Senior Research Associate - Metropolitan Human-Wildlife Conflicts

University of Georgia; Athens (GA); On-site; USD 48,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

An established institution is seeking a Research Professional to manage human-wildlife interactions in urbanized environments. This role involves conducting a human dimensions study in the metro-Atlanta region to gauge residents' wildlife tolerance and their engagement with wildlife management agencies. The successful candidate will design surveys, analyze data, and present findings to stakeholders. This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to wildlife management strategies in a vibrant urban setting while collaborating with a dedicated research team. If you are passionate about wildlife conservation and research, this is the perfect role for you.

Qualifications

• Experience in survey design and quantitative analysis required.
• Graduate level coursework in human dimensions theories preferred.

Responsibilities

• Design and pre-test online surveys for metro-Atlanta residents.
• Analyze data using regression analyses to identify wildlife tolerance.

Skills

Survey Design

Quantitative Analysis

Statistical Analysis (R, STATA)

Human Dimensions Theories

Education

Baccalaureate Degree

MS or PhD in Human Dimensions or Social Sciences

Tools

R

STATA

Qualtrics

Job description

External Retirement Plan TRS or ORP Employment Type Employee Benefits Eligibility Benefits Eligible Full/Part time Full Time Work Schedule Additional Schedule Information
Standard hours - Monday thru Friday; 8:00 AM - 5:00PM
Advertised Salary $48,000 Posting Date 08/24/2021 Open until filled Yes Closing Date Proposed Starting Date 10/01/2021 Special Instructions to Applicants
This is a 12-month position and subject to availability of funds.
Location of Vacancy Athens Area EEO Policy 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]).
USG Core Values Statement
The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 26 institutions of higher education and learning, as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found online at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct.

Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found online at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653.

Position Information

Classification Title Research Professional AD FLSA Exempt FTE 1.00 Minimum Qualifications
Requires at least a baccalaureate degree in the field. Please contact your Human Resources office for an evaluation of education/experience in lieu of the required minimum qualifications.
Preferred Qualifications
MS or PhD in human dimensions, social sciences or related discipline conferred by August 31, 2021.
Applicants must have experience in survey design and quantitative analysis, including analysis of survey data (e.g. logistic regression). Applicants must be proficient in computer languages suitable for statistical analysis (e.g., R, STATA ).
Position Summary
Managing human-wildlife interactions in urbanized environments is an increasing concern for wildlife management agencies. Although suburban and urban environments provide important habitat for wildlife, the high density of people increases the probability of negative human-wildlife interactions (e.g., vehicle collisions with deer, damage to personal property by wildlife, harm to pets, anthropogenic food conditioning of wildlife). Suburban and urban residents may have limited knowledge of wildlife or how to mitigate potential conflicts with wildlife. Moreover, suburban and urban residents may be unaware that state wildlife agencies have the expertise to assist them in managing potential conflicts with wildlife.

The successful candidate will conduct a human dimensions study in the metropolitan Atlanta (metro-Atlanta) region to determine the following:
1. Metro-Atlanta residents' level of wildlife tolerance, and determinants of wildlife tolerance, e.g. attitudes, beliefs, risk concerns, pet ownership, socio-demographics;
2. Perceived positive and negative impacts of wildlife, and whether certain wildlife species tend to be liked or disliked;
3. Residents' knowledge of appropriate actions to mitigate human-wildlife conflicts, and their willingness to engage in these actions;
4. Residents' prior awareness of Georgia Department of Natural Resources ( GADNR ), and their level of trust in GADNR ; and
5. How residents would prefer to receive information about living with wildlife.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies
Applicants must have completed graduate level coursework in human dimensions theories and methods (or comparable social sciences methods) prior to the start date of this position. Applicants must demonstrate that they can apply human dimensions or other social sciences theories and methods in an applied research context. Applicants must have experience in survey design and quantitative analysis, including analysis of survey data (e.g. logistic regression). Applicants must be proficient in computer languages suitable for statistical analysis (e.g., R, STATA ).
Physical Demands
The successful applicant is expected to meet with the research team on a regular basis (subject to social distancing protocols required to manage COVID -19) and to complete all job duties that expect the applicant to be present on the University of Georgia campus. Travel related to this research. Driving.
Is driving a responsibility of this position? Yes Is this a Position of Trust? No Does this position have operation, access, or control of financial resources? No Does this position require a P-Card? No Is having a P-Card an essential function of this position? No Does this position have direct interaction or care of children under the age of 18 or direct patient care? No Does this position have Security Access (e.g., public safety, IT security, personnel records, patient records, or access to chemicals and medications) No Credit and P-Card policy
Be advised a credit check will be required for all positions with financial responsibilities. For additional information about the credit check criteria, visit the UGA Credit Background Check website.
Background Investigation Policy
Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including, a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with the University of Georgia; confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials (including reference checks) as they relate to the job-based requirements of the position applied for; and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. You may also be subject to a pre-employment drug test for positions with high-risk responsibilities, if applicable. Please visit the UGA Background Check website.

Duties/Responsibilities

Duties/Responsibilities
The applicant will design and pre-test online surveys to be administered to residents of the metro-Atlanta region. The applicant will coordinate with Research Services at Qualtrics to administer the survey. The applicant will ensure that all completed surveys meet data quality standards (e.g., respondents answered all questions, did not speed through the survey, did not fail attention check and data validity questions). The applicant will clean and analyze all data collected using appropriate regression analyses to identify determinants of wildlife tolerance. The applicant will ensure that all research efforts are reviewed and approved by the Institutional Review Board at the University of Georgia.
Percentage of time 60 Duties/Responsibilities
The applicant will generate a final report for GADNR which provides descriptive statistics for all survey questions, the results of regression and other appropriate analyses, and recommendations on how GADNR may enhance their engagement with residents of the metropolitan Atlanta region. The applicant will present the results of this study to GADNR (online or in-person depending on health and safety restrictions).
Percentage of time 25 Duties/Responsibilities
The applicant will disseminate research findings at academic meetings and conferences. The applicant will also undertake additional research and extension tasks associated with this project, as identified by Dr. Pienaar..
Percentage of time 15

Contact Information

Recruitment Contact

Contact Details Recruitment Contact Name Recruitment Contact Email Recruitment Contact Phone

Posting Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

1. * Do you possess a valid driver's license?
   • No Response
   • No
   • Yes

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

1. Resume/CV
2. Cover Letter

Optional Documents