Black Bear Research Coordinator

Position Information

Classification Title Research Professional AD FLSA Exempt FTE 1.00 Minimum Qualifications

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.

Preferred 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.

Position Summary

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.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies

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.

• Prior experience in large mammal handling and experience with chemical immobilization.

• Previous experience with wildlife camera trapping and/or hair snare efforts is also preferred.

• Previous experience coordinating field teams.

• Experience in R, GIS, and Microsoft Access is strongly recommended.

• Experience driving 4×4 trucks, UTVs, and boats is preferred.

Physical Demands

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.

Is driving a responsibility of this position? Yes Is this a Position of Trust? Yes Does this position have operation, access, or control of financial resources? Yes Does this position require a P-Card? No Is having a P-Card an essential function of this position? No Does this position have direct interaction or care of children under the age of 18 or direct patient care? No Does this position have Security Access (e.g., public safety, IT security, personnel records, patient records, or access to chemicals and medications) Yes Credit and P-Card policy

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.

Background Investigation Policy

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.

Duties/Responsibilities

Duties/Responsibilities

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.

Percentage of time 60 Duties/Responsibilities

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.

Percentage of time 25 Duties/Responsibilities

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.

Percentage of time 15

Contact Information

Recruitment Contact

Contact Details

For questions concerning this position or recruitment progression, please refer to the Recruitment Contact listed below.

Recruitment Contact Name Michel Kohl Recruitment Contact Email michel.kohl@uga.edu Recruitment Contact Phone

Posting Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• Do you possess a valid driver's license?

• No Response

• No

• Yes

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

• Resume/CV

• Cover Letter

• Unofficial Transcripts

• List of References with Contact Information

Optional Documents

Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact University HR (hrweb@uga.edu).

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.