Research Technician II

Atlanta, with extended campuses in Atlanta, Griffin, Gwinnett, and Tifton. UGA employs approximately 3,100 faculty and more than 7,700 full-time staff. The University’s 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 our newly established School of Medicine.

About the College/Unit/Department

The UGA Marine Institute on Sapelo Island (UGAMI) is a world-renowned field destination that supports research and education in coastal ecosystems. The Marine Institute is located on Sapelo Island, GA, accessible only via ferry or boat.

College/Unit/Department website: ugami.uga.edu

Posting Type: External

Retirement Plan: TRS

Employment Type: Employee

Benefits Eligibility: Benefits Eligible

Full/Part time: Full Time

Additional Schedule Information: Normally weekdays, 40 hours, but may require irregular hours with the possibility of accruing comp time during busy seasons of the year

Advertised Salary: Annual salary is minimum $35200. Salary is commensurate with experience.

Posting Date: 09/29/2026

Open until filled: Yes

Proposed Starting Date: 12/01/2026

Special Instructions to Applicants

Note: This job requires living on Sapelo Island, GA, a barrier island accessible only by small boat or state-operated ferry (you’ll be issued a pass for the ferry). On-site housing is available at UGAMI.

• Please be sure to include all required attachments.
• Have your highest education listed, and any significant field experience, knowledge of water quality monitoring, GIS, drone piloting, and/or land surveying experience.
• Applications will be reviewed starting on Oct 30th until position is filled.
• Preferred start date is Dec 1st, but flexible.

Location of Vacancy: Other South Georgia Area

EEO Policy Statement

The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status or other protected status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR (hrweb@uga.edu).

USG Core Values Statement

The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 25 institutions of higher education and learning, as well the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 08.02.18.01.02.

Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 06.05 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom.

Classification Title: Research Tech-Life Science I

FLSA: Non-Exempt

FTE: 1.00

Minimum Qualifications: High school diploma or equivalent

Preferred Qualifications: Prefer a Bachelor’s Degree and significant field experience, knowledge of water quality monitoring, and GIS work, including drone piloting and land surveying.

Position Summary

This position is based at the UGA Marine Institute on Sapelo Island, GA. The selected individual will serve as a field technician for the Georgia Coastal Ecosystems Long Term Ecological Research Program (gcelter.marsci.uga.edu/lter/) and will work with other technicians. P-card responsibilities.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies

• Operate trucks and small boats safely and effectively.
• Basic computer skills, including experience with email, word-processing, and spreadsheet programs.

Physical Demands

• Physical activity and irregular hours.
• Much of the work is done outdoors in hot, muddy, and buggy conditions.
• Driving as needed to perform job duties.

Is driving a responsibility of this position?: Yes

Is this a Position of Trust?: Yes

Does this position have operation, access, or control of financial resources?: Yes

Does this position require a P-Card?: Yes

Is having a P-Card an essential function 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 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.

Background Investigation Policy

Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including, a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with the University of Georgia; confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials (including reference checks) as they relate to the job-based requirements of the position applied for; and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. You may also be subject to a pre-employment drug test for positions with high-risk responsibilities, if applicable. Please visit the UGA Background Check website.

Duties/Responsibilities

Help implement all routine monitoring programs associated with the project, including:

• Monitoring plant and invertebrate populations, water chemistry, sediment dynamics, and climate.
• Maintaining monitoring instruments.
• Computer data entry.
• Downloading and transmitting instrument data to GCE personnel.

Percentage of time: 50

Duties/Responsibilities

• Operate a small boat (currently use 16’ and 22’ boats) to transport personnel and equipment to field sites in estuaries and marshes on the Georgia Coast.

Percentage of time: 20

Duties/Responsibilities

• Assist GCE Personnel with field research.
• Attend annual GCE meetings.

Percentage of time: 20

Duties/Responsibilities

• Assist in processing samples in laboratory.

Percentage of time: 10

Contact Details

For questions concerning this position or recruitment progression, please refer to the Recruitment Contact listed below.

Recruitment Contact Name: John Williams

Recruitment Contact Email: john.williams4@uga.edu