviors of bobcat (Lynx rufus) and fisher (Pekania pennanti) and mammal surveys via camera traps. We strive for conservation application in our research, including working toward a better estimate of regional landscape connectivity and mechanisms for creating more permeable roads for wildlife.
Responsibilities & Opportunities:
The technician will experience a small non-profit and will execute scientific principles for conservation. Winter duties include camera trap deployments, lure and bait processing, image management, and identification of species within images. Live-trapping efforts will focus on bobcat and fisher, requiring daily, morning checks often solo with a BRF vehicle. GPS-tracking collars will be deployed on healthy individuals, thus with some luck, the technician can expect to learn field biotelemetry methods to re-locate collared individuals. The technician will also enter data and maintain gear and supplies. Applicants who enjoy working in R are highly encouraged to apply. Additional research opportunities and experiences will be available via other ongoing projects at Black Rock Forest.
Qualifications:
A top candidate will:
- have an enthusiasm for field ecology, particularly in typical winter conditions,
- be willing to learn new ideas, strategies, and methods for conducting ecology research,
- be self-motivated, reliable, and punctual,
- enjoy hiking, working alone, navigating difficult terrain, and troubleshooting,
- have previous experience capturing and handling carnivores,
- have knowledge of local wildlife,
- possess a valid driver’s license and dependable personal transportation,
- be comfortable navigating forest roads via an atv or willing to become so,
- show attention to detail, particularly for data management,
- be an effective communicator, both within the research team and the public, including a willingness to seek clarity when needed.
Timeline & Compensation:
This is a full-time, 6-month, seasonal position, starting November 2025 through April/May 2026, with the possibility of an extension, funding dependent. Exact start/end dates are flexible. This is an hourly position, with 40-hour work weeks and weekend work expected. We offer $18 per hour with subsidized housing available.
Additional Information & How to Apply:
At BRF we value diversity, in our ecosystems and in our organization. We are committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in our workplace and in our science, education, and conservation. We strongly encourage applications from underrepresented group members as we seek to diversify and strengthen our organization, science, and society.
Deadline to Apply: end of day, 15 September 2025.
Enter your name, email address, and phone number here.
Upload a single pdf containing a cover letter, your resume, and a list of three references with contact information.
Your one-page cover letter should explain your motivation for working here and a description of your interests in wildlife research and conservation. At minimum, your resume should include details on relevant field experience and/or coursework. Email Dr. Scott LaPoint (slapoint@blackrockforest.org) with any questions.
