Research Associate

Posting Number:G/R27645PWorking Title:Research AssociateDepartment:Warnell-Sch Forestry & Nat ResAbout the University of Georgia:Since our founding in 1785, the University of Georgia has operated as Georgia’s oldest, most comprehensive, and most diversified institution of higher education (https://www.uga.edu/). The proof is in our more than 235 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 formed School of Medicine.Employment Type:EmployeeAdvertised Salary:$35 per hourAnticipated Start Date:11/29/2024Posting Date:10/28/2024Open Until Filled:YesLocation 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 (hrweb@uga.edu).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.Duties/Responsibilities:field research capture and monitoring animalsPercentage of time:80Duties/Responsibilities:data entry and office tasksPercentage of time:20Classification Title:Temporary Technical ParaprofessionalFLSA:Non-ExemptFTE:1.00Position 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.Relevant/Preferred Education, Experience, Licensure, Certification in Position: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 team to conduct safe and effective large animal capture operations.Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies :The individual will also 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.Is this a Position of Trust?:NoDoes this position have operation, access, or control of financial resources? :NoDoes this position require a P-Card? :NoIs having a P-Card an essential function of this position? :NoIs driving a requirement of this position?:YesDoes this position have direct interaction or care of children under the age of 18 or direct patient care?:NoDoes this position have Security Access (e.g., public safety, IT security, personnel records, patient records, or access to chemicals and medications):NoBackground 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:Adrianna MowrerRecruitment Contact Email:adrianna.mowrer@uga.edu