Skip to Main Content

Research Assistant (Alabama Natural Heritage Program)

Effective July 1, 2024, Auburn University will fully comply to the modifications made to the Fair Labor Standards Act’s minimum salary threshold for overtime pay. As a result of these changes, some positions which are currently designated as exempt will be re-designated as non-exempt. For more information on these changes, visit https://www.auburn.edu/administration/human_resources/flsa/index.php

For Non-Faculty jobs: External postings are posted for a minimum of 10 calendar days. Postings with end dates are subject to close after 10 days.

Employment with Auburn University is contingent upon the satisfactory completion of a background check.

Position Details

Position Information

Requisition Number S3601P
Home Org Name Alabama Natural Heritage Program
Division Name College of Sciences & Math
Position Title Research Assistant (Alabama Natural Heritage Program)
Job Class Code HA01ABC
Appointment Status Full-time
Part-time FTE
Limited Term Yes
Limited Term Length Two Years
Job Summary
This is a two-year limited term appointment. Continuation of employment is contingent upon availability of funds.

The Alabama Natural Heritage Program in the Department of Biological Sciences is seeking a Research Assistant to work on Geographic Information Systems projects in the areas of species conservation and conservation opportunity area modeling, and assist with management of the rare species occurrence database, Biotics.

About Auburn: Auburn was named by Forbes Magazine as one of the state of Alabama’s best employers, with employees staying an average of ten years! Learn more about Auburn’s impact, generous employee benefits, and thriving community by visiting aub.ie/working-for-auburn.

It’s a Lifestyle: The Auburn/Opelika area is a page right out of Southern Living magazine with an idyllic small-town feel, perfecting a unique balance between a close-knit community and driving consistent growth and development. Paralleling the exponential growth of Auburn University, the Auburn/Opelika area boasts services and amenities that cater to any interest. We’re proud of our top school systems, city services, award-winning restaurants, and the infectious spirit of life in a college town. You can find us nestled halfway between the beach and the mountains in a lower-cost-of-living area, two hours outside of Atlanta or Birmingham. If you’re new to Auburn, we’d love to introduce you. If you’re already acquainted with Auburn, we’ll keep it simple: it’s time to come home!

Our Commitment: Auburn University is committed to a diverse and inclusive campus environment. Visit auburn.edu/inclusion to learn more about our commitment to expanding equity and inclusion for all.

Essential Functions
  • Assist with large-scale mapping projects to identify conservation opportunity areas in Alabama.
  • Make maps and GIS data files in support of Alabama Heritage Program projects.
  • Assist with species habitat modeling and other GIS projects as needed.
  • Enter rare species occurrence data into a relational database, Biotics.
  • Additional duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications
Level I -Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in Biological Sciences, Ecology, Zoology, Geography, or related field with no experience.

Level II -Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in Biological Sciences, Ecology, Zoology, Geography, or related filed plus two years of experience in geographic information systems, database management, and/or field-based biological research.

Level III -Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in Biological Sciences, Ecology, Zoology, Geography, or related field with four years of experience in geographic information systems, database management, and/or field-based biological research.

Substitutions allowed for Experience:
When a candidate has the required education, but lacks the required experience, they may normally apply additional appropriate education toward the experience requirement, at a rate of one year relevant education per year of required experience.
Minimum Skills, License, and Certifications

Minimum Skills and Abilities
  • Candidate must have excellent written and interpersonal communication skills.
  • Broad computational and technical background with the ability to integrate innovative technologies into research.
  • Ability to conduct research analyses involving spatial ecology and habitat modeling.
  • Experience using GIS software for mapping and conducting spatial analysis.
  • Experience with data entry.
Minimum Technology Skills
Minimum License and Certifications
Desired Qualifications

Desired Qualifications
Posting Detail Information

Salary Range $46,600 - $68,300
Job Category Research
Working Hours if Non-Traditional
City position is located in: Auburn
State position is located: AL
List any hazardous conditions or physical demands required by this position
Posting Date 05/03/2024
Closing Date
EEO Statement
Auburn University is committed to an inclusive and diverse campus environment. Women, underrepresented groups, individuals with disabilities and veterans are encouraged to apply.



AUBURN UNIVERSITY IS AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER. It is our policy to provide equal employment opportunities for all individuals without regard to race, sex, religion, color, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other classification protected by applicable law.
Special Instructions to Applicants
Quick Link for Internal Postings

Documents Needed to Apply

Required Documents
  1. Resume
  2. Cover Letter
Optional Documents
  1. Other

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

  1. * Please select how you first became aware of this opportunity. Your response helps us determine how we can more effectively reach our candidates.
    • LinkedIn
    • AcademicKeys
    • The Chronicle of Higher Education
    • DiversityJobs
    • HigherEdJobs
    • HERC (Higher Education Recruitment Consortium)
    • Indeed
    • RecruitMilitary
    • The Tuskegee News
    • Professional organization or journal
    • Veterans Assistance Services
    • Disability Assistance Services
    • State Employment Service
    • Social Media
    • AU Job Bulletin
    • Notified by an Auburn employee
    • College or university Career Services
    • I went to the AU Employment Website directly (www.auemployment.com)
    • Other
  2. * Please select the answer that best describes your current employment relationship with Auburn University:
    • Current full-time Auburn or AUM employee within probationary period
    • Current full-time Auburn or AUM employee outside of probationary period
    • Current part-time Auburn or AUM employee
    • Not an Auburn or AUM employee
  3. * Do you have a Bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited institution in Biological Sciences, Ecology, Zoology, Geography, or a related field?
    • Yes
    • No