Alligator Research Technician

Alligator Research Technician

Below you will find the details for the position including any supplementary documentation and questions you should review before applying for the opening. To apply for this job, please submit your application through the University of Georgia system.

• Posting Number: G/R32385P
• Working Title:
  
  Alligator Research Technician
• Department:
  Warnell-Research
• Employment Type:
  
  Employee
• Additional Schedule Information: N/A
• Advertised Salary: N/A
• Anticipated
  
  Start Date:
  
  06/01/2026
• Posting Date: 03/05/2026
• Closing Date:
  Open Until Filled

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 (
https://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)./). UGA is ranked among the top 20 public universities in U.S. News & World Report. The main campus is 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. 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 the newly established School of Medicine.

This position will involve the following activities:

• Data cleaning and analysis – 25%
• Literature review – 25%
• Research logistics support – 25%
• Decision analysis preparation – 25%

Classification:
Temporary Technical Paraprofessional
FLSA:
Non‑Exempt
UGA Job Code: FTE 0.750

The University of Georgia is seeking a highly motivated individual with an interest in research, quantitative ecology, and decision analysis. The technician will assist PhD student Kaili Gregory on a research project on American alligators in the state of Georgia. The research project is in collaboration with the Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources at the University of Georgia, the U.S. Geological Survey’s Georgia Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, and the Georgia Department of Natural Resources.

The technician’s work will pertain to the following research objectives:
1) Estimate alligator population size and structure under varying harvest simulations;
2) Identify key areas of uncertainty and related potential research activities for alligator populations. The technician will assist with literature review and data exploration, cleaning, and analysis using R. They will attend all meetings with collaborators and assist with planning and facilitation of a structured decision‑making workshop with alligator experts in Georgia. All workshop‑related travel expenses will be covered. The technician will primarily work in‑office at a computer.

There may be opportunities to observe Georgia Department of Natural Resource’s annual alligator data collection efforts (e.g., nighttime spotlight surveys, mark‑recapture efforts). Depending on the technician’s interest, the research may be extended to an undergraduate Honor’s thesis, independent research project, and/or manuscript for a scientific journal; however, payment cannot go beyond hiring dates.

• At least 2 years of undergraduate experience in a relevant field (Wildlife Conservation, Natural Resources, Biology, Conservation Science).
• Experience with R, detail‑oriented, self‑motivated, and willing to learn skills in literature review, coding and programming (R), and decision analysis.
• Ability to work well within a team, collaborating closely with graduate students, faculty, and biologists from Georgia Department of Natural Resources.
• Physical demands: computer work, occasional outdoor work with exposure to weather conditions.

Is this a Position of Trust? No
Does this position have operation, access, or control of financial resources? No
Does this position require a P-Card? No
Is having a P-Card an essential function of this position? No
Is driving a requirement 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…