Job Description

NRRI Researcher 3: Wildlife Ecologist

The annual salary range for this position starts $45,000.00/yr and depends on qualifications.

***Please note this position is NOT eligible for sponsorship***

Summary:
NRRI seeks a qualified wildlife ecologist to provide scientific input and support to several ongoing mammal research projects in Minnesota. The position will be an annual, renewable appointment dependent on availability of research funds.  

The researcher must be capable of working independently and as part of interdisciplinary teams on a variety of externally funded research projects and datasets related to wildlife ecology and management in Minnesota and the Western Great Lakes Region. This position is responsible for contributing to multiple projects pertaining to mammals and their habitats. Mammal projects focus largely on forest carnivores, bats, and small mammals. Responsibilities will include contributing to all aspects of ongoing studies on habitat relationships, diets, population trends, and interactions between species. Research techniques employed will include remote camera monitoring and remote camera image analysis, conducting surveys for small mammals and bats, live-capture and GPS telemetry of carnivores, stable isotope and scat-based diet analyses, and geospatial analyses. 

The individual will be expected to help conduct research activities in field, laboratory, and office settings to help the research team complete project objectives and deliverables and help coordinate project tasks. The applicant will work closely with the PI and team members to develop project plans and implement research projects including collecting and managing data, assisting with data analyses, and contributing to annual and technical reports. In addition to contributing to ongoing research projects, the individual will be expected to assist the PI in development of future research ideas and grant proposals. The position will require extensive travel in difficult field situations to monitor study animals, survey wildlife populations, and collect other field data to address project objectives. Field work takes place in all seasons, and the successful candidate must be able to work flexible hours (nights, early mornings, and weekends) and be willing to work outdoors in a wide variety of weather conditions and environments. 

Job Duties:

• Field data collection (45%)- Conduct field work to address project objectives under minimal supervision. Field research activities performed by the individual will include remote camera surveys, small mammal surveys, monitoring snow conditions, live-capture and radio-collaring carnivores, and radiotelemetry. 
• Data management and analysis (25%)- Help manage and analyze field data for ongoing studies of mammals, including managing data on samples collected. Help maintain, inventory, and prepare tools and supplies for field research activities. 
• Laboratory sample processing (20%)- Help prepare samples for stable isotope analysis, analyze scats and GI tracts to reconstruct diets of carnivores, and necropsy carcasses to determine cause of death and collect samples.
• Dissemination (10%)- Help complete data analyses to support dissemination of project   data. Assist with literature reviews, create figures and tables, and help draft text for reports.
  

Required Qualifications:

1. Bachelorâ™s degree in ecology, biology, wildlife ecology/management, or related environmental science from an accredited college or university and 2 years of related experience or a combination of education and work experience equal to 6 years of related experience.
2. Evidence of field skills and experiences working in remote settings, including a demonstrated ability to work in the field conditions present in northern Minnesota. Must have experience navigating in the field using GPS, compass, or map.
3. Previous experience working in wildlife research in a position that included a strong field component. Must have previous experience with telemetry and live-capture and handling of wildlife (experience capturing and handling carnivores is preferred).
4. Demonstrated ability to manage, analyze, and summarize data from a variety of sources.
5. Demonstrated working knowledge of and experience using statistical (e.g., SAS, R) or geographical (e.g., ArcGIS) software.
6. Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a team.
7. Excellent verbal and written communication skills in the English language.
8. Must possess a valid driverâ™s license.
9. Physical requirements include:
   a. Ability to lift and carry equipment weighing 40-50 pounds.
   b. Demonstrated ability to walk/hike in rough terrain for 8 hours per day in all seasons.
   c. Tolerance of bugs and working in inclement weather as needed.

Preferred Qualifications: 

1. Masterâ™s degree in ecology, biology, wildlife ecology/management, or related environmental science from an accredited college or university.
2. Experience analyzing complex data from a variety of sources to assess ecological patterns and processes. It is preferred that previous experience analyzing data involves a variety of data types such as field, laboratory, or remotely sensed data.
3. Knowledge of ecology and management of forest carnivores in Minnesota. 
4. Previous experience working with carnivores, including research or monitoring activities focused on carnivores.
5. Previous experience analyzing wildlife diets using stable isotopes or scat-based methods.
6. Previous experience supervising field crews.
7. Previous experience conducting research on bats using acoustic detectors or other methods.
8. Experience presenting scientific results to varied audiences such as scientists, agency personnel, or laypeople.
9. Experience writing reports or publications summarizing scientific data and results of analyses.
   

About University of Minnesota Duluth

The University of Minnesota Duluth integrates liberal education, research, creative activity, and public engagement and prepares students to thrive as lifelong learners and globally engaged citizens.

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Job Tags

Work experience placement, Remote job, Outdoor, Flexible hours, Night shift, Weekend work, Early shift,

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