Coastal Ecology Research Staff
Wildlife Research
Location
Brunswick, Georgia, United States
Work type
Field
Employment
Full Time
Experience
0-3 years
Compensation
$40K - $46.5K per year
Posted
53m ago
Summary and responsibilities
Role overview
Summary
This position involves conducting and coordinating field research in coastal ecology, focusing on wildlife surveys, habitat assessments, and data management. The role also includes community engagement, public education, and assisting with the husbandry of captive animals, primarily gopher tortoises and indigo snakes.
Position Summary
This staff researcher position in the Coastal Ecology Lab (Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant) is based at the University of Georgia's off-campus facility in Brunswick, Georgia. The role supports a variety of externally funded research projects focused on coastal ecology, wildlife conservation, and habitat management across Georgia's Coastal and Coastal Plain regions. Frequent overnight field travel (1–4 nights/week, primarily September–April) is required.
The position involves leading and supporting ecological surveys for gopher tortoises, indigo snakes, and other wildlife using methods such as line transect sampling, burrow scoping, vegetation surveys, radio telemetry, camera monitoring, trapping, and habitat assessments. Responsibilities include collecting pre-development ecological data, supporting wildlife relocation and mitigation efforts, monitoring recipient sites, and contributing to habitat restoration and adaptive management.
Additional duties include managing and analyzing research data, creating maps in ArcGIS, preparing reports, permits, scientific publications, and conference presentations. The researcher will assist with grant development, maintain compliance with safety and research protocols (including venomous snake handling, MSHA certification, and UGA training requirements), and contribute to public outreach through educational programs, workforce training, social media, and website content. The role also includes assisting with husbandry of captive education and research animals, particularly tortoise eggs and hatchlings, and supporting lab operations and communications.
Duties & Responsibilities
Conduct ecological field research, wildlife surveys, habitat assessments, and monitoring across multiple project sites. (20%)
Perform office-based work including data entry, management, GIS mapping, photo processing, literature reviews, statistical analysis, and reporting. (40%)
Conduct pre-impact surveys on industry sites, coordinate wildlife mitigation actions, including animal relocation/translocation and post-release monitoring. (30%)
Assist with husbandry of captive research and education animals, including incubation and care of tortoise eggs and hatchlings, while supporting training and protocol compliance. (5%)
Develop outreach materials, support public education events, workforce training, social media, website maintenance, and project communications. (5%)
Minimum Qualifications
High school diploma or equivalent.
Preferred Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Biology, Ecology, Wildlife Management, or a related field, or three years of relevant wildlife field research experience.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
Strong interest in wildlife conservation and habitat management.
Experience with ArcGIS, statistical analysis, data management, and large ecological datasets.
Field experience with ecological surveys, vegetation monitoring, wildlife trapping, GPS/VHF telemetry, and gopher tortoise surveys (including burrow scopes).
Knowledge of southeastern ecosystems and sandhill habitats.
Experience operating 4WD vehicles in challenging terrain.
Familiarity with Trimble GPS, TerraFlex, UAVs, or industry/development site work is desirable.
Physical Requirements
Ability to work long hours outdoors in hot, humid, buggy, and rugged environments.
Walk up to 10 miles per day while carrying up to 15 lbs of equipment.
Perform frequent bending, squatting, and lifting during burrow surveys.
Safely handle wildlife, including venomous snakes, following established protocols.
Travel extensively to field sites, including overnight hotel stays.
Updated 53m ago
Candidate fit
Skills and qualifications
Additional skills
Experience
0-3 years
Certifications
How this role is positioned
Role classification
Job domains
Industries
Employment
Full Time
Contract duration
Permanent
Hiring type
Direct
Global hiring
Location specific
Offer details
Compensation and benefits
Compensation
$40K - $46.5K per year
Benefits and perks
Location, schedule, and role shape
Work setup
Work conditions
Bandwidth profile
Context on the employer
Company snapshot
Company
University of Georgia
Team size
Growing team
Location
Brunswick, Georgia, United States
Chartered by the state of Georgia in 1785, the University of Georgia is the birthplace of public higher education in America and is the state’s flagship university. 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 3,100 faculty and more than 7,700 full-time staff. The University’s enrollment exceeds 41,000 students including over 31,000 undergraduates and over 10,000 graduate and professional students. Academic programs reside in 19 schools and colleges, including our newly established School of Medicine.
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Coastal Ecology Research Staff
Brunswick, Georgia, United States • Full Time