Bilingual Lab Technician - Ecology & Research Support

University of Georgia

retirement plan

United States, Georgia, Athens

Nov 15, 2024

Posting Details

Posting Number	S12923P
Working Title	Bilingual Lab Technician - Ecology & Research Support
Department	Ecology-Odum School of Ecology
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. The University's main campus is located in Athens, approximately 65 miles northeast of Atlanta, with extended campuses in Atlanta, Griffin, Gwinnett, and Tifton. UGA employs approximately 3,000 faculty and more than 7,700 full-time staff. The University's enrollment exceeds 40,000 students including over 30,000 undergraduates and over 10,000 graduate and professional students. Academic programs reside in 18 schools and colleges, as well as a medical partnership with Augusta University housed on the UGA Health Sciences Campus in Athens.
About the College/Unit/Department
College/Unit/Department website
Posting Type	External
Retirement Plan	TRS
Employment Type	Employee
Benefits Eligibility	Benefits Eligible
Full/Part time	Full Time
Work Schedule
Additional Schedule Information	Monday through Friday Hours may change differ to fit project requirements
Advertised Salary	Commensurate with Experience
Posting Date	11/15/2024
Open until filled	Yes
Closing Date
Proposed Starting Date	11/25/2024
Special Instructions to Applicants
Location of Vacancy	Athens Area
EEO Policy Statement	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. 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 26 institutions of higher education and learning, as well as 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 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found online at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct. Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found online at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653.

Position Information

Classification Title	Research Paraprofessional/Professional
FLSA	Non-Exempt
FTE	0.75
Minimum Qualifications	Requires technical knowledge in the field acquired through an apprenticeship, a 2-year degree, or professional certificate. Please contact your Human Resources office for an evaluation of education/experience in lieu of the required minimum qualifications.
Preferred Qualifications	MS degree in Ecology, Environmental Science, Biology, or a related field.
Position Summary	We are looking for an organized and detail-oriented Lab Technician to join our dynamic research team. This position supports critical lab operations, administrative functions, and coordination efforts within our research network spanning the United States and Latin America. The Lab Technician will play a crucial role in both laboratory and field work, supporting projects focused on urban stream ecology, invasive species management, biodiversity assessment, and general freshwater ecology. Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish is required, as this role involves regular communication and coordination between researchers in both regions. This position has a limited five month appointment term which is expected to end on March 31, 2025. The position may be extended beyond the initial term, contingent upon continued funding.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies	Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish, with excellent verbal and written communication skills. Strong organizational skills and attention to detail. Ability to perform both lab and field work, including sample collection and analysis. Experience with basic lab techniques, equipment handling, and safety protocols. Familiarity with research coordination and cross-regional collaboration is a plus.
Physical Demands	Walk for at least 2km with 50 lbs on their back in a backpack.
Is driving a responsibility of this position?	No
Is this a Position of Trust?	No
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
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)	No
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

Duties/Responsibilities	Administrative and Lab Support: Perform general administrative tasks to maintain efficient lab operations. This includes organizing lab spaces, managing equipment, maintaining inventory, and ordering supplies as needed.
Percentage of time	25

Duties/Responsibilities	Lab and Field Analysis: Conduct routine lab analyses and support field work as part of ongoing research projects. Collect, prepare, and analyze samples related to ecology studies, including water quality assessments, species sampling, and habitat observations.
Percentage of time	25

Duties/Responsibilities	Project Support: Assist in various ecology projects, including urban stream ecology, invasive species monitoring, biodiversity assessments, and freshwater ecology research. Support data collection, entry, and basic analysis to contribute to project objectives.
Percentage of time	10

Duties/Responsibilities	Research Coordination: Act as a point of contact within the research network, coordinating with researchers across the United States and Latin America to facilitate project updates, data sharing, and collaborative initiatives.
Percentage of time	15

Duties/Responsibilities	Bilingual Communication: Provide effective bilingual (English and Spanish) communication for the research network.
Percentage of time	25