Gopher Tortoise Survey - Seasonal Technician

The University of Georgia; Athens (GA); Hybrid; USD 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Georgia is seeking a seasonal technician for wildlife surveys, focusing on gopher tortoises and indigo snakes across various habitats in Georgia. This position involves fieldwork, data management, and collaboration with sponsors to develop wildlife management plans.

The ideal candidate should have a degree in Biology or a related field, experience with wildlife surveys, and strong organizational and communication skills. Office tasks include data transfer and visualization in software like ArcGIS.

Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree in relevant field or 3 years of relevant experience.
• Experience with gopher tortoise surveys and transect surveys.
• Ability to drive 4WD trucks on challenging terrains.

Responsibilities

• Document the location and activity status of gopher tortoise burrows.
• Assist with data management and processing.
• Support grant-funded project work as needed.

Skills

Field research experience

Gopher tortoise surveys

Data management software

Communication skills

4WD driving skills

Education

Undergraduate degree in Biology, Ecology, Wildlife Management or related field

Tools

ArcGIS

Terraflex (Trimble GPS units)

Excel

Job description

Position Summary

This seasonal technician position will be largely field‑based to assist with surveys for gopher tortoises and indigo snakes, specifically line transect distance sampling and burrow scoping. The technician will help develop plans for avoidance or relocation of impacted species on industry lands and collaborate with sponsors and agencies to implement stewardship and habitat management. Work will involve weekly deployments across the coastal plain of Georgia, including overnight stays and daily commutes. The position also includes office tasks such as data transfer, visualization in ArcGIS Pro, and report assistance.

Responsibilities

• Line transects to document the location and activity status of gopher tortoise burrows.
• Camera scoping of gopher tortoise and mammal burrows, and identification of underground refugia for small vertebrate species.
• Visual encounter surveys for priority plant and wildlife species.
• Data management and processing in Excel, Terraflex (Trimble GPS units), and ArcGIS Pro.
• Assist with developing and implementing local stewardship, habitat management, and restoration initiatives.
• Conduct research on the post‑translocation status of gopher tortoises using vegetation assessments and UAVs/drones.
• Support grant‑funded project work as needed.

Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree in Biology, Ecology, Wildlife Management, or related field OR 3 years of relevant field research and wildlife experience.
• Experience with gopher tortoise surveys, transect surveys, and burrow scoping.
• Basic knowledge of ArcGIS, statistical analysis, and data management software.
• Ability to drive a 4WD truck on unpaved, muddy or sandy roads.
• Strong organizational skills and a pursuit of quality performance.
• Excellent communication, teamwork, and constructive feedback skills.
• Adaptability, physical resilience, and a positive attitude toward challenging field conditions.

Physical Demands

• Walking approximately 10 miles per day for surveys, carrying up to 10 lbs of equipment.
• Continuous bending and squatting while scoping burrows.
• Traveling to and from sites by vehicle, sometimes overnight stays in hotels.
• Working in diverse habitats, including dense forests, agricultural fields, and sandhill vegetation.
• Ensuring safety protocols when handling wildlife, including venomous snakes.

Equal Opportunity Employer

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, 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 at [e-mail].

Contact Information

For questions concerning this position or recruitment progression, please refer to the Recruitment Contact listed below.

Recruitment Contact Name: Kimberly Andrews

Recruitment Contact Email: [e-mail]