Research Scientist I - Wildlife Ecologist

Iowa State University•Ames, IA

28d

About The Position

The Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management (http://www.nrem.iastate.edu/) at Iowa State University seeks applicants for a Research Scientist I in the area of Wildlife Ecology. This individual will work on a long-term project (Iowa’s Multiple Species Inventory and Monitoring [MSIM] project) to monitor wildlife species (vertebrates and invertebrates) and inform conservation measures for rare species in Iowa. This person will be responsible for summarizing and analyzing project data, preparing annual and final reports, publishing the results in peer-reviewed journals, conducting fieldwork throughout Iowa, and helping manage a field crew of up to 30 seasonal workers. The fieldwork will include a mix of sampling techniques to monitor vertebrate (mammal, bird, herptile, and fish) and invertebrate (butterfly, dragonfly, crayfish, and mussel) species at selected sites throughout Iowa. In addition, the person will be responsible for purchasing field equipment, regularly visiting field sites, and collecting field data in conjunction with seasonal employees. The successful candidate will have the ability to work independently and help manage a large field crew; strong organizational, supervisory, and time management skills; and the ability to manipulate a large database of field records and extract formatted data input files from it. The position also requires the ability to accurately differentiate color‑coded indicators and materials essential to field operations. This is a term position with opportunity for renewal. All accrued vacation must be used during the time of appointment.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree
Valid U.S. Driver's License
The ability to work independently and help manage a large field crew
Strong organizational, supervisory, and time management skills
The ability to manipulate a large database of field records and extract formatted data input files from it
The ability to accurately differentiate color‑coded indicators and materials essential to field operations
Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship

Nice To Haves

An advanced degree (M.S. or Ph.D.) in the Biological Sciences (e.g., Wildlife, Fisheries, Natural Resource Management)
Field experience working with vertebrates or invertebrates in the Midwest
Field crew supervision experience
Experience that demonstrates management of large databases
Experience formatting input files for and analyzing demographic data with MARK or DISTANCE programs
Experience with R programming, and demonstrated record of publication in scientific journals