Natural Resources Job Board

Description: I am seeking a motivated individual to join my research lab as a full-time research coordinator at the University of Georgia’s Savannah River Ecology Laboratory. Our research focuses on developing and applying science-based approaches to the management of wildlife populations, particularly reptiles. Our research is applied in nature and is often designed to address specific management problems or conservation issues. 

 

The Research Coordinator will assist PI Tuberville with research planning, field work coordination, animal care and husbandry, sample collection, data entry and management, and project reporting for a four year SERDP-funded project on spotted turtles in South Carolina and the mid-Atlantic region (see project abstract at: http://tuberville.srel.uga.edu/opportunities.html). In addition to project support, the coordinator will also conduct significant portions of the field work (mark-recapture, radio-telemetry), including taking the lead on the project portions being conducted on the Savannah River Site near Aiken, South Carolina where the position is based. In addition, the coordinator will travel periodically to the mid-Atlantic region to conduct seasonal trapping and environmental sampling, and as needed to assist a remote-based technician. Duties will include: 1) ordering, inventory and maintenance of project related supplies and equipment; 2) maintaining and organizing field-collected data; 3) summarizing and analyzing field-collected data for project-reporting purposes and in support for co-PIs who are developing individual-based models and risk assessment models designed to evaluate the effects of multiple stressors on spotted turtle populations; 4) synthesizing related scientific literature in support of model development; and 5) assistance with permits, IACUC, and other related compliance. The successful applicant will be expected to contribute to report writing and will have the opportunity to participate in communicating project results through scientific publications and/or presentations at scientific conferences. 

 

The person in this position will be an important liaison with the project PIs from three performing organizations, as well as with natural resource staff and other personnel at five installations/sites in the mid-Atlantic region. A high degree of professionalism and excellent communication skills are a must. 

 

This position is funded for up to four years, renewable annually contingent on satisfactory performance by the employee. Preference given to applicants willing to commit to more than one year.

 

 

Qualifications: 

Strong preference will be given to applicants who have successfully completed a graduate of master’s degree program in natural sciences. Graduates from an undergraduate program in sciences that have extensive additional relevant field and/or laboratory experience may be considered. Applicants should have demonstrated ability to work independently but also be willing to serve in a support role working with a variety of other people. A positive attitude, strong work ethic, and good communications skills are all a must. Applications should be willing to commit to a minimum of 12 mo employment, but ability to commit to a multi-year position is desired. Preferred start date is July 2024. 

 

Additional required or desired skills include:

·        Prior field experience with turtles, preferably aquatic turtles – including trapping, marking, radio-telemetry, and blood collection

·        Previous experience with home range and movement analysis

·        Basic statistical competency. Experience in R a plus

·        Experience driving 4WD field vehicles

·        Demonstrated experience and interest in scientific communication, especially writing, is strongly preferred

·        Demonstrated project management skills

·        Must be able to pass background check for work on Department of Energy’s Savannah River Site and at Department of Defense installations

·        Must have a safe driving record

 

Please submit the following materials to the provided email: 1) cover letter; 2) CV or resume; 3) names and contact information for three references and their relationship to you (i.e., research mentor, supervisor, instructor, etc). Please put “Turtle Ecology Research Coordinator application” in the subject line of the email. Note that great weight is placed on the cover letter, so please include why the position aligns with your professional goals and why you think you are an excellent candidate. Review of applications may not begin until mid-May 2024 (responses to inquiries prior to that may be delayed). Top candidates will then be provided information as to how to formally apply to the position through the UGA jobs website. Information about our lab group can be found at our lab website (tuberville.uga.srel.edu) or on Instagram (@tuberville_lab).