Life Science Technician

Posting Information

Posting Number
: S12976P

Working Title
:
Life Science Technician

Department
: VPR-Savannah River Ecology Lab

Posting Type
:
External

Employment Type
:
Employee (Full Time)

Retirement Plan
: TRS

Benefits Eligibility
:
Benefits Eligible

Schedule
:
Monday through Friday, 8:00‑5:00

Advertised Salary
: $35,000 to $40,000

Proposed Starting Date
: 03/01/2025

Location of Vacancy
:
Outside Georgia

Open Until Filled
:
Yes

Since its founding in 1785, the University of Georgia has been Georgia’s oldest, most comprehensive, and most diversified institution of higher education. UGA is ranked among the top 20 public universities in U.S. News & World Report and employs approximately 3,100 faculty and more than 7,700 full‑time staff. The university’s enrollment exceeds 41,000 students across 19 schools and colleges, including the newly formed School of Medicine.

The field technician will provide critical field support for a recently funded project focused on spotted turtles. Responsibilities include aquatic trapping, handling and marking of turtles, blood collection and sample processing, and radio‑telemetry at two installations in Virginia. The technician will also perform data entry and management, assist project personnel at other installations in VA/MD, serve as a liaison with the project PIs from three performing organizations, and coordinate with natural resource staff.

A high degree of professionalism, excellent communication skills, and strong independence are essential.

• Radio‑telemetry – Radio‑track up to 30 aquatic turtles at two sites (approximately 1 hour apart) weekly during the active season (Feb–Oct) and bi‑weekly in winter dormancy (Nov–Jan).
  Percentage of Time: 45%
• Mark‑recapture and sample collection – Deploy and monitor aquatic traps over 5‑day sessions (March–May) at both sites, mark turtles via shell notching, and collect and process blood samples.
  Percentage of Time: 25%
• Data entry and management – Enter radio‑tracking data into Excel, manage GPS waypoints, archive data sheets, and ensure timely entry to meet grant deliverables. Familiarity with Google Earth is helpful.
  Percentage of Time: 20%
• Project coordination – Communicate with project and installation personnel, coordinate field activities and access requirements with natural resource staff, provide weekly updates and draft reports, publications, and presentations as needed.
  Percentage of Time: 10%

• Able to lift 40 lbs to a height of 4 feet
• Walk long distances between wetlands, navigate shallow wetlands in hip waders, often under hot and humid conditions
• Drive several hours in 4WD field vehicles off pavement in sandy or muddy conditions to reach mid‑Atlantic sites
• Work outdoors under diverse, sometimes extreme field conditions for long days
• Work independently in a remote setting with exposure to varying weather conditions

• Minimum Qualifications – Technical knowledge acquired through apprenticeship, a 2‑year degree, or professional certificate. Contact Human Resources for evaluation of education/experience in lieu of the required minimum qualifications.
• Preferred Qualifications – B.S. and/or M.S. degree in wildlife field or biological sciences.
• Experience with turtles, especially aquatic turtles: trapping (hoop nets, promar, fyke nets), marking, VHF radiotelemetry, and blood collection
• Experience with home range and movement analysis (preferably in R; GIS programs such as ArcGIS or QGIS acceptable)
• Strong communication skills and timely completion of deliverables
• Interest and experience in scientific communication, especially writing (strongly preferred)
• Ability to pass a background check for work on Department of Defense installations and maintain a safe driving record

Benefits Eligible. To qualify, successful applicants must pass a background investigation, including a criminal background check, credential and employment history verification, and (if applicable) a satisfactory credit check. A drug test may be required for high‑risk responsibilities. Please visit the UGA Background Check website for more information.