UGA paid summer wildlife research technician working in Fukushima, Japan

On behalf of Dr. James Beasley and Ms. Hannah Gerke, we are pleased to share this amazing paid summer technician position for a current or recent undergraduate technician working on wildlife (snakes, raccoon dogs, civets, and boars) in Fukushima, Japan. Work will include camera trapping, tissue sampling, and radio-telemetry on snakes. A full description of the opportunity is available below.

Wildlife Research Technician: Japan

Agency: University of Georgia, Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources

Location: Fukushima, Japan

Website: http://www.beasleywildlifelab.srel.uga.edu/

Start Date: May 11, 2018

Duration: Through the end of summer (~3 months).

Salary: $9/hour; or, academic credit plus a weekly stipend. The possibility also exists for this position to be incorporated into a senior thesis project under Dr. Beasley. Housing as well as airfare to and from Japan will be provided.

Last Date to Apply: March 5th, or until position is filled

Description:

A field technician is needed to assist with wildlife research in Fukushima, Japan in Dr. Beasley’s lab. The technician would be assisting with two projects: 1) examining the community composition and efficiency of vertebrate scavenging communities (e.g., wild boar, Japanese macaques, raccoon dogs, snakes, civets) in the Fukushima exclusion zone and surrounding landscape, and 2) using GPS transmitters to explore contaminant accumulation in snakes in relation to their movement, behavior, and habitat use. Primary work tasks will include setting up and maintaining game cameras during scavenging trials, catching snakes for radiation counts, assisting with snake processing and attachment of GPS transmitters, and relocating tagged snakes via telemetry.

Qualifications:

Candidates should possess or be working toward a degree in biology, wildlife management or a related field. Candidates should be comfortable working as part of a team as well as handling job duties independently. Applicants also must have a valid driver's license, a good driving record, and be willing to drive internationally. This position will require long days and extensive travel each day to and from the field sites. Preference will be given to applicants who are comfortable working long hours outdoors in the hot/humid weather, and have prior experience collecting field data. In particular, previous work experience using radio telemetry and remote cameras is required. Further, this position requires close collaboration with other researchers at Fukushima University and will require access to the human exclusion zone in Fukushima. Thus, applicants must be dependable, trustworthy, and able to represent UGA with the utmost integrity.

To Apply:

Please attach a cover letter, CV, and contact information for three references as a single pdf document and send to Hannah Gerke (Hannah.Gerke@uga.edu). In the email subject line please type “Fukushima Technician Application”.