Research Associate - Ecology and Geospatial Technology

Available Title(s):

305-NN_FACULTY - Research Associate

Business Title:

Research Associate - Ecology and Geospatial Technology

Employee Type:

Faculty (+) (Fixed Term)

Time Type:

Full time

Position Term:

12 Month

Position Details:

Summary of Duties:

• Examine complex ecological dynamics across the landscape and work with stakeholders to improve understanding and management of ecosystems

• Analyze field and geospatial data to assess ecosystem dynamics and work with managers and stakeholders

• Collaborate with federal and state agency collaborators

• Teach classes for the School of the Environment as the need arises

Required Qualifications:

• PhD in natural resource sciences or related field

• Strong quantitative background, as demonstrated by papers published, courses taken, programming skills, and GRE scores

Preferred Qualifications:

• PhD in forest ecology, geography, geoinformation science, environmental science, or similarly related field

• Field experience and a well-rounded educational background in ecology, geography, and fire science

About WSU, Pullman, CAHNRS, and School of the Environment

Washington State University is a land grant, multiple-campus Research 1 institution. This position will serve on the Pullman campus, which has an enrollment of around 20,000 students and is located in Southeastern Washington on the homelands of the Nimíipuu  (Nez Perce) Tribe and Palus peoples. Located 80 miles south of metropolitan Spokane, Pullman is also a quick drive away from the scenic Idaho panhandle and Moscow Mountain. The rolling hills of the Palouse offer a wide range of activities and a true four-season climate. The area provides ample opportunity to enjoy the cultural and academic hub of both Washington State University in Pullman, WA and the University of Idaho, in the neighboring town of Moscow, Idaho. For more information about the region, please see https://pullmanchamber.com.

The School of the Environment (SoE) is a unique cross-college academic unit located in both the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) and the College of Agriculture, Human and Natural Resources (CAHNRS). The SoE integrates across disciplines to provide evidence-based research to inform science and society. Our 38 faculty, ~100 graduate students, and ~500 undergraduates work together from multiple campuses across Washington state on a broad range of issues, ranging from Earth formation and evolution to present-day processes among Earth’s diverse environments. On-campus facilities that support wildlife include the WSU Bear Center , the E.H. Steffen Center , Wild Ungulate Facility and the Wildlife Habitat and Nutrition Lab . The SoE brings together undergraduate science majors in Earth Science, Environmental and Ecosystem Science, Forest Ecology and Management, and Wildlife Ecology and Conservation Sciences, and offers M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Geology and Environmental and Natural Resource Sciences. [email protected] .

The College of Agriculture Human and Natural Resource Sciences (CAHNRS) is an expansive and diverse college comprised of 14 academic departments and schools, 4 research and Extension centers distributed across the state, 13 subject matter centers, and 1 tribal and 39 county Extension offices. Our mission is to provide global leadership in discovering, accessing, and disseminating knowledge that contributes to producing a safe, abundant food and fiber supply; promotes the well-being of individuals, families, and communities; enhances sustainability of agricultural and economic systems; and promotes stewardship of natural resources and ecological systems. To learn more about CAHNRS, visit http://cahnrs.wsu.edu/

Program Description

The Forest Ecology and Management Program within the School of the Environment at WSU offers an undergraduate major in Forest Ecology and Management, Wildlife Ecology and Conservation Sciences and Masters and Doctoral degrees in Environmental and Natural Resources Sciences. Specialties within the Forest Ecology and Management Program include Ecophysiology, Dendrochronology, Remote Sensing, Wildfire Ecology and Management, and Disturbance Ecology. An essential aspect of the mission of the Forest Ecology and Management Program at WSU is providing undergraduate students with a hands-on and a foundational scientific understanding on managing the forests and ecosystems around us.

The School of the Environment supports the current and future mission of Washington State University as a major land-grant research institution. Our teaching, research, and outreach advance understanding of the Earth’s complex and dynamic physical, structural, biogeochemical, ecological and biological systems, as well as the impacts of land use and climate change. Our ~38 faculty, ~100 graduate students, and ~500 undergraduates work together from multiple campuses across Washington state on a broad range of issues, ranging from Earth formation and evolution to present-day processes among Earth’s diverse environments. The SoE brings together undergraduate science majors in Earth Science, Environmental and Ecosystem Science, Forest Ecology and Management, and Wildlife Ecology and Conservation Sciences, and offers M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Geology and Environmental and Natural Resource Sciences.

WSU is a Tier I research institution with campuses unified across Washington state. Located in the homelands of the Nimiipuu (Nez Perce) Tribe and Palus people, and on traditional Cowlitz, Umatilla, and Yakama Nation lands, among others, WSU acknowledges the complications of regional and national history and their intersection with higher education. We work to increase the inclusion and success of historically underrepresented or marginalized students, staff, and faculty. We are committed to excellence through diversity and faculty-friendly policy action, and to cultivating a welcoming, inclusive, and supportive departmental culture. Persons who meet the required qualifications and are of intersectional identities spanning complexes of race, gender, orientation, mental and physical ability, previous employment, and life experience are encouraged to apply.

Additional Information:

Area/College:

College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences (CAHNRS)

Department Name:

School of the Environment (SoE)

City, State, Zip:

Pullman, WA 99164-2812

Department Link:

environment.wsu.edu

Annual Salary:

$67,724.80 - $80,000.00

In accordance with RCW 49.58.110 , the above salary reflects the full salary range for this position. Individual placement within the range is based on the candidate’s current experience, education, skills, and abilities related to the position.

WSU offers a comprehensive benefits package which includes paid sick and vacation leave; paid holidays; medical, dental, life and disability insurance package for employees and dependents; retirement; deferred compensation and optional supplemental retirement accounts.

For a more detailed summary of benefits offered by WSU for Faculty visit: https://hrs.wsu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/2024-Benefit-Overview-for-Faculty-and-AP.pdf .

Find total compensation information here: https://hrs.wsu.edu/managers/recruitment-toolkit/total-compensation/ .

Overtime Eligibility:

Overtime Ineligible

FTE:

100%

Temporary End Date:

This is a temporary position expected to end 12 months after hire. Renewal is dependent on the need for extension and/or if additional funding is secured to extend employment.

Posting Close Date:

Applicants must submit their completed application by March 25, 2024 at 11:59 p.m.

Background Check:

This position has been designated by the department to require a background check because it requires access to children or vulnerable adults as defined by RCW 74.34, engages in law enforcement, requires security clearance, interacts with WSU students in a counseling or advising capacity, has access to personal identifying and/or financial information, unsupervised access to university buildings/property, or other business-related need.  A background check will not be completed until an initial determination of qualification for employment has been made.

Application Instructions:

Applicants must upload the following required documents to their online application. External candidates, please upload all documents in the “Resume/CV” section of your application. Internal candidates, please upload all documents in the “Resume/Cover Letter” section of your application.
Required Documents:

• Cover Letter (2 page maximum). Describe how your experience and training meet the required qualifications listed above.

• Curriculum Vitae

• Research Statement (2 pages maximum). Describe your research experience and your proposed research program at WSU.

• Statement addressing your past activities (as well as your future plans) to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion through research and service (1 page maximum). Please provide specific examples from your own experience, which might include activities such as research, mentoring, teaching, committee service, or other professional activities.

• List of three (3) professional references who can provide independent evaluations of your research and other professional activities. Please include names, positions, addresses, e-mails and telephone numbers. References will not be contacted without first informing the candidate.

WASHINGTON STATE UNIVERSITY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EDUCATOR AND EMPLOYER. Members of ethnic minorities, women, special disabled veterans, veterans of the Vietnam-era, recently separated veterans, and other protected veteran, persons of disability and/or persons age 40 and over are encouraged to apply.

WSU employs only U.S. citizens and lawfully authorized non-U.S. citizens. All new employees must show employment eligibility verification as required by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

WSU is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, education and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact Human Resource Services: 509-335-4521 (v), Washington State TDD Relay Service: Voice Callers: 1-800-833-6384; TDD Callers: 1-800-833-6388, 509-335-1259(f), or [email protected] .