POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT
Title: Two Graduate Research Assistants (MS)
Project: Examination of angler use and persistence of stocked trout during a delayed harvest season in the Chattahoochee River below Morgan Falls
Responsibilities: We are seeking two MS students to contribute to a field-based research project aimed at quantifying angler use and satisfaction, as well as trout persistence following stocking events in a managed tailwater fishery. Data collection will mostly occur during the Morgan Falls Delayed Harvest (MFDH) season (1 November – 14 May), when the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (GA DNR) stocks catchable trout near the city of Atlanta. Conducted in collaboration with GA DNR, this research is expected to increase our understanding of the social benefits and ecological viability of this southern tailwater trout fishery. Some data-collection responsibilities will likely occur on weekends or holidays.
Students will pursue complementary but distinct objectives and are expected to collaborate closely throughout the project. Objective 1 involves human dimensions research. The successful applicant will design and conduct interviews and in-person creel surveys at the MFDH area to assess angler use of the trout fishery, fishing success, and satisfaction related to management of the fishery (fishery-dependent data collection). The applicant will analyze interview and survey data using both qualitative and quantitative methods. Objective 2 involves conducting boat electrofishing surveys to census trout populations in the MFDH area (fishery-independent data collection). Students will work alongside faculty and staff from the Warnell School of Forestry and the Georgia Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit as well as GA DNR managers and fisheries biologists.
Students will be advised based on their respective focus areas: the fisheries-independent student will work directly with Dr. Kelly Robinson, while the fisheries-dependent student will work with Dr. Brian Irwin and Dr. Elizabeth Pienaar. These positions offer an excellent opportunity to develop skills directly applicable to careers in fisheries conservation and human dimensions of natural resource management, as well as engagement with agency partners.
Additional responsibilities include presenting research results to partners and at scientific conferences; publishing in peer-reviewed literature; and interacting with scientists at the Georgia Department of Natural Resources and the Georgia Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit and our partners. Other related duties may also be assigned as needs arise (e.g., required training, contribution to general operation of the research unit). Further, lab members are expected to help maintain a supportive collegiate environment.
Qualifications:
Required – B.S. in Biology, Ecology, Natural Resources, Human Dimensions, or related field; Valid US driver’s license and ability to operate motor vehicles in high-traffic conditions; willingness to work long hours (including some weekends and holidays) and tolerate harsh field conditions (e.g., heat/cold, humidity, rain, insects); Ability to follow protocols and a strong attention to detail
Preferred – General: Experience conducting fieldwork related to freshwater fisheries; proficiency with R; able to work independently and in collaboration with other researchers; commitment to publish findings in peer-reviewed journals; interest in fishery management and working with government agency personnel
Fishery-dependent angler surveys: Experience conducting field-based social science research, such as creel surveys or angler interviews
Fishery-independent electrofishing surveys: Experience with trailering and operating watercraft, including electrofishing boats on rivers
Salary: Approximately $24,300 / year, plus full tuition waiver and benefits
Location: These positions will be based out of the Georgia Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, housed in the Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources at the University of Georgia, Athens, GA. Field work will occur near Atlanta, GA.
Contact: Drs. Brian Irwin (irwin@uga.edu) and Kelly Robinson (kfrobinson@uga.edu)
To apply: Prior to applying to the Graduate School, qualified applicants should send a single email containing: 1) cover letter describing professional interests (1-page max), 2) a resume, 3) unofficial transcripts of college-level work, and 4) contact information for 3 professional references to Drs. Brian Irwin (irwin@uga.edu) and Kelly Robinson (kfrobinson@uga.edu), with “Trout MS application” in the subject line. Please specify in your cover letter which project objective (fishery-dependent angler surveys or fishery-independent electrofishing surveys) you are applying for. Open until filled. Review of applications will begin on May 20, 2026. Start date is August 2026, pending successful funding of the project.