Gopher Tortoise Survey - Seasonal Technician

Position Summary This seasonal technician position will be largely field‑based to assist with surveys for gopher tortoises and indigo snakes, specifically line transect distance sampling and burrow scoping. The technician will help develop plans for avoidance or relocation of impacted species on industry lands and collaborate with sponsors and agencies to implement stewardship and habitat management. Work will involve weekly deployments across the coastal plain of Georgia, including overnight stays and daily commutes. The position also includes office tasks such as data transfer, visualization in ArcGISPro, and report assistance. Responsibilities Line transects to document the location and activity status of gopher tortoise burrows. Camera scoping of gopher tortoise and mammal burrows, and identification of underground refugia for small vertebrate species. Visual encounter surveys for priority plant and wildlife species. Data management and processing in Excel, Terraflex (Trimble GPS units), and ArcGISPro. Assist with developing and implementing local stewardship, habitat management, and restoration initiatives. Conduct research on the post‑translocation status of gopher tortoises using vegetation assessments and UAVs/drones. Support grant‑funded project work as needed. Qualifications Undergraduate degree in Biology, Ecology, Wildlife Management, or related field OR 3years of relevant field research and wildlife experience. Experience with gopher tortoise surveys, transect surveys, and burrow scoping. Basic knowledge of ArcGIS, statistical analysis, and data management software. Ability to drive a 4WD truck on unpaved, muddy or sandy roads. Strong organizational skills and a pursuit of quality performance. Excellent communication, teamwork, and constructive feedback skills. Adaptability, physical resilience, and a positive attitude toward challenging field conditions. Physical Demands Walking approximately 10 miles per day for surveys, carrying up to 10lbs of equipment. Continuous bending and squatting while scoping burrows. Traveling to and from sites by vehicle, sometimes overnight stays in hotels. Working in diverse habitats, including dense forests, agricultural fields, and sandhill vegetation. Ensuring safety protocols when handling wildlife, including venomous snakes. Equal Opportunity Employer 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, 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 at View email address on click.appcast.io. Contact Information For questions concerning this position or recruitment progression, please refer to the Recruitment Contact listed below. Recruitment Contact Name: Kimberly Andrews Recruitment Contact Email: View email address on click.appcast.io #J-18808-Ljbffr