Gopher Tortoise Survey - Seasonal Technician

Posting Details

Position Details

Posting Number

G/R33586P

Working Title

Gopher Tortoise Survey - Seasonal Technician

Department

PSO-Marine Extension Service

About the University of Georgia

Chartered by the state of Georgiain 1785, the University of Georgia is the birthplace of public higher education in America and is the state's flagship university (. 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 andmore 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.

About the College/Unit/Department

For more than 50 years, UGA Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant has served the state through integrated research, education, and extension programs that promote the responsible use and stewardship of Georgia's coastal resources.

By serving as a bridge between scientists, local governments, and marine industries, we help communities protect coastal resources through sustainable, science-based solutions. Our extension specialists connect university expertise with local needs to strengthen the economic vitality and resilience of coastal communities. Education staff enhance environmental literacy and inspire stewardship by engaging the public, teachers, and students in programs that highlight the importance of Georgia's coastal ecosystems. We also prepare the next generation of educators and marine scientists through workforce development opportunities for college students. Meanwhile, our research program supports applied studies across Georgia that expand understanding of coastal and estuarine systems and address pressing environmental challenges.

Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant is managed through a federal-state partnership between the University of Georgia (UGA) and the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) National Sea Grant College Program, a network of 34 Sea Grant programs located in coastal and Great Lakes states and territories.

College/Unit/Department website



Employment Type

Employee

Additional Schedule Information

This seasonal technician position is anticipated to last 8-9 months (August 2026- April 2027), with a start date no later than September 1. The weekly schedule will typically be 40 hours/week, Monday - Friday (5 8-hour shifts), with the occasional possibility of weekend survey shifts and/or 4 10-hour shifts. Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's holidays will be granted, but as unpaid leave. Since this position is temporary and cannot exceed the federal restriction of a maximum of 1300 hours in one year, health, retirement, and paid leave benefits are not provided by the University of Georgia. Please note that this position does not include housing or housing allowance. Employees are responsible for arranging and covering their own accommodations and cell phone expenses independently. However, for overnight field deployments, lodging and per diem will be compensated fully. Headquarters will be at the Coastal Ecology Lab offices at the UGA Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant facility in Brunswick, GA.

Advertised Salary

$16-20/hr, based on experience.

Anticipated Start Date

08/03/2026

Posting Date

06/16/2026

Closing Date

Open Until Filled

Yes

Special Instructions to Applicants

Responsibilities and duties with industry site surveys for gopher tortoises and other priority species specifically involve:

• Line transects to document the location and activity status of gopher tortoise burrows.
• Camera scoping of gopher tortoise and mammal burrows, along with suitable underground refugia for small vertebrate species, with particular interest in state and federal priority species.
• Visual encounter surveys for priority plant and wildlife species.
• Data management and processing in Excel, Terraflex (Trimble GPS units), and ArcGIS Pro.

Location of Vacancy

Outside Athens

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 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

Duties/Responsibilities

Industry site surveys for gopher tortoises and other priority species

Percentage of time

90

Duties/Responsibilities

Desk work, including the data entry, management, map creation, photo processing and literature research for both scientific/reporting and non-scientific purposes.

Percentage of time

10

Position Details

Position Information

Classification Title

Temporary Technical Paraprofessional

FLSA

Non-Exempt

UGA Job Code

FTE

1.00

Minimum Qualifications

Position Summary

This position will be largely field-based to assist with surveys for gopher tortoises and indigo snakes), specifically line transect distance sampling and burrow scoping. We use pre-development data to project impacts and collaboratively develop plans for the avoidance or relocation of impacted species on industry lands (e.g., utility-scale solar, mineral surface mining) with project sponsors and natural resource agencies. We further work with project sponsors to develop and implement the local stewardship, habitat management and restoration, and staff/contractor education and awareness initiatives. We also conduct research on the post-translocation status of gopher tortoises, including vegetation assessments using transects and UAVs/drones in the recipient habitats. We use these data to engage adaptive management and process improvement for wildlife and habitat. Surveys will require weekly deployment to various sites in the coastal plain of Georgia, often involving overnight stays at a hotel while deployed or daily commutes to closer field sites. Additionally, this position will involve office work, such as transferring and managing datasets, visualizing field data and generating output in ArcGIS Pro, and assisting with reports and publications, as examples. This position will work alongside a group of researchers, usually deploying as part of 2-person survey crews. As part of onboarding, the technician will undergo specific task training with current project researchers regarding field tasks as well as compliance with UGA and partner protocols, which includes but is not limited to vehicle safety, cybersecurity, animal use/IACUC certification, and working with minors. Assistance with other grant-funded projects may be engaged as needed, but is not guaranteed as part of this position.

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

Undergraduate degree in Biology, Ecology, Wildlife Management, or related field OR 3 years relevant experience in field research and wildlife.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies

• A dedicated interest in the conservation and management of wildlife and the mitigation of impacts from development.
• Field experience with surveying for Gopherus spp., including experience with transect surveys and scoping burrows.
• Basic knowledge of ArcGIS, statistical analysis, and data management software.
• Experience driving 4WD trucks on muddy, sandy, and challenging unpaved roads.
• Field experience in the collection and management of field data.
• Knowledge of southeastern habitats and upland sandhills plant and animal communities.
• A high-level of organization and professionalism and pride in quality performance.
• A philosophy for direct, honest and efficient communication with co-workers and supervisor, and a willingness to offer constructive feedback to both.
• Flexibility with scheduling and physical and mental resiliency as the nature of field ecology, conservation planning, and the state of the world around us changes constantly.
• An ability to uphold and model a positive attitude, even in thorny patches, literally and figuratively.
• A sense of mindfulness and gratitude for the people and opportunities around you.

Physical Demands

• Good physical condition and a patient temperament are absolutely needed, whether by yourself or with co-workers in the field.
• Some long days in the field in buggy conditions, and surveys in thick, thorny vegetation; mornings will be cool but can become hot/humid in the afternoon in Georgia winters.
• Habitat conditions will be variable, ranging from dense forests or mid-story vegetation to open, agricultural fields, or typical sandhills vegetation structure.
• Physical exertion may involve walking approximately 10 mi/day for surveys (e.g., transecting for ~8 hours/day), sometimes carrying a backpack with up to 10lbs. of equipment and bulky burrow scopes. Scoping burrows entails continuous bending over and squatting.
• Wild and captive animals, including venomous snakes, can be challenging to capture and handle, and safety precautions and protocols must be adhered to for the well-being of the animals and employees.
• Driving multiple hours round-trip to field sites.
• Staying overnight in hotels during field deployments on most weeks.

Is this a Position of Trust?

Yes

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?

Yes

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 Information

Recruitment Contact

Contact Details

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

Recruitment Contact Name

Kimberly Andrews

Recruitment Contact Email

kma77@uga.edu

Recruitment Contact Phone

Posting Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

1. Resume/CV
2. Cover Letter
3. List of References with Contact Information

Optional Documents