Senior Research Associate - Metropolitan Human-Wildlife Conflicts

The University of Georgia; Athens (GA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Georgia invites applications for a research-focused position examining human–wildlife interactions in the metro-Atlanta region. The role emphasizes survey design, data collection with Qualtrics, and advanced statistical analyses to understand resident attitudes, knowledge, and information needs.

Preferred candidates hold an MS or PhD in related fields and are proficient in R or STATA, with experience in regression analysis and survey design.

Qualifications

• Minimum qualifications include at least a bachelor’s degree in a related field.
• Preferred qualifications include an MS or PhD in human dimensions, social sciences or related discipline.
• Experience in survey design and quantitative analysis, including analysis of survey data (e.g., logistic regression).
• Proficiency in computer languages suitable for statistical analysis (e.g., R, STATA).
• Graduate level coursework in human dimensions theories and methods is required or preferred.

Responsibilities

• Design and pre-test online surveys for metro-Atlanta residents.
• Coordinate with Qualtrics Research Services to administer the survey.
• Ensure data quality and completeness of completed surveys.
• Analyze data using regression analyses to identify determinants of wildlife tolerance.
• Ensure IRB review is obtained for all research activities.
• Generate a final report with descriptive statistics, regression results, and recommendations for GADNR.
• Present study results to GADNR (online or in-person).
• Disseminate findings at academic meetings and conferences.

Skills

Survey design

Quantitative analysis

Logistic regression

Human dimensions theory

R

Education

Bachelor's degree

MS or PhD in human dimensions

Tools

R

STATA

Qualtrics

Job description

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;
5. How residents would prefer to receive information about living with wildlife.

Qualifications

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).

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).

Responsibilities

• Design and pre‑test online surveys to be administered to residents of the metro‑Atlanta region.
• Coordinate with Research Services at Qualtrics to administer the survey.
• 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).
• Clean and analyze all data collected using appropriate regression analyses to identify determinants of wildlife tolerance.
• Ensure that all research efforts are reviewed and approved by the Institutional Review Board at the University of Georgia.
• Generate a final report for GADNR that 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.
• Present the results of this study to GADNR (online or in‑person depending on health and safety restrictions).
• Disseminate research findings at academic meetings and conferences.
• Undertake additional research and extension tasks associated with this project, as identified by Dr. Pienaar.

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.

EEO 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]).