Regional Wildlife Health Coordinator

Position Information

Classification Title Researcher AC FLSA Faculty Rank Assistant Research Scientist Contract Type Fiscal (12 mo.) Tenure Status Non-Tenure Track Minimum Qualifications

A PhD in a in wildlife biology/ecology, veterinary science, epidemiology, or related field) is required.

Position Summary

The Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study (Department of Population Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia) is seeking applications for an Assistant Research Scientist to serve as a Regional Wildlife Health Coordinator in the Southeastern U.S. This position is a collaboration between the Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, United States Fish and Wildlife Service, and SCWDS. This is a non-tenure track faculty position at SCWDS with three years of initial funding. Renewal will be based on continued funding and satisfactory performance. The distribution of effort is 60% service and 40% research.

This position will work closely with other SCWDS faculty and staff to provide wildlife disease expertise to SEAFWA member agencies. This position will also serve as a primary contact for the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies' Fish and Wildlife Health Committee and other regional wildlife health coordinators to help represent the southeastern region regarding regional or national wildlife health coordination efforts. This service effort will involve a variety of activities, including: wildlife disease surveillance and monitoring assistance and consultation; policy and management consultations; assistance with outbreak investigations; training of agency staff; and other wildlife disease related assistance to wildlife agencies. This position will actively participate in SEAFWA species-specific working groups to represent regional wildlife health issues; and support the work of regional fish and wildlife associations' health committees through staffing and coordination of meetings, agenda development, collaborative cross-committee issues, and initiatives. Such activities will involve the writing of technical reports, guidance documents, training resources, and outreach materials.

The research effort of this position will be to conceive and coordinate regional wildlife health surveillance and research projects to address existing and emerging wildlife health issues more effectively. Collaborative research should focus on understanding epidemiology and pathobiology of wildlife-related emerging diseases affecting wildlife, livestock, and/or public health to better inform wildlife disease surveillance, management, and risk communication approaches. Such work will require increased communication and cooperation among partners through building or enhancing relationships with state, federal, tribal, and academic wildlife health partners in the region. The successful candidate will be expected to seek collaborative extramural research funding, publish peer-reviewed manuscripts, and present at scientific conferences.

The successful candidate must be well-versed in diseases of free-ranging wildlife and should have demonstrated experience working with state wildlife management agencies. Establishing and maintaining working relationships with state and federal agency personnel, and other collaborators is essential. Professionalism and positive attitude must be maintained as this person will have frequent contact with agency personnel and the public, which will help to maintain the professional image and credibility of SCWDS.

Additional Requirements

One or more years of Agency related work experience required. For information about research scientist rank, please see the UGA Guidelines for Appointment and Promotion of Research Scientists.

Relevant/Preferred Education, Experience, Licensure, and/or Certification

A doctoral or veterinary degree is encouraged.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies

* Strong interpersonal skills, excellent written and verbal communication skills, proven leadership abilities, and ability to thrive in a collaborative research environment are critical.
* Field work may involve the use of off-road vehicles, various wildlife capture methods (e.g., mist nets, box traps, rocket net).
* Laboratory duties may include necropsy, microscopy, and basic microbiological techniques.
* Basic computer skills are essential.
* Knowledge of and demonstrated expertise in wildlife management and wildlife disease management principles and methodologies, pathology, and diagnostic testing, principles, and research methodologies for disease investigations and population impacts.
* History working with free-ranging wildlife populations and issues related to their health, including capture and handling techniques, biological sampling (antemortem and postmortem)
* A background in facilitating collaborations amongst individuals from multiple organizations, government bodies, NGOs, Universities, and national programs related to fish and wildlife disease programs.
* Quality of both oral and written communication skills on technical issues.
* Demonstrated ability to develop/design/administer grant proposals, manage projects, track budgets, monitor progress, review and approve final reports at the completion of projects.
* Demonstrated ability to be an effective decision maker and negotiator, proficient in conflict resolution

Physical Demands

Field work may require long hours at day or night in adverse field conditions. Ability to walk long distances, carry loads, conduct physical labor, and handle free-ranging wildlife. Ability to perform wildlife necropsies and perform benchtop laboratory work. Ability to sit for long periods during office work.

Is this a Position of Trust? Yes 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 responsibility of this position? Yes 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.

Duties/Responsibilities

Duties/Responsibilities

Serve as a point of contact for the Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (SEAFWA) on matters relating to regional and national wildlife health issues. This includes providing expert technical, instructional and consultative support to state and federal wildlife agencies concerning wildlife diseases. Such support may include assistance with laboratory and/or field-based management or surveillance activities, as well as assistance with preparation of training materials and in-person training. In collaboration with other SCWDS faculty and regional counterparts, provide expertise to the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies to help inform critical wildlife health management decisions, policies, and actions.

Percentage Of Time 60 Duties/Responsibilities

Conceive, develop and coordinate regional and national wildlife disease surveillance and research projects in collaboration with member wildlife agencies of SCWDS and SEAFWA. Collaborative projects should focus on understanding the epidemiology and pathobiology of wildlife-related emerging diseases affecting wildlife, livestock, and/or public health to better inform wildlife management and risk communication activities. Research activities also include seeking extramural funding, presenting research at scientific conferences, and publishing peer-reviewed scientific manuscripts.

Percentage Of Time 40

Posting Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

* Resume/CV

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.