Research Specialist

79413BR

Campus: Tempe

Research Specialist

Job Description

The Central Arizona–Phoenix Long-Term Ecological Research (CAP LTER) program, an affiliate of the Global Institute of Sustainability and Innovation, is seeking a Research Specialist to lead and help coordinate two of our long-term studies, the Bird Censuses Project  and the Salt River Biodiversity Project , and to conduct seasonal point counts for birds across the Phoenix Metro area. 

Job Family

Research & Laboratory

Full-Time/Part-Time

Full-Time

VP Code

KNOWLEDGE ENTERPRISE DEV

Grant Funded Position

This is a grant funded position. Continuation is contingent on future grant funding.

Salary Range

$35,000 - $37,000 per year; DOE

Essential Duties

• Leading a team of seasonal avian field technicians 
• Identifying bird species by both sight and sound  
• Conducting distance-based bird census techniques such as point counts
• Communicating with site managers and city officials to arrange site access 
• Entering and proofing data 
• Organizing and completing avian and herptile surveys within a specified time frame 
• Identifying common herpetofauna species during visual-encounter surveys 
• Entering and/or quality control of bird and herpetofauna data in database 
• Locating census points in the city as well as in relatively undifferentiated tracts of desert using hand-held GPS and maps 
• Driving off-road on uneven terrain 
• Navigating uneven terrain on foot and withstanding difficult field conditions 
• Setting and collecting arthropod pitfall traps on a quarterly basis 
• Assisting with Urban Stormwater  and other CAP LTER projects when needed  
• Participating in various community outreach outlets 
• Communicating with the Education Coordinator and other CAP LTER personnel 

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in a field appropriate to the area of assignment AND two years related research experience; OR, Six years research experience appropriate to the area of assignment; OR, Any equivalent combination of experience and/or education from which comparable knowledge, skills and abilities have been achieved.

Desired Qualifications

Experience in:

• Identifying 100+ species of Western birds by sight and PRIMARILY by sound
• Identifying Sonoran Desert herpetofauna
• Conducting point counts
• Using hand-held GPS and reading maps
• Careful and accurate data collection

• The Phoenix Metropolitan area and its native Sonoran Desert and riparian avifauna (resident and migrant species)

• Ability to work independently
• Attention to detail
• Excellent communication skills
• Valid U.S. Driver’s License

Working Environment

• Activities are primarily performed outside, with some days beginning at sunrise, and may require working in extreme conditions such as cold and high heat.
• Work in an environmentally controlled office and laboratory setting is also required.
• Frequent bending, reaching, lifting, pushing, and pulling up to 25 pounds.
• Ability to clearly communicate to perform essential duties.
• This position requires driving vehicles off-road on uneven terrain and the employee must possess a valid Arizona Driver’s License and complete the ASU Authorized Driver Program. 

Department Statement

The Global Institute of Sustainability and Innovation conducts research, education, and problem-solving related to sustainability, with a special focus on urban environments. The Institute initiates and nurtures work on issues of sustainability across many departments on the four campuses of ASU, and collaborates with other academic institutions, governments, businesses and industries, and community groups locally, nationally, and globally. 

ASU Statement

Arizona State University is a new model for American higher education, an unprecedented combination of academic excellence, entrepreneurial energy and broad access. This New American University is a single, unified institution comprising four differentiated campuses positively impacting the economic, social, cultural and environmental health of the communities it serves. Its research is inspired by real world application blurring the boundaries that traditionally separate academic disciplines. ASU serves more than 100,000 students in metropolitan Phoenix, Arizona, the nation's fifth largest city. ASU champions intellectual and cultural diversity, and welcomes students from all fifty states and more than one hundred nations across the globe.

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Arizona State University is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor and an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other basis protected by law.

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Employment Verification Statement

ASU conducts pre-employment screening which may include verification of work history, academic credentials, licenses, and certifications.

Background Check Statement

ASU conducts pre-employment screening for all positions which includes a criminal background check, verification of work history, academic credentials, licenses, and certifications. Employment is contingent upon successful passing of the background check.

Instructions to Apply

Application deadline is 3:00PM Arizona time on the date indicated.

Please include all employment information in month/year format (e.g., 6/88 to 8/94), job title, job duties and name of employer for each position.

Resume should clearly illustrate how prior knowledge and experience meets the Minimum and Desired qualifications of this position.

ASU does not pay for travel expenses associated with interviews, unless otherwise indicated.

Only electronic applications are accepted for this position.

IMPORTANT NOTE: What is the meaning of “equivalent combination” in the minimum qualifications? It means one year of higher education or 24 credit hours, is equal to one year of experience. For example, a four year Bachelor’s degree is equal to four years of experience.