Researcher 3

The West Lab at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities is seeking a full-time researcher to support research and outreach efforts related to a statewide bioacoustic monitoring and participatory science project. The position will be based in the Department of Fisheries, Wildlife and Conservation Biology, and will include substantial engagement with external partners. The focus of the position will be to co-lead the project's community science recruitment, training, coordination, and communication efforts, management of acoustic recording unit (ARU) inventory and lending, data acquisition, data entry and management, field work, and writing (contribute to reports and outreach publications). This position will also support graduate and undergraduate student researchers and research infrastructure (e.g., field vehicles, equipment, physical lab space) in the West lab.

Competitive candidates will ideally have diverse professional work experience including conducting research, supporting and facilitating project management processes, and relevant administrative or research experience that positions them to be able to proactively and creatively develop and coordinate programmatic workflows given initial onboarding.

Responsibilities
The researcher will contribute to project coordination and communication with partners and volunteers, data entry and management, conducting outreach, securing permits, reporting to funders and external partners, and educational offerings.
Collaborative work with volunteers and outreach to professional and non-professional stakeholders will be essential components of this position. Work will involve a mix of off-campus and on-campus activities, some fieldwork, computer-based work, and engagement with internal and external partners.

Overall, responsibilities will comprise a variety of research and outreach-related activities, with effort dedicated to each varying seasonally and annually depending on project needs and funding sources. In sum, these activities will include:

Volunteer engagement, outreach, and recruitment (40%)

• Help recruit community science volunteers and promote the project on media and social media outlets and maintain a project website
• Create training material for community science volunteers to use when participating, including how-to videos on ARU setup and sound file upload as well as updating procedure documents
• Coordinate community science volunteers and equipment lending
• Support and co-lead bioacoustics volunteer training workshops as needed
  

Project coordination, field and lab work in support of research project (40%)

• Collect ecological data from study sites, help supervise field crews, manage equipment, vehicles, and physical lab space
• Communication with partners and stakeholders (internal and external)
• Support graduate and undergraduate student researchers and research infrastructure

Data management, analysis, and interpretation (20%)

• Data acquisition, data entry and management
• Writing (contributing to reports and publications)
  

Required

• Bachelor's degree in ecology, biology, environmental science, or a related field and at least 4 years of related experience with project management specific to this field OR a Master's degree and 2 years of related experience OR a combination of education and relevant experience to equal at least 8 years.
• Experience with data management and analysis (including spreadsheets)
• Organizational and time management skills
• Care and attention to detail in field and computer-based research
• Demonstrated ability to clearly and effectively communicate scientific and technical concepts both verbally and in writing to diverse audiences
• Ability to work independently and in a team environment
• Enthusiasm for science communication and engaging with diverse stakeholders, including non-academic audiences and community science volunteers
• Valid U.S. state driver's license
• Ability to work long hours outside and in inclement weather conditions
• Willingness to travel for work for several days at a time (some weekend work required)
• Ability to safely work in rugged field environments, including driving and hiking

Preferred

• Prior experience working in bioacoustics and/or wildlife ecology
• Experience with ArcGIS
• Experience writing scientific manuscripts
• Experience preparing proposals for research funding
• Prior experience working with large datasets
• Experience working with interdisciplinary teams, including academics and non-academics
• Ability to safely operate 4-wheel drive vehicles

Pay Range: $58,427.20 - $64,000 annually; 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:

• 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
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

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.

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

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).