Research Associate

The University of Georgia; Athens (GA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Georgia is seeking a field-based project coordinator for a long‑term study on white-tailed deer movements related to flooding and CWD in northeastern Louisiana. The role entails on-site coordination of field research, deer capture using rocket nets and darts, immobilization, telemetry monitoring, and leading a field crew with occasional support from other staff.

You will manage data, summarize results, and prepare technical reports and presentations for dissemination of

Qualifications

• B.S. or M.S. in Wildlife Management, Wildlife Ecology, Ecology, Biology, or related field.
• Experience conducting safe large animal capture operations, independently and in teams.
• Ability to work in hot, humid field conditions and on private lands.

Responsibilities

• Field research capture and monitoring of deer.
• Data entry and office tasks.
• Coordinate day-to-day field crew activities and liaise with researchers.

Skills

Field research

Wildlife handling

English fluency

Driver's license

Team leadership

Education

BS/MS in Wildlife

Job description

Position Summary

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 (e.g., rocket nets, free darting), immobilization of captured animals, monitoring of captured animals 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.

Duties / Responsibilities

• Field research capture and monitoring animals
• Data entry and office tasks

Relevant / Preferred Education, Experience, Licensure, Certification

B.S. or M.S. (preferred) in Wildlife Management, Wildlife Ecology, Ecology, Biology, or a closely related field. The employee will have significant experience working both independently and as a team to conduct safe and effective large animal capture operations.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies

The individual will have advanced knowledge of field, spatial, and communication techniques to design and carry out research with little oversight on private lands. Critically, the applicant will have extensive knowledge and experience running a field crew capturing, handling, and immobilizing ungulates. The candidate will be fluent in English, possess a valid driver’s license, and have a willingness to work in hot, humid, and buggy field conditions. The applicant will also be comfortable working in sites with possible interactions with venomous snakes and large predators such as black bears and alligators.

Physical Demands

Driving 4 wheel drive vehicles, will be able to lift at least 50 pounds, walking over uneven ground.

Equal Opportunity Statement

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 ([e-mail]).