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 3,000 faculty and more than 7,700 full-time staff. The University's enrollment exceeds 40,000 students including over 30,000 undergraduates and over 10,000 graduate and professional students. Academic programs reside in 18 schools and colleges, as well as a medical partnership with Augusta University housed on the UGA Health Sciences Campus in Athens.

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The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ethnicity, age, genetic information, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation or protected veteran status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR (hrweb@uga.edu).

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Requires at least a baccalaureate degree in the field. Please contact your Human Resources office for an evaluation of education/experience in lieu of the required minimum qualifications.

The minimum qualification is a Bachelor of Science in wildlife biology, ecology, or a closely related field with two years of experience in 1) field work that includes the capture and handling of large mammals including wildlife immobilization, 2) field team coordination, and 3) database management.

The preferred qualification includes all minimum qualifications but has completed a Masters of Science in wildlife biology, ecology, or a closely related field.

The Research Coordinator will assist PIs Kohl and Bothwell with research planning, field work coordination, and database management related to the South Georgia Black Bear Project. The research coordinator will co-coordinate fieldwork activities with incoming PhD students examining the spatial and demographic conditions of bears in and around the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge. The research coordinator will be expected to participate and live on-site for extended periods of time during the winter (~Jan - Mar) and summer months (~ May - Aug). Field housing on-site is provided. During these periods, the incumbent will assist in the management of field crews and co-oversee data collection related to black bear genetics (hair snares) and spatial distribution via camera trapping and radio-collaring. During non-field work seasons, the incumbent will maintain and organize detailed records and computer databases, and support ordering and inventory of project related supplies. Additional duties and opportunities may include outreach related activities and presentations, working with GIS data and geospatial analyses, and contributing to grant writing and publications. This project is funded for up to 5 years, renewable annually contingent on satisfactory performance by the employee.

Given that working with bears frequently involves high-profile and sensitive situations, demonstrated communication skills will be weighed heavily, in addition to professional references and other field experiences.

Working in extreme field conditions, lift over 50 lbs., and regularly work 12+ hour days in challenging conditions (i.e., swamps). This includes potential interactions with alligators, venomous snakes, and bears, in hot, humid, buggy conditions. Den season will include sampling bear tree dens that include sampling sites at significant heights above the ground and ground dens that may occur in uncomfortable and confined spaces. Driving as needed to perform job related duties.

Be advised a credit check will be required for all positions with financial responsibilities. For additional information about the credit check criteria, visit the UGA Credit Background Check website.

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.

Responsibilities will include oversight of all fieldwork activities in and around the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge for approximately 6 months per year (2 approximately 3-month field seasons during winter and summer), in addition to shorter term field visits (1-2 days). This includes supervising the field crew staff and student workers for field work activities such as conducting maintenance on camera traps and hair snares as well as overseeing all bear capture activities. This position will also manage all planning activities related to preparation of the team's field work deployment for the project.

Responsibilities include coordination and management of project resources including inventory management, ordering and supply purchasing, and oversight of controlled substances in compliance with university, state, and federal protocols. The incumbent will also maintain computer databases related to bear data collected across the state. The incumbent may also participate in grant writing and analysis and publication related to black bear ecology.

Responsibilities include hiring field teams and supporting graduate student researchers with database management and field protocols. The incumbent must be effective at training students and coworkers in the proper use of equipment. The incumbent will also provide education and outreach activities related to black bears as requested by relevant stakeholders and associated parties.