Gopher Tortoise Survey - Seasonal Technician

Gopher Tortoise Survey - Seasonal Technician 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. Position Details Posting Number - G/R33586P Working Title - Gopher Tortoise Survey - Seasonal Technician Department - PSO-Marine Extension Service 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 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, 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 (View email address on click.appcast.io). 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