Invasive wild pigs continue to expand across the United States, causing extensive damage to crops, forests, wetlands, and native wildlife. They root up soil, compete with native species, and carry diseases that threaten livestock and public health. Annual economic losses have been estimated above $1.5 billion in past assessments, and effective management depends on solid field data. That is why high-quality wildlife research technician positions focused on wild pigs remain in strong demand among recent graduates and early-career professionals.
The Beasley Lab at the University of Georgia is currently seeking 1–2 research technicians to support innovative wild pig management studies. These Wild Pig Research Technician Jobs are based at the Savannah River Ecology Laboratory (SREL) in Aiken, South Carolina. The roles combine paid fieldwork, use of modern technology, and collaboration with university and federal scientists. Applications close on August 27, 2026, and the anticipated start date falls after October 1, 2026, with an expected duration of roughly eight months.
Scholarship Summary
- Host Country: USA
- Host University: University of Georgia (Savannah River Ecology Laboratory / Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources)
- Job Title: Research Technician Positions
- Qualification: BA/BSc/HND/MSC
- Eligible Countries: Open to qualified applicants (U.S. work authorization typically required; no citizenship restrictions stated in the posting)
- Benefits: Starting salary of $15 per hour for 40 hours per week, etc.
Why These Wildlife Research Technician Positions Matter
Wild pig management is one of the most active areas of applied wildlife ecology in the Southeast. Successful control requires better attractants, more efficient aerial operations, accurate population estimates, and detailed knowledge of animal movements. Technicians in the Beasley Lab contribute directly to these goals while building practical skills that transfer to graduate school, state agencies, federal technician series, and private-sector wildlife work.
The positions offer more than routine data collection. Successful candidates join ongoing projects that evaluate new tools and techniques under real field conditions. This combination of responsibility and mentorship makes the openings especially valuable among current wildlife research technician positions.
Core Research Projects Supported by the Technicians
Selected candidates will assist with several concurrent research efforts:
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- Development and field testing of lures designed to improve wild pig trapping efficiency
- Evaluation of Forward Looking Infrared (FLIR) thermal technology to increase the effectiveness and efficiency of aerial removal operations
- Estimation of wild pig populations through remote camera arrays
- Capture and GPS-collaring of wild pigs to study movement ecology
Additional opportunities may arise to support research on the spatial ecology and population dynamics of white-tailed deer. All work occurs across study sites in the Southeast and involves close coordination with university researchers and federal agency partners.
Primary Duties and Day-to-Day Responsibilities
Technicians can expect a mix of field and office tasks. Typical responsibilities include:
- Collecting and processing data that evaluate the performance of different wild pig attractants
- Deploying, maintaining, and operating remote camera arrays
- Assisting with data collection and logistical coordination for FLIR-guided aerial operations
- Capturing and handling wild pigs for the attachment of GPS collars
- Processing large volumes of video and still images
- Maintaining equipment and organizing data under demanding field conditions
The work requires physical fitness, attention to detail, and the ability to function both independently and as part of a team. Field days often involve long hours outdoors in variable weather.
See Also:
- Northern Bobwhite Research Technician Jobs in Texas: Paid Field Experience with University of Georgia – Housing Included
- Fully Funded PhD in Grazing Management at Texas A&M University-Kingsville USA
- Wild Pig Research Technician Job at University of Georgia USA
Required and Preferred Qualifications
A bachelor’s degree in wildlife ecology or a closely related field is required. Beyond the degree, the lab looks for candidates who demonstrate:
- Strong interest in applied wildlife ecology, invasive species management, and the use of bioacoustics or thermal technology
- High levels of organization and mechanical or problem-solving ability
- Good physical condition and readiness for demanding outdoor work
- A valid driver’s license and experience operating 4×4 vehicles
Preferred qualifications include prior experience capturing and handling ungulates or other large mammals, managing camera or audio data, working with acoustic monitoring equipment, and collaborating on multi-agency projects. No prior professional experience is strictly required, which makes these roles accessible to motivated recent graduates.
Salary, Schedule, Duration, and Logistics
- Starting pay: $15 per hour
- Hours: 40 per week
- Duration: Approximately 8 months, beginning mid-fall 2026
- Location: Aiken, South Carolina (Savannah River Ecology Laboratory)
- Housing: Not provided
Candidates should plan for local living costs. The temporary structure suits individuals seeking intensive field experience before graduate school or permanent positions.
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How to Apply for These Wild Pig Research Technician Jobs
Applications must be submitted as a single PDF containing three items:
- A cover letter summarizing your qualifications and interest in the position
- A current curriculum vitae
- Names and contact information for three professional references
Email the complete PDF to Dr. Jim Beasley at beasley@srel.uga.edu. Applications are reviewed as they arrive and will continue until suitable candidates are identified. Early submission is recommended.
The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, or protected veteran status.
Career Value of These Wildlife Research Technician Positions
Field experience remains one of the strongest predictors of success in wildlife careers. These roles provide concrete training in:
- Large-mammal capture and handling
- Remote camera survey design and image processing
- GPS telemetry deployment
- Coordination of aerial operations
- Multi-agency collaboration
Skills gained here strengthen applications for graduate programs, federal biological science technician positions, state wildlife agency jobs, and private consulting or management roles focused on invasive species.
About the Beasley Lab and Supporting Science
The Beasley Lab, led by Dr. Jim Beasley (Terrell Distinguished Professor of Wildlife Management), focuses on wildlife ecology and management with particular strength in invasive species, carnivore ecology, spatial ecology, and human-wildlife interactions. The lab has produced peer-reviewed research demonstrating that sustained professional control efforts can reduce wild pig relative abundance by roughly 70 percent and environmental rooting damage by about 99 percent within two years in South Carolina study areas. Additional work examines trap performance, home-range dynamics, farrowing site selection, and social-group genetics.
Technicians contribute to this research while working alongside graduate students, research staff, and federal partners. More information on current projects and lab members is available on the Beasley Lab website.
Final Tips for a Strong Application
- Tailor the cover letter to the specific research themes listed in the posting
- Highlight any experience with 4×4 vehicles, camera systems, animal handling, or outdoor fieldwork
- Emphasize organization, mechanical skills, and ability to work in challenging conditions
- Submit early because review is ongoing
Relevant Links for Applicants
- Official job posting: https://jobs.rwfm.tamu.edu/view-job/?id=118094
- Beasley Wildlife Lab: https://beasleywildlifelab.srel.uga.edu/
- University of Georgia Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources: https://warnell.uga.edu/
- Savannah River Ecology Laboratory: https://srel.uga.edu/
Wild pig management will remain a priority for agencies and landowners for the foreseeable future. Technicians who collect high-quality data today help shape more effective tools and strategies tomorrow. If you hold a relevant bachelor’s degree, possess a valid driver’s license and 4×4 experience, and are prepared for demanding field conditions, these Wild Pig Research Technician Jobs offer a concrete path into applied wildlife research. Prepare your materials carefully and submit them to beasley@srel.uga.edu before the August 27, 2026 deadline.