Description
A technician is needed to assist with Eastern Hellbender (Cryptobranchus alleganiensis alleganiensis) releases and field surveys near Corydon, Indiana. One ~2.5-month appointment with the possibility of extension is being sought. The initial appointment will start in early June and last through mid-late August but could extend into early-mid October.
The primary responsibility of the technician will be to assist the field coordinator with Eastern Hellbender releases, release monitoring, larval surveys, and habitat supplementation. Surveys will involve kayaking, lifting heavy rocks (>80 lbs), and snorkeling. Additional work will include water quality monitoring, macroinvertebrate surveys, and the attendance of outreach and education events. Some out-of-state travel and camping will be required. If extended into October, the primary duties will shift to nest searches and radio-telemetry. This will require extended periods of time snorkeling in cold water (>4 hours per day), out-of-state travel, and long drives.
Duration: June 8 – August 21, 2026. Start and end dates are somewhat flexible within those months. If the candidate is interested, there is a possibility of extending employment into early-mid October.
To apply:
Deadline: March 27, 2026
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Please apply quickly! Please send a resume, at least two references, and a brief email describing your interest in the position to Nick Burgmeier. Please use the subject line, “Purdue Hellbender Technician Position – 2026.”
*Purdue University is an equal opportunity/equal access/affirmative action institution.*
Requirements
Qualifications:
- A background in wildlife, fisheries, forestry, natural resources, or related discipline is required.
- The ability to swim and a complete comfort with water and full submersion is required.
- Applicants must be willing to work with or near amphibians, reptiles (including snakes), and possibly other wildlife.
- Previous animal handling, especially amphibians, experience is preferred.
- Applicants must be physically fit and willing to hike, swim, camp, kayak, and lift heavy objects. - A valid U.S. driver's license is required.
- Applicants must be willing to work long hours in sometimes unpleasant conditions (i.e., hot, cold, rainy, ticks).
- Applicants must be comfortable working extended hours in cold water (October). Wetsuits and snorkels will be provided. Any accessories (e.g., neoprene socks, neoprene rash guards, water shoes) will not. Camping gear will not be provided.
- Applicants must be comfortable living in cramped quarters possibly with other individuals.
- Housing (rustic camper) is provided in O'Bannon Woods State Park in Corydon, Indiana.
