Natural Resource Scientist 2

Washington State University • Puyallup, WA

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

As the Natural Resource Scientist 2 for the Center for Sustaining Agriculture and Natural Resources, you carry out specific and limited research objectives focused on issues affecting food‑energy‑water systems in the Pacific Northwest within the agricultural and natural resources domain. You consult with your supervisor, informed by input from internal and external stakeholders, to determine needs, goals, and objectives, and define research projects that respond to those needs. You collaborate with other research teams and partners to conduct research, including data collection, data management, and the synthesis and analysis of existing research results. You cultivate relationships with stakeholder clientele, respond to identified needs, and contribute to future proposal development. Your role includes conducting surveys, developing record‑keeping, analysis, and reporting procedures, and formulating and justifying conclusions and recommendations. You develop and edit scientific figures and communication products that support understanding of current scientific knowledge, and produce project reports, scientific publications, Extension publications, curricula, and other materials in a variety of traditional and non‑traditional formats for dissemination. You conduct literature reviews, analyze and apply related research conducted by others, and provide consultations to agricultural and natural resource managers as needed. Periodic travel within the state, region, and beyond is required.

Requirements

• A Bachelor’s degree with major study in a natural science.
• Three years-professional research work experience in water and/or sustainable agriculture issues.
• Knowledge of statistical theory and techniques; logic and grammar, basic methods of problem solving; research methods; the body of knowledge relating to science communications.
• Ability to reason logically, draw valid conclusions and make appropriate recommendations.
• Ability to gather and analyze data.
• Ability to participate in conferences and interviews.
• Ability to speak and write effectively.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Must have, or be able to obtain by time of hire, a valid driver’s license and meet requirements in accordance with SPPM 7.10 and departmental driving standards.
• Occasional regional and national travel required, including overnight.

Nice To Haves

• A Master’s degree will substitute for two years of required experience.
• A Ph.D. degree will substitute for all of the required experience, provided the field of major study was in the specific specialty.
• Masters degree in a relevant field.
• Experience working on research, communications and extension related to agriculture, water and/or natural resource issues.
• Familiarity with and experience working with the diverse agricultural production systems of the Pacific Northwest.
• Record of publications, including journal articles, extension publications, and/or popular media.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively interact with peers, professionals, and the general public.
• Demonstrated interest in, and experience with, working with diverse communities on challenging and cross-cutting systems level issues.

Responsibilities

• Carry out specific and limited research objectives focused on issues affecting food‑energy‑water systems in the Pacific Northwest within the agricultural and natural resources domain.
• Consult with supervisor, informed by input from internal and external stakeholders, to determine needs, goals, and objectives, and define research projects that respond to those needs.
• Collaborate with other research teams and partners to conduct research, including data collection, data management, and the synthesis and analysis of existing research results.
• Cultivate relationships with stakeholder clientele, respond to identified needs, and contribute to future proposal development.
• Conduct surveys, develop record‑keeping, analysis, and reporting procedures, and formulate and justify conclusions and recommendations.
• Develop and edit scientific figures and communication products that support understanding of current scientific knowledge.
• Produce project reports, scientific publications, Extension publications, curricula, and other materials in a variety of traditional and non‑traditional formats for dissemination.
• Conduct literature reviews, analyze and apply related research conducted by others.
• Provide consultations to agricultural and natural resource managers as needed.
• Periodic travel within the state, region, and beyond is required.

Benefits

• Paid sick and vacation leave
• Paid holidays
• Medical, dental, life and disability insurance package for employees and dependents
• Retirement
• Deferred compensation
• Optional supplemental retirement accounts
• Training and development
• Employee tuition waiver

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 1-10 employees