MSU Listserv

NRRI Researcher 3: Wildlife Ecology
Job ID: 335225
Full-time, Continuing Civil Service Position
Location of this position: Duluth, MN

About NRRI:

The Natural Resources Research Institute (NRRI) has facilities in Duluth and Coleraine, MN.  Its mission is to deliver research solutions to balance our economy, resources and environment for resilient communities.  NRRI’s integrated and multi-disciplinary teams conduct applied research, technology development and environmental studies in the areas of:

  *   Water Resources
  *   Forest & Land
  *   Minerals & Metallurgy
  *   Materials & Bioeconomy
  *   Energy Management
  *   Business Support
About the Job:

The researcher must be capable of working independently and as part of interdisciplinary teams on a variety of externally funded research projects and datasets related to wildlife ecology and management in Minnesota and the Western Great Lakes region. This position is responsible for contributing to multiple projects pertaining primarily to the ecology of forest carnivores in Minnesota. Responsibilities will include contributing to all aspects of ongoing studies on habitat relationships, diets, and interactions of carnivores with a current emphasis on bobcats and fishers. Research techniques employed will include remote camera monitoring, live capture and GPS telemetry, stable isotope and scat-based diet analyses, and geospatial analyses.

The individual will be expected to help conduct research activities in field, laboratory, and office settings to help the research team complete project objectives and deliverables. The applicant will collaborate with the principal investigator and team members to develop project plans and implement research projects including collecting and managing data, assisting with data analyses, and writing annual and technical reports. In addition to contributing to ongoing research projects, the individual will be expected to contribute to future research projects. The position will require extensive travel in difficult field situations to monitor artificial den boxes, live-trap and monitor study animals, and collect other field data to address project objectives. Field work takes place in all seasons in northern Minnesota, and the successful candidate must be able to work flexible hours (nights, early mornings, and weekends) and be willing to work outdoors in a wide variety of weather conditions and environments.

Specific Job duties:

• Field data collection and project coordination (40%)
Conduct field work, help train and oversee students and technicians, and implement research and safety procedures and protocols under supervision of the principal investigator. Field research activities performed by the individual will include remote camera surveys, small mammal surveys, monitoring snow conditions, live-capture and radio-collaring carnivores, and radio-telemetry.

• Laboratory research (25%)
Process biological samples and conduct geospatial analyses to support ongoing research projects in collaboration with principal investigator and other lab staff. Help principal investigator train and oversee undergraduates to implement lab-based research protocols. Provide input on project design and protocols. Examples of the lab research activities that will be performed by the individual include curating and preparing samples for stable isotope analyses, analyze scats and GI tracts to reconstruct diets of carnivores, and maintenance, inventory and preparation of tools and supplies for field research activities.

• Project analysis and data management (25%)
Help enter, manage, analyze, and summarize data and help principal investigator write annual and technical reports and manuscripts.

• Safety (10%)
Participate in lab and institutional safety activities and help principal investigator develop and implement laboratory-specific safety protocols for ongoing research projects.

Required Qualifications:

1. Bachelor's degree in ecology, biological science, or related environmental science from an accredited college or university and 2 years of related experience or a combination of education and work experience equal to 6 years of related experience.

2. Evidence of field skills and experiences working in remote settings, including a demonstrated ability to work in the field conditions present in northern Minnesota. Must have experience navigating in the field using GPS, compass, or map.

3. Previous experience working in wildlife research in a position that included a strong field component. Must have previous experience with telemetry and live capture and handling of wildlife.

4. Demonstrated ability to manage, analyze, and summarize data from a variety of sources.

5. Demonstrated working knowledge of and experience using statistical (e.g. SAS, R) or geographical (e.g. ArcGIS) software.

6. Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a team.

7. Demonstrated written communication skills in the English language.

8. Must possess a valid driver’s license.

9. Physical requirements include:
  a. Ability to lift and carry equipment weighing 40-50 pounds
  b. Demonstrated ability to walk/hike in rough terrain for 8 hours per day in all seasons
  c. Tolerance of bugs and working in inclement weather as needed

Preferred Qualifications:

1. Master's degree in ecology, biological science, or related environmental science from an accredited college or university.

2. Experience analyzing complex data from a variety of sources to assess ecological patterns and processes. It is preferred that previous experience analyzing data involve a variety of datatypes such as field, laboratory, or remotely-sensed data.

3. Knowledge of furbearer management, monitoring, and harvest practices in Minnesota, especially for fur bearing carnivores.

4. Previous experience working with carnivores, including research or monitoring activities focused on carnivores.

5. Previous experience using remote cameras to support wildlife research and monitoring.

6. Previous experience analyzing wildlife diets using stable isotopes or scat-based methods.

7. Previous experience using ATVs and snowmobiles with state certification.

8. Previous experience using LiDAR data to model wildlife habitat.

9. Experience presenting scientific results to varied audiences such as scientists, agency personnel, or laypeople.

10. Experience writing reports or publications summarizing scientific data and results of analyses.

11. Excellent written and verbal communication skills in the English language.

How to Apply:

Applications must be submitted online. To apply for this position, go to http://www1.umn.edu/ohr/employment/<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http*3A*2F*2Fwww1.umn.edu*2Fohr*2Femployment*2F&data=02*7C01*7Cetterd*40michigan.gov*7C06b6ae3ba0be4d2c43bd08d7a4d4a954*7Cd5fb7087377742ad966a892ef47225d1*7C0*7C0*7C637159105594611664&sdata=q7A17xbfQxPEOL8Gq23hMozUH8poFz7iM7VPsStUcfY*3D&reserved=0__;JSUlJSUlJSUlJSUlJSUl!!HXCxUKc!lItiMPegka179sXmSzYR-VxD1sWbfhbRetfXsEkEQ92BJ9QoAX-qyo_B377ui1vz5A$> and search for job opening 335225. This position will remain open until filled.

Complete applications must include:

●      A letter expressing interest, availability, experience, and strengths as they relate to the position

●      A current resume/curriculum vitae

●      Contact information for three professional references

The cover letter and CV/resume will be attached during the application process. First submit the application and then return to the “My Activities” page to attach the additional documents.

Please send any inquiries to Jane Dzuck, [log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]>.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail [log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]> or call (612) 624-UOHR (3316).

Please Note:  If you have started receiving retirement annuity payments from the Minnesota State Retirement System (MSRS) or Public Employees Retirement Association (PERA) your eligibility for this position may be impacted. Please contact U of M Benefits at 1-800-756-2363 for any eligibility limitations.

***Smoking and chewing tobacco and the use of electronic cigarettes is prohibited on all UMD property, including indoor facilities, campus grounds and University vehicles.**

Background Check Information:

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.

Diversity:

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<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http*3A*2F*2Fdiversity.umn.edu*2F&data=02*7C01*7Cetterd*40michigan.gov*7C06b6ae3ba0be4d2c43bd08d7a4d4a954*7Cd5fb7087377742ad966a892ef47225d1*7C0*7C0*7C637159105594611664&sdata=b840kUrckSi4n8no7rxrqhxriesyxDlKpvUL8W3lOKM*3D&reserved=0__;JSUlJSUlJSUlJSUlJQ!!HXCxUKc!lItiMPegka179sXmSzYR-VxD1sWbfhbRetfXsEkEQ92BJ9QoAX-qyo_B376-03PWPg$>.

The University of Minnesota is an Equal Opportunity Educator and Employer.

Jane Dzuck
Executive Office and Administrative Assistant
Natural Resources Research Institute | nrri.umn.edu<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http*3A*2F*2Fnrri.umn.edu*2F&data=02*7C01*7Cetterd*40michigan.gov*7C06b6ae3ba0be4d2c43bd08d7a4d4a954*7Cd5fb7087377742ad966a892ef47225d1*7C0*7C0*7C637159105594621655&sdata=iA5a2bEvTrh1yr6Q*2BJy0IpdiKG8itXb7YlOLLstQ0lc*3D&reserved=0__;JSUlJSUlJSUlJSUlJSU!!HXCxUKc!lItiMPegka179sXmSzYR-VxD1sWbfhbRetfXsEkEQ92BJ9QoAX-qyo_B375thRxXXg$>
5013 Miller Trunk Hwy., Duluth, MN  55811
University of Minnesota Duluth | d.umn.edu<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http*3A*2F*2Fd.umn.edu*2F&data=02*7C01*7Cetterd*40michigan.gov*7C06b6ae3ba0be4d2c43bd08d7a4d4a954*7Cd5fb7087377742ad966a892ef47225d1*7C0*7C0*7C637159105594621655&sdata=K2fuNekMn*2FXZ59yn0a*2FYDqISDYmJQjPUF*2B1yJc9EIng*3D&reserved=0__;JSUlJSUlJSUlJSUlJSUlJQ!!HXCxUKc!lItiMPegka179sXmSzYR-VxD1sWbfhbRetfXsEkEQ92BJ9QoAX-qyo_B375S9kbyMg$>
[log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]> | 218-788-2607

NRRI Mission: To deliver research solutions to balance our economy, resources and environment for resilient communities.