University of Wyoming Looking for Research Scientist,Assoc – Wyoming Survey & Analysis Center (240914) Full Time

The University of Wyoming invites diverse applicants to consider our employment opportunities.  We are also especially interested in candidates who have experience working with diverse populations and/or diverse initiatives. 

JOB TITLE:   

Associate Research Scientist  

JOB PURPOSE:     

Research Scientists are academic professionals whose primary responsibilities are to conduct and support research. UW Regulation 2-7 describes the activities that fall into this set of responsibilities for faculty; the same definition of research applies to Academic Professionals.

While the primary appointment and duties are in WYSAC, the position initially includes a 10% appointment in the Haub School of ENR. The Haub School values interdisciplinary approaches to environmental problem solving that can inform real-world solutions. The successful candidate will be part of the Haub School’s scholarly community and contribute to interdisciplinary collaborations with Haub School faculty to advance research related to the human dimensions of wildlife management and conservation. 

Note on Human Dimensions of Wildlife Management: Scientists specializing in the human dimensions of wildlife management conduct social science research about a variety of issues affecting the management and conservation of fish and wildlife. Their purpose is to incorporate social and biophysical data into natural resource policy and decision making processes. Because humans are an integral part of ecological systems, it is important to understand what drives human behaviors and opinions, and describe key human-wildlife interactions such as hunting harvest.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:  

• Work under WYSAC supervision to coordinate a large scale harvest survey (including multiple species-dependent efforts) of Wyoming hunters and sportspersons conducted annually.
• Apply quantitative social science methods to datasets produced from survey data collection.
• Produce deliverables such as reports, presentations, and data files.
• Collaborate with WYSAC, WGFD, and Haub School partners on interdisciplinary projects.
• Act as key liaison between WGFD and WYSAC, consulting with WGFD staff on surveys of key wildlife stakeholders, conducting limited surveys outside of the standard harvest surveys, and developing proposals for WGFD-specific research focused on the Human Dimensions of Fish and Wildlife Management. 
• Act as liaison between WYSAC and the Haub School to advance research collaborations and partnerships. 
• Additional duties may be assigned. 

SUPPLEMENTAL FUNCTIONS:  

Technical Survey Skills

While the person in this new position will act as project manager and analyst, they will get direct support from WYSAC staff for survey methodological issues such as determining appropriate sample sizes, sample frames, survey instruments, database and data management, etc.  Our preferred candidate would be familiar enough with survey methodology to field technical questions from WGFD staff or members of the public.

Assisting WGFD with Other Survey Needs

This new position will have the flexibility to consult with WGFD on other survey needs and even conduct a few one-off and small-scale surveys throughout the year.  In the first year of this appointment, the person in this position can expect up to 10% of their time being spent in this consultation role.

COMPETENCIES:  

• Effective communication.
• Teamwork and collaboration.
• Scientific data analysis skills and familiarity with statistical principles and software.
• Writing skills.
• Presentation skills.
• Time management and organizational skills.

REMOTE WORK ELIGIBILITY: 

This position provides vital support to campus customers and requires the successful candidate be available to work on campus.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:  

• A master’s degree in human dimensions of natural resources or a natural resources-related field such as wildlife biology, statistics, environmental science, and related disciplines.
• Experience with human dimensions relevant research.
• Experience working with quantitative and qualitative mixed mode survey data collection. 

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:  

• An interest in wildlife issues and human dimensions of wildlife management.
• Experience working with a state wildlife management agency or other natural resource managers.
• Ability to work collaboratively with teams and external partners.
• Familiarity with fundamental statistical concepts including sampling, survey design, and uncertainty.
• Familiarity with best practices in data collection and management, including relational databases
• Experience writing reports and communicating science to varied stakeholders.
• Ability to statistically analyze survey data using SPSS, R, or other statistical software.
• Experience with quantitative and qualitative or mixed methods research.

REQUIRED MATERIALS:  

Complete the online application and upload the following for a complete application: cover letter, resume or C.V. and contact information for four work-related references.  

HIRING STATEMENT:  

UW is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Educator and Employer. We are committed to a multicultural environment and strongly encourage applications from women, minorities, veterans and persons with disabilities.   

In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act (ADAAA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation to apply for a position, please call 307-766-2377 or email [email protected].

ABOUT LARAMIE:

The University of Wyoming is located in Laramie, a town of 30,000 in the heart of the Rocky Mountain West. The state of Wyoming continues to invest in its university, helping to make it a leader in academics, research and outreach. The university has state-of-the-art facilities in many areas and the community provides the advantages of a major university.

Located in a high mountain valley near the Colorado border, Laramie offers both outstanding recreational opportunities and close proximity to Colorado’s Front Range, a bustling group of metropolitan cities including Denver, Boulder, and Fort Collins. This beautiful mountain landscape offers outdoor enjoyment in all seasons, with over 300 days of sunshine annually. For more information about the region, please visit http://visitlaramie.org/

The University of Wyoming is an Equal Employment 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 or protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law and University policy. To review the EEO is the Law Poster and its Supplement, please see The Diversity & Fairness page.

Pursuant to Wyoming State law, W.S. 19-14-102, as amended, an honorably discharged veteran who has been a resident of the state of Wyoming for one (1) year or more at any time prior to the date when the veteran applies for employment, or any surviving spouse who was married to such veteran at the time of the veteran’s death, who is receiving federal survivor benefits based on the veteran’s military service and is applying for employment, shall receive an interview preference during the applicant screening process with the University of Wyoming. At the time of application the applicant must possess the business capacity, competency, education or other qualifications required for the position. If disabilities do not materially interfere with performance of job duties, disabled veterans will be given preference over able-bodied veterans. Appropriate documentation of veteran status must be provided at time of application as outlined in the application process. No preference will be given to a veteran currently employed by a public department.

We conduct background investigations for all final candidates being considered for employment. Offers of employment are contingent upon the completion of the background check.

Applicants with disabilities may request accommodation to complete the application and selection process. Please notify Human Resources at least three (3) working days prior to the date of need.