NRRI Temp Wildlife Ecology

The Natural Resources Research Institute was established by the Minnesota legislature in 1983 as an applied science and engineering research organization to inform state citizens and decision-makers while leveraging the power of the University of Minnesota. NRRI is guided by the forward-looking charter provided by the Legislature to foster the economic development of Minnesota's natural resources in an environmentally sound manner to promote private sector employment.

NRRI's mission is to deliver integrated research solutions that value our resources, environment and economy for a sustainable and resilient future. We are a mission-driven, project-focused team working to create opportunities for natural resource stewardship.

Job Duties/Responsibilities:

1. (35%time) Project planning and coordination.
   Employee will help with important planning tasks related to the new flying squirrel project, including coordination with project partners, selection of sites for field acoustic surveys, data management and analysis, developing field research protocols, and training and overseeing field staff. Must have experience in study design and site selection methods, be able to work independently and leading small teams, and have strong interpersonal skills. Past relevant experience designing and coordinating wildlife surveys is required. This position will include supervision of temporary and student employees on field projects.
   
2. (30%time) Field data collection.
   Employee will help conduct numerous field tasks to support ongoing wildlife research. Primary duties will include conducting acoustic surveys for flying squirrels across the Western Great Lakes states (Michigan, Minnesota, Wisconsin) and vegetation surveys to quantify flying squirrel habitat. Additional field tasks to support other projects will include surveying small mammals, deploying and retrieving remote cameras across Minnesota for several projects, live-capture and radio-collaring carnivores, and field tracking radio collared study animals to collect scats and other data. Additional duties may be required as needed for ongoing projects. Must be able to tolerate long days doing field work in a range of weather conditions, including those that can be challenging to work in. We conduct field work year-round, and demonstrated ability to conduct field work during the winter is essential. Must have demonstrated ability to conduct field work in remote settings in small groups or independently. This position will also include supervision of temporary and student employees on field projects.
   
3. (20%time) Data management and analysis.
   Employee will lead data management and analysis for the flying squirrel research project and help manage data and samples for multiple other studies. Data will include small mammal survey data, telemetry data, live capture data, remote camera data, acoustic data, temperature logger data, habitat/forest inventory data, GIS data, and hair and scat samples. Employee will be expected to lead analysis of all acoustic data collected for the flying squirrel project using experience and guidance from the PI. The employee will also help analyze data from other projects including identification of animals on remote camera pictures, identification of remains in scats for diet analysis, necropsy and parasite/disease exposure, and analysis of telemetry data for home range and habitat selection analyses. The employee will be expected to adhere to institutional and lab-specific data management protocols, including quality assurance/quality control, to ensure accuracy and integrity of data. The employee will lead development and testing of filters to process acoustic data for identification of flying squirrel calls to species. The employee will also help the PI supervise temporary and student staff in data entry and management activities. Past data analysis and management experience is required.
   
4. (10%time) Dissemination. Employee will contribute to reports, presentations, and manuscripts. Includes assistance with literature reviews, creating figures and tables for reports and publications, and drafting text for reports and publications.
   
5. (5%time) Laboratory sample processing. Employee will help process samples collected during field work and from carcasses obtained from MN DNR. Sample processing will include analysis of carnivore scats for diet composition, necropsy of study animals for sample collection for toxicology and parasite/disease exposure and preparing samples for stable isotope analysis. Employee will help supervise sample processing work completed by temporary and student staff.

Engage positively in NRRI's safety culture by completing trainings, participating in lunchbox safety discussions, and identifying potential hazards encountered while completing job duties.

Skillsets are defined in the required and preferred qualifications but summarized briefly here. Key skill sets include strong field experience and navigational skills. Successful applicants must be comfortable working in remote areas in challenging conditions and all seasons and have the ability to do so safely and train/coordinate the work of others in similar field conditions. A good foundation of data management and analysis skills are required to allow the successful applicant to help manage and analyze data collected in the field and laboratory. Past experience with analysis of acoustic data is required. Strong communication skills are required, as the applicant will be expected to contribute to dissemination of project results in written and verbal formats. Strong interpersonal skills and experience coordinating field work will be important to allow the successful applicant to effectively coordinate projects with other staff. Finally, some specific wildlife experience demonstrating proficiency in at least one species and species-specific methods is important to both ensure the successful applicant can perform the duties required by this position but also to demonstrate the capacity to learn new skills as required by this position.

This position will report directly to the Principal Investigator and serve as a point of contact for temporary staff and undergraduates conducting project activities. This position will work under general supervision and will be expected to use technical knowledge to solve most routine issues that arise, working with the principal investigator and other staff to solve more complex problems that arise.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in ecology, biology, wildlife ecology/management, or related environmental science from an accredited college or university and 4 years of related experience or a combination of education and work experience equal to 8 years of related experience.
• Evidence of field skills and experiences working in remote settings, including a demonstrated ability to work in the field conditions present in northern Minnesota in all seasons.
• Must have experience navigating in the field using GPS, compass, or map.
• 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).
• Demonstrated ability to manage, analyze, and summarize data from a variety of sources. ----Must have previous experience collecting and analyzing acoustic data (experience with ultrasonic acoustic data and filter development is prefer

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree in ecology, biology, wildlife ecology/management, or related environmental science from an accredited college or university.
• 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 datatypes such as field, laboratory, or remotely-sensed data.
• Previous experience developing and testing filters to identify species of interest using ultrasonic acoustic data preferred.
• Previous experience working with carnivores, including research or monitoring activities focused on carnivores.
• Previous experience supervising field crews. Experience presenting scientific results to varied audiences such as scientists, agency personnel, or laypeople.
• Experience writing reports or publications summarizing scientific data and results of analyses.
  

The Natural Resources Research Institute was established by the Minnesota legislature in 1983 as an applied science and engineering research organization to inform state citizens and decision-makers while leveraging the power of the University of Minnesota. NRRI is guided by the forward-looking charter provided by the Legislature to foster the economic development of Minnesota's natural resources in an environmentally sound manner to promote private sector employment.

NRRI's mission is to deliver integrated research solutions that value our resources, environment and economy for a sustainable and resilient future. We are a mission-driven, project-focused team working to create opportunities for natural resource stewardship.
With industrial-scale facilities in Duluth and Coleraine, MN, NRRI works across five strategic research platforms. These platforms address Minnesota's soil, forest, water and mineral resources:

• Applied Ecology and Resource Management
• Minerals and Metallurgy
• Materials and Bioeconomy
• Data Collection and Delivery
• Commercialization Services

Pay Range: $27.12 per hour; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Civil-Service & Non-Faculty Labor Represented Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:
• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost

While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates will be based on their individual credentials and experience.

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section

Note: You are required to attach a cover letter and resume to be considered for this position.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

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