Research Professional (Limited-Term)

University of Georgia • Athens, GA

56d

About The Position

The Gamebird and Managed Ecosystems (GAME) Lab is seeking a motivated and experienced Research Professional to serve as a project leader on a Northern Bobwhite project in the Rolling Plains of Texas. The project will examine effects of parasites in respect to survival and reproductive success, while also examining the efficacy of treating birds using fenbendazole (FBZ) in a double-blind experiment. This experiment will involve holding wild birds in captivity for up to 5 days where a portion of birds receive a placebo, and a proportion of birds are treated with FBZ; a third treatment group will be a control group of bobwhites trapped and released immediately. The successful candidate will work with state agency and private lands staff to coordinate research activities on private and state-owned land. This candidate will hire, train, and supervise seasonal field technicians. Work will involve quail trapping and radio-tagging, tracking birds via radio telemetry, vegetation surveys, data entry and management, report writing, and other duties as assigned. This position will require working non-typical hours, with morning and nighttime work needed at different times of the year. Shared field vehicles and field housing will be provided for project leader and field technicians - keeping them clean is part of the job responsibilities for all field researchers. The successful candidate will work closely with property management and collaborating scientists.

This position has a limited term appointment term which is expected to end August 31, 2027. The position may be extended beyond the initial term, contingent upon continued funding.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Highly motivated with the ability to work independently, plan ahead, and lead a field crew, including having a strong work ethic.
• Knowledge of avian ecology.
• Experience with ArcGIS, managing data, capturing and tagging of birds, and using radio telemetry.
• Must have the ability/knowledge of safely driving 4×4 trucks and off-road vehicles like UTVs.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor's degree (Master's preferred) in Wildlife Science, Ecology, Biology, or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience in gamebird or wildlife field research, including trapping, telemetry, and data management.
• Strong leadership and organizational skills, with proven ability to manage personnel and coordinate multi-faceted field operations.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for working with various stakeholders.
• Valid driver's license and ability to work outdoors in variable and sometimes harsh field conditions.

Responsibilities

• Field research - trapping and tagging quail, veg surveys, tracking quail
• Supervising field technicians - hiring, training and supervision of field researchers
• Data entry and management
• Research coordination with sponsors, report writing to sponsor and PI

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Industry: Educational Services
• Education Level: High school or GED
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees