Research Associate, Research Assistant​/Associate, Research Scientist

Posting Information

• Posting Number: G/R27645P
• Working Title: Research Associate
• Department: Warnell-Sch Forestry & Nat Res
• Employment Type: Employee
• Salary: $35 per hour
• Anticipated
  
  Start Date:
  
  11/29/2024
• Posting Date: 10/28/2024
• Open Until Filled: Yes
• Location: Athens Area
• FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
• FTE: 1.00
• Classification: Temporary Technical Paraprofessional

This position will serve as a field-based project coordinator of a long‑term research project focused on assessing white‑tailed deer movements relative to flooding and chronic wasting disease (CWD) in northeastern Louisiana. The successful candidate will coordinate and conduct field research on‑site in northeastern Louisiana, where CWD is established and of significant management concern to agencies and landowners. The candidate will be primarily responsible for coordinating and conducting field research that will involve capture of adult and juvenile white‑tailed deer using various capture techniques (rocket nets, free darting), immobilizing captured animals, monitoring them via radio telemetry, investigating related mortality events, and running the day‑to‑day operations of a field crew including a technician and intermittent support from other personnel.

The applicant will also assist in managing databases, summarizing data, and preparing technical reports and presentations to disseminate the results of the research. The candidate will serve as the primary point of contact for state agency personnel within the study area, as well as private landowners, and others with questions or concerns about the field research. Likewise, the candidate will serve as the liaison between field research activities and principal investigators in the Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources at the University of Georgia.

• 80% – Coordinate and conduct field research on white‑tailed deer, including capture, immobilization, telemetry monitoring, and mortality investigations.
• 20% – Perform data entry and office tasks, manage databases, summarize data, and prepare technical reports.

BS or MS (preferred) in Wildlife Management, Wildlife Ecology, Ecology, Biology, or a closely related field. Significant experience working independently and as a team to conduct safe and effective large‑animal capture operations.

• Advanced knowledge of field, spatial, and communication techniques to design and carry out research with little oversight on private lands.
• Extensive knowledge and experience running a field crew capturing, handling, and immobilizing ungulates.
• Fluent in English, valid driver’s license, willing to work in hot, humid, and buggy field conditions.
• Comfortable working in sites with possible interactions with venomous snakes and large predators such as black bears and alligators.

• Drive 4‑wheel drive vehicles.
• Lift at least 50 pounds.
• Walk over uneven ground.

Driving is a requirement of this position. The position is not a position of trust, does not have access to financial resources, no P‑Card required.

Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including a criminal background check, confirmation of credentials and employment history, and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. Candidates may also be subject to a pre‑employment drug test for high‑risk responsibilities. For details, visit the UGA Background Check website.

The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status or other protected status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR (hrweb).

Recruitment Contact:
Adrianna Mowrer, adrianna.mowrer