Research Assistant 3 (Rubega Lab)

JOB SUMMARY

Great Gull Island (GGI) NY is the breeding site for 35% of the federally endangered Roseate Terns (2300 pairs) breeding the northwest Atlantic population and the second largest colony (11000 pairs) of Common Tern on the east coast of North America. The Rubega Lab in the Ecology and Evolutionary Biology department has a grant to enhance nesting habitat for terns on GGI and create a biosecurity plan to protect the colony from predatory mammals disease and invasive plant species. The Program Manager (Research Assistant 3) will supervise all aspects of this project.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Organizing and managing the logistics of a nesting habitat restoration project for Common and Roseate Terns breeding on Great Gull Island.
• Implementing a Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP) for all projects related to this habitat restoration project.
• Ordering and supervising the transportation of supplies to the island.
• Coordinating with the herbicide contractor and crew for twice-yearly application of herbicides to control invasive plant species on the island.
• Coordinating and supervising volunteers conducting habitat enhancement on the island including planting native plant plugs installing nest boxes and spreading pea gravel to enhance habitat over existing concrete structures.
• Coordinating the removal of marine debris from the island.
• Coordinating boat trips to Great Gull Island for contractors and crew members.
• Supervising volunteer work crews on the island.
• Supervising a staff of up to 3 habitat restoration technicians.
• Writing annual reports summarizing habitat restoration efforts.
• Enacting a biosecurity plan to protect terns nesting on the island from predatory mammals disease and new invasive plants.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• M.S. degree in wildlife ecology biology or a related field AND a minimum of 2 years of experience.
• Demonstrated experience supervising staff.
• Experience supervising and scheduling field crews and volunteers in a remote setting.
• Experience working on a remote seabird colony.
• Experience with the logistics of operating a field camp.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Demonstrated experience working in a large seabird colony at a remote location.
• Experience operating a tractor and other heavy equipment.
• Experience with invasive plant species and their control.
• First aid skills.
• Experience using off-grid solar systems and maintaining housing and infrastructure during the field season.
• Experience in maintaining staff morale in a remote location.
• Experience with developing and/or enacting a biosecurity plan.
• Experience leading habitat restoration projects.

APPOINTMENT TERMS

This is a 12-month end-dated position with the possibility to extend contingent upon satisfactory performance and availability of grant work will occur on Great Gull Island New York from late April through September with office work at the Storrs campus for the rest of the year. The salary range for this position is $70000 to $73500 commensurate with education and experience. The University offers a competitive salary and outstanding benefits including employee and dependent tuition waivers at UConn and a highly desirable work environment. For additional information regarding benefits please visit and explore the sections under the Benefits & Leaves and Engagement & Learning headers.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Employment of the successful candidate is contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment criminal background check.

TO APPLY

Please apply online at Faculty and Staff Positions Search #499327 and submit the following application materials: CV cover letterand contact information forthree (3) professional references.

This job posting is scheduled to be removed at 11:55 p.m. Eastern time on February 6 2026.

All employees are subject to adherence to the State Code of Ethics which may be found at members of the University of Connecticut are expected to exhibit appreciation of and contribute to an inclusive respectful and diverse environment for the University community.

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