Aquatic Macroinvertebrate Temporary Research Technician — University of Georgia
The Bier Lab research group at Savannah River Ecology Lab in Aiken, SC is inviting applications for a temporary lab and field technician from late August through December (dates flexible).
Position Summary:
This position is for a research support technician who will assist in the collection and identification of aquatic macroinvertebrates from stream ecosystems at the Savannah River Site. We anticipate this temporary technician position to last from late August through December 2025, but dates are flexible. This position will fulfill several duties: 1) collection of aquatic macroinvertebrates from streams at the Savannah River Site, 2) guided identification of preserved aquatic macroinvertebrates, and 3) working with a graduate student to oversee basic management and organization of the research project samples and data collection.
Minimum Qualifications:
Requires entry-level technical knowledge in the field acquired through an apprenticeship and ecology lab courses at the undergraduate level, or professional certificate. Must be over age 18.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies:
- Attention to detail and an interest in stream ecology and aquatic macroinvertebrates.
- Familiarity with or ability to learn lab work including microscopy and working with laboratory chemicals.
- Familiarity with field work in wetlands and streams in the Southeastern US.
- General software including MS Excel and MS Word.
- Ability to operate a vehicle.
- Preferred but not required: Experience from a taxonomy course and/or use of dichotomous keys. Familiarity with R statistical software.
Physical Demands:
Lift 50 lbs and work in a variety of outdoor conditions (e.g., heat, high humidity, mosquitoes, ticks, snakes). Driving is a responsibility of this position
Duties/Responsibilities:
- Identification of macroinvertebrates including being given instruction on identification, microscopy, filling out and organizing datasheets. Percentage of time: 57
- Preparation and field work to collect macroinvertebrates including labeling sample bottles, ordering supplies, organizing field equipment, walking to field sites, wading through streams, collecting and preserving macroinvertebrates. Percentage of time: 40
- Basic management of the research project (order and organize supplies, adherence safety protocols, basic equipment maintenance, sample organization, and data entry). Percentage of time: 3
Starting Date: August 25, 2025
Salary:
Commensurate with experience; not benefits eligible. This position is dependent upon the availability of external funding for continuation.
Deadline to apply: July 15, 2025
If interested in applying to this position, please send your CV or resume including a list of relevant coursework and contact information for two references to Jacob Lott, email: jacob.lott1 [at] uga.edu with subject line as “Stream Macroinvertebrate Technician Application”
Aquatic Macroinvertebrate Temporary Research Technician — University of Georgia