Temporary Research Technician (Trout Fishery Project)

University of Georgia; Athens (GA); On-site; USD 28,000 - 39,000; Part time

Job summary

University of Georgia in Athens seeks 1–2 Temporary Research Technicians for a Trout Fishery Project. You will support field crews, assist with creel surveys and electrofishing, and help quantify angler use and trout persistence after stocking in a managed tailwater fishery.

The role is housed in the Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources under the Georgia Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, with data collection mainly during the Morgan Falls Delayed Harvest season (Nov 1–May

Qualifications

• BS in Fisheries or related field (e.g., Ecology, Natural Resources) with demonstrated aquatic field experience
• Valid US driver's license and ability to operate motor vehicles in Georgia, including high-traffic areas
• Ability to work extended hours outdoors as well as some weekends and holidays and occasional overnight work trips
• Be detail-oriented, reliable, and willing to learn new skills
• Able to work well within a team, with graduate students, staff, faculty, GA DNR biologists and other professionals
• Experience with social science research methods, including interviews/surveys, engaging with the public, and collecting data on human dimensions of natural resource use and recreation
• Experience with freshwater fisheries and data collection, boat electrofishing, watercraft in rivers, surveying the public

Responsibilities

• Provide field and technical assistance – contribute to field data collection involving boat electrofishing and angler surveys; maintain data integrity; coordinate field activities; enter data and complete QAQC
• Program assistance – complete trainings and adhere to policies; communicate with PIs regarding research and lab operations; maintain equipment and supplies; support a collegiate environment
• Other duties as assigned

Skills

Field data collection

Driver's license

Outdoor work

Attention to detail

Teamwork

Social science methods

Freshwater fisheries

Boat electrofishing

Data collection

Education

BS in Fisheries or related field

Job description

Posting Number:

G/R35034P

Working Title:

Temporary Research Technician (Trout Fishery Project)

Department:

Warnell-Research

About the University of Georgia:

Chartered by the state of Georgia in 1785, the University of Georgia is the birthplace of public higher education in America and is the state’s flagship university (https://www.uga.edu/). The proof is in our more than 240 years of academic and professional achievements and our continual commitment to higher education. UGA is currently ranked among the top 20 public universities in U.S. News & World Report. The University’s main campus is located in Athens, approximately 65 miles northeast of Atlanta, with extended campuses in Atlanta, Griffin, Gwinnett, and Tifton. UGA employs approximately 3,100 faculty and more than 7,700 full-time staff. The University’s enrollment exceeds 41,000 students including over 31,000 undergraduates and over 10,000 graduate and professional students. Academic programs reside in 19 schools and colleges, including our newly established School of Medicine.

Employment Type:

Employee

Anticipated Start Date:

11/18/2026

Posting Date:

11/05/2026

Open Until Filled:

Yes

Location of Vacancy:

Athens Area

EOO 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 25 institutions of higher education and learning, as well 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 08.02.18.01.02.
Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 06.05 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom.

Duties/Responsibilities:

Provide field and technical assistance – contribute to field data collection involving boat electrofishing and angler surveys; maintain rigorous data collection and integrity standards; coordinate and prepare for field activities; enter data and complete QAQC

Percentage of time:

80

Duties/Responsibilities:

Program assistance – complete trainings and adhere to policies; communicate regularly and in a timely fashion with PIs regarding research or other issues relevant to the operation of the laboratory and projects; maintain equipment and supplies; help maintain a supportive collegiate environment

Percentage of time:

15

Duties/Responsibilities:

Other duties as assigned

Percentage of time:

5

Classification Title:

Temporary Technical Paraprofessional

FLSA:

Non-Exempt

FTE:

.750

Position Summary:

This position has a limited term appointment which is expected to end within 1 year after the start date.
We are seeking 1-2 highly motivated people, with interest in fisheries and social science, to work half- to full-time as temporary research technicians for a field-based research project aimed at quantifying angler use and satisfaction as well as trout persistence following stocking events in a managed tailwater fishery. The incumbent(s) will support graduate students by providing field and technical support, which will include assisting with creel surveys of trout anglers and electrofishing surveys. Conducted in collaboration with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (GA DNR), this research is expected to increase our understanding of the social benefits and ecological viability of this southern tailwater trout fishery.
This position will be with the Georgia Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, housed in the Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources at the University of Georgia, to support a project funded by GA DNR. Data collection will primarily occur during the Morgan Falls Delayed Harvest (MFDH) season (1 November – 14 May), when GA DNR stocks catchable trout in the Chattahoochee river near the city of Atlanta. The position may include long working days, and some data-collection responsibilities will likely occur on weekends or holidays.

Relevant/Preferred Education, Experience, Licensure, Certification in Position:

BS in Fisheries or a related field (e.g., Ecology, Natural Resources) with demonstrated aquatic field experience

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies :

• Practical experience working as part of a field crew in aquatic ecosystems
• Valid US driver’s license and ability to operate motor vehicles in Georgia, including high-traffic areas
• Ability to work extended hours outdoors as well as some weekends and holidays and occasional overnight work trips
• Be detail-oriented, reliable, and willing to learn new skills
• Able to work well within a team, as a successful candidate will be working closely with university graduate students, staff, faculty, as well as biologists from GA DNR and other professionalsPreferred
• Experience with social science research methods, including conducting interviews or surveys, engaging with the public, and collecting data on human dimensions of natural resource use and recreation.
• Experience with freshwater fisheries and data collection, boat electrofishing, working on watercraft in rivers, surveying members of the public.

Physical Demands:

• Incumbent will make frequent field visits that may involve some walking, standing, bending, and exposure to inclement conditions including cold, heat, high humidity, biting insects, or potentially dangerous wildlife
• Use personal safety equipment, such as personal floatation devices
• Navigate and traverse complex terrain and wadable river areas
• Work on moving watercraft
• Driving as needed to perform job duties
• Lift, carry, or move equipment or objects up to 50 lbs for short distances
• Sit or stand at a computer for extended periods of time in an office setting

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

Is driving a requirement of this position?:

Yes

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

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.

Contact Details:

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

Recruitment Contact Name:

Troy Simon

Recruitment Contact Email:

[e-mail]