"White-tailed Deer Research Technicians"

We are seeking one white-tailed deer research technician for participation in a deer research project funded by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. The project will investigate population-level impacts of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) of white-tailed deer in northern Newton and Searcy counties. The research team will consist of one research coordinator and four technicians. Technicians will gain extensive experience in fawn capturing and collaring with VHF collars, tracking fawns, investigating both adult and fawn mortalities and monthly monitoring and maintenance of camera traps. Captured deer will also receive ear tags and morphometric and biological tissue samples will be collected.

Because we are researching and working in areas with high concentrations of CWD prions, there will be precautions taken to minimize transmission of prions by field crews to different research sites.

This position will provide opportunity to network with local landowners, professionals from the University of Georgia, and staff from Arkansas Game and Fish Commission.

Chronic Wasting Disease Research in the Arkansas Ozarks

Wild Science Webinar: March 2023 – CWD Research and Evaluating Florida Bass in Lake Ouachita

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Fawn capture (capturing fawns, monitoring survival, searching for fawns) - 45% of time
• Grid camera maintenance (hiking with equipment to maintain 243 cameras) - 45% of time
• Office (organizing equipment, data entry) - 10% of time

Classification Title: Temporary Technical Paraprofessional

Position Summary: In the process of completing or having a Bachelor’s degree in wildlife management, biology, zoology, natural resource management, or a related field is preferred. Will live in close quarters with a small crew, while maintaining a professional demeanor towards university personnel, Arkansas GFC employees, and the public is necessary. Will work irregular hours and meet the physical demands of the northern Arkansas landscape, such as hiking through rugged terrain with 50lbs for long periods of time. Previous experience gathering scientific data and the ability to work well in a team is preferred. All applicants must have a valid U.S. driver’s license, clean driving record, and the ability to drive 4×4 vehicles. Must be able to tolerate irritating vegetation, biting insects, ticks, and work around venomous snakes.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities: Previous experience working with ungulates, especially with tracking deer is preferred. Experience with camera traps and working in bio-secure environments is also desirable. Experience working with the public is also desired.

Physical Demands: Hiking and working long hours in various weather and field conditions with heavy equipment. Driving to study sites and driving on uneven terrain.

About the University of Georgia: Since our founding in 1785, the University of Georgia has operated as Georgia’s oldest, most comprehensive, and most diversified institution of higher education (https://www.uga.edu/). The proof is in our more than 235 years of academic and professional achievements and our continual commitment to higher education. UGA is currently ranked among the top 20 public universities in U.S. News & World Report.