Research Associate

Montana State University, United States

Updated: about 2 months ago
Location: Bozeman, MONTANA
Job Type: FullTime
Deadline: 31 Jul 2023

Agency
Montana State University
Location
Bozeman (remote work location within Montana negotiable)
Job Category
Full time Positions
Salary
$54,000 starting, commensurate with experience, education, and qualifications
Last Date to Apply
07/31/2023
Website
https://jobs.montana.edu/postings/37169
Description
The Department of Animal and Range Sciences at Montana State University is looking for a highly qualified and motivated professional wishing to further their career and provide leadership for an exciting new collaborative research project. This is a full-time research associate position with Montana State University for up to 5 years. Renewal of position will be evaluated annually. Starting salary is $54,000 plus benefits and all work-related travel costs covered. The ideal location is Bozeman, Montana but negotiable work remotely within the state of Montana. The research associate will work with a team of academic researchers, extension faculty, landowners, graduate students, and agency personnel to implement a new collaborative research project evaluating contact risk between wild and domestic sheep in Montana. The purpose of this project is to identify factors that influence the probability of wild and domestic sheep contact, and to use that information to expand the development and implementation of tools that mitigate the likelihood of contact and potential pathogen spillover. The research project will be co-directed by Jared Beaver and Brent Roeder of Montana State University and Emily Almberg with Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks. Please visit: https://animalrange.montana.edu/ and https://www.montana.edu/extension/ Duties and Responsibilities: - Travel frequently across Montana to conduct fieldwork, work independently in remote areas, coordinate domestic sheep and guard dog collaring operations, and supervise field crews and other project technicians. - Build strong relationships with, and assist, team members and participating landowners with project implementation including site visits and collaring and monitoring efforts. - Project management including tracking work progress and maintaining detailed and organized record keeping. - Data acquisition, organization, and management which will require proficiency with statistical software and languages such as R (preferred) to manage data, conduct analyses, produce standardized maps and reporting documents. - Coordinate, prepare and disseminate results in clear, concise, and informative written documents. - Promote coordination, collaboration, and communication across organizations, private landowners, and other stakeholders. - Attend necessary conferences/meetings/events and present program information in public settings and other outreach events.
Qualifications
Required: (1) B.S. in rangeland or wildlife management (or associated field) with demonstrated knowledge and experience in application of wildlife and natural community management in rangeland systems. (2) Experience working outdoors, under varied climatic conditions, in remote areas with rugged terrain, and supervising seasonal wildlife technicians. (3) Effective computer skills (word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, and GIS equipment). (4) Demonstrated record of project organization and experience with data acquisition and management. (5) Must possess a valid driver’s license at time of hire and must be able to comply and adhere to applicable state and university rules, laws, standards, and policies. Preferred: (1) M. S. in Rangeland or Wildlife Management (or associated field) and/or two years of related experience in similar fields, natural resource management, or ecological research. (2) Familiarity with wild and domestic sheep ecology including disease-related issues. (3) Experience using Program R to organize and manage large, complex datasets and conduct data analysis; and ideally experience with both frequentist and Bayesian methods. (4) Experience conducting outreach, public speaking, and/or science communications. (5) Experience operating heavy equipment, hauling equipment using trailers, and diagnosing mechanical issues. (6) Budget management and accountability skills, particularly regarding state funds. (7) Organizational leadership skills with an ability to build and support collaborative relationships with researchers, landowners, state agency biologist, and other stakeholders within the community to foster cooperation and achieve desired conservation outcomes. The successful candidate will: - Work collaboratively with varying stakeholders. - Demonstrate ability to multitask, meet deadlines, travel frequently, and work independently in a timely manner with limited supervision. - Excellent verbal/written communication, coordination, and organizational skills. - Take initiative in identifying and solving problems and resolving conflicts as they arise. - Work cooperatively with people of diverse backgrounds. - Establish and maintain a positive working environment.
Contact Person
Dr. Jared Beaver (jared.beaver@montana.edu)

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