Ruffed Grouse Research Technicians

Ruffed Grouse Research Technicians

Location: North Georgia

Job Category: Temporary/seasonal Positions

Number of Hires: 3

How to apply: Please submit an application on the UGA job board (https://www.ugajobsearch.com/postings/345800). Applications must consist of a cover letter, CV/resume, and at least three references.

Application deadline: Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and positions are open until filled.

Salary: $13.25 per hour (40 hours per week)

Start Date: March 4, 2024

End Date: May 31, 2024

Job Summary:

We are seeking three field technicians to survey of Ruffed Grouse across North Georgia. Primary duties will be to conduct standard roadside grouse surveys, and search for grouse drumming logs to obtain samples for genetic analysis. Technicians will also be responsible for set-up, take-down, and monitoring of Automated Recording Units (ARUs). Technicians will be required to enter data on a daily basis, and may be asked to enter acoustical sound data from the ARUs.

Working hours will vary depending on distance to survey points each morning, but expect very early mornings to early/mid-afternoon work schedules. Field housing and a work vehicle will be provided.

Primary Duties:

1)      Perform bird point count surveys

2)      Operate song meters

3)      Search for grouse fecal samples

4)      Enter data

5)      Traveling to field sites

Education and Experience required:

Must have strong work ethic and positive attitude, interest in birds and conservation, and strong observational and listening skills. Ability to navigate using a GPS and Google Maps. Ability to follow directions and work independently. Must be comfortable navigating off-road locations and have exceptional organizational skills. Must be working towards or have a B.S. in Wildlife Ecology or related field. Preference will be given to applicants with experience conducting forest bird surveys and working independently in the field. A valid driver’s license and good driving record is required.

Physical Demand:

Must be able to endure long workdays beginning before sunrise, drive long distances, hike through dense forests, navigate steep/uneven terrain, and work in hot, humid conditions with ticks, chiggers, poison ivy, and the occasional rattlesnake/copperhead, while sometimes carrying up to 25lbs. of field equipment.

Breakdown of Responsibilities (percent of time):

60% bird surveys

10% searching for drumming logs

10% operating song meters

10% data entry

10% traveling