Wildlife Research Technologist – Climate-Smart Forestry Carbon and Wildlife Co-benefits

Job title:

Wildlife Research Technologist – Climate-Smart Forestry Carbon and Wildlife Co-benefits

Company

Pennsylvania State University

Job description

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please to complete the . Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please to complete the Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click “Apply” and complete .JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS:The Department of Ecosystem Science and Management (ESM) in the at is seeking an enthusiastic Research Technologist with wildlife background to support research on carbon and wildlife co-benefits of climate-smart forestry, with a regional focus in Pennsylvania and the potential for comparative research in other locations in the Northeast. This is a one-year appointment as part of a McIntire Stennis project. There is the possibility of hybrid work except during the spring-summer season when bird census happens. This project is a collaborative effort involving the Department of Ecosystem Science and Management, Penn State Extension, the Forest Owner Carbon and Climate Education Program (FOCCE), the Environmental Policy Goddard Chair Group, and the NIFA-USDA McIntire-Stennis Program.The successful candidate will support and collaborate on a project to assess the multiple co-benefits of climate-smart forestry for private forest landowners in Pennsylvania. The technologist will assist with fieldwork, data collection and management related to bird occupancy in central Pennsylvania. Research activities are aimed at identifying factors influencing the availability of forest bird habitat and forest structural diversity after climate-smart forestry practices are implemented. The individual will work with scientists, extension personnel, NGO´s, state agencies, and landowners in the framework of the Forest Owner Carbon and Climate Education (FOCCE) program. The research goals are targeted to support FOCCE objectives, including:Identifying and developing tools and resources to support planning and structured decision makingEngaging the community on carbon, wildlife and climate issues so that participants continue to build knowledge through collaborative learning and collective engagement.Duties: The Research Technologist will be responsible for helping with collection, managing and analyzing data to support bird species occupancy modelling, integrating both field survey data and large datasets. This will involve co-designing, conducting field surveys and processing data to detect the abundance of birds with autonomous recording units (ARUs), collecting environmental covariates (e.g., habitat characteristics, land use), and ensuring that the data are properly structured for use in occupancy models. Potentially the research technologist will collaborate on building a protocol to incorporate relevant bird occurrence data from eBird to improve model accuracy.The position has a strong component of fieldwork during spring-summer (May-July), potentially in adverse weather and in remote locations across Pennsylvania. Mileage reimbursement on personal vehicles will be provided, as well as housing at remote sampling sites. Vehicle rental may be provided in lieu of use of a personal vehicle if necessary. The candidate is responsible for providing their own food, binoculars, smartphone, and vehicle (if possible).Qualifications. This position will be filled at the level of Professional or Intermediate Professional, depending on the final applicant’s experience and education. The Professional level requires a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in wildlife science, natural resources, ecology or related fields (Master’s preferred), or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Additional education and/or experience are required for higher-level positions. Experience with bird census fieldwork, familiarity with Autonomous Recording Units (ARUs) and data processing, as well as basic coding skills in R/Python are required. Leadership spirit and good communications skills are important and required for successfully performing in this position. Must be comfortable working both independently and within a small team and navigating by GPS and driving long hours. Experience with bird identification (calling, sight ID) and ecology, particularly in Pennsylvania or the northeastern US, is preferred. A publication record with experience in wildlife science is not required but encouraged.This position requires that you operate a motor vehicle as a part of your job duties. A valid driver’s license and successful completion of a motor vehicle records check will be required in addition to standard background checks.Application. Interested candidates should apply directly online at . From the home page, click on the box for Staff job opportunities and search for REQ_0000062746.Applications are due by January 31st, 2025.The Pennsylvania State University is committed to and accountable for advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in all of its forms. We embrace individual uniqueness, foster a culture of inclusive excellence that supports both broad and specific diversity initiatives, leverage the educational and institutional benefits of diversity, and engage all individuals to help them thrive. We value inclusive excellence as a core strength and an essential element of our public service mission.The salary range for this position, including all possible grades is:$34,800.00 – $55,500.00– additional information on Penn State’s job and salary structure.CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS:Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review .Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.EEO IS THE LAWPenn State is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer, and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.University Park, PA

Expected salary

$34800 – 55500 per year

Location

Centre County, PA

Job date

Sun, 22 Dec 2024 05:01:31 GMT

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