AERC Sr. Research Technician and Lead Forester

Full Time
Anchorage, AK 99508
Posted
Job description
  • Job Number:523986
  • Classification:Research Technician 4
  • Grade:Grade 78
  • Work type:On Campus, Staff Full-time
  • Administrative Unit:University of Alaska Anchorage
  • School/Business unit:UAA Chancellor
  • Location:Anchorage
  • Categories: Research/Science/Grants

Position Summary:

The Applied Environmental Research Center (AERC) and Center for Strategic Partnerships and Research (CSPR) are centers of the UAA Business Enterprise Institute (BEI). The BEI provides a platform for high-level consultancy between industry and the University of Alaska (UA), while serving as a bridge to resources, expertise and talents across the entire UA system. The AERC mission is to collect, analyze and apply environmental, natural and cultural resource data for optimal management of public lands. Projects of the AERC span between Alaska, Hawai’i, Japan, Korea and the Pacific Islands. In the future, we anticipate serving other strategic locations as well as expanding services to other public land-owners. The primary client of the AERC is the US Army Corps of Engineers, Alaska District. Primary clients of CSPR vary, but in all cases include non-department of defense contracts. Core to the mission of AERC and CSPR is to tap talent across the entire UA system. All work of the AERC and CSPR is via task orders or contracts. In short, the AERC seeks to provide new opportunities for the UA community in applied research via coordination of environmental work supported primarily via federal and state funding.

Duties:

10%Other duties as assignedEssential
20%Data Analysis and Report Writing. Assist with data collection and report compilation. Responsible for preparing all data collected in the field for analysis, conducting said analysis, and summarizing reports for the PI or others. Data analysis and report writing support duties to include, but are not limited to the following: • Conducting literature reviews; • Prepare findings for publication including laboratory; • Prepare written reports for submission to team, PI, UAA Office of Sponsored Programs, collaborating parties, US Army Corps of Engineers; • Assist with the drafting, editing and preparation of progress reports intended for the US Army Corps of Engineers and DoD points of contact in a timely and complete manner; and • Prepare other articles, reports and presentations.Essential
20%Field Research Responsible for the organizing, collecting and ensuring quality control of data and overall data management. Field research / research support duties to include, but are not limited to the following: • Travel to field sites; • Collect, record and analyze data; • Conduct surveys of specific species; • Track data and changes over time; • Develop assessment and evaluation methods; • Code and enter data into a computer databases (such as ArcGIS, Excel and/or Microsoft Access, Excel, etc.; • Maintain accurate records (review and edit data to ensure completeness); • Compile data such that it can be made readily available for transfer to the PI or other team members; and • Summarize findings accurately.Essential
50%Logistical and Field Deployment Responsible for the logistics and maintenance of field sites, camps and equipment while field work is conducted. Logistical and maintenance work to include, but are not limited to the following: • Prepare all materials and equipment for field work – set up, calibrate and maintain equipment, risk assessment planning, etc.; • Support needs of the research including the development of research protocols for team and primary investigator (PI) review; • Procure any goods or services necessary for field work and successful project completion; • Coordinate the arrangement of travel for all participants and associated gear and equipment; • Coordinate with military base personnel as required for field work operations and appropriate access to areas; • Train participants heading into the field; and • Coordinate the health and safety plan development and continuously monitor throughout the field season. Field work consists of field surveys, felling trees, and data collection. Fell trees using handheld power chainsaws and ability to use heavy equipment and operate machinery such as a skid steer, grappler, etc. Assist with the identification and selection of trees to be felled. Inspect equipment for safety before using it and perform basic maintenance tasks on chainsaws and other equipment. Coordinate and assist team members to process felled trees in an appropriate manner. Conduct visual surveys to assess the extent of spruce beetle infestation in designated areas.Essential
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:
  • Knowledge of data collection procedures

  • Knowledge of data entry procedures as it relates to recording and reporting aerial surveys, population counts, GPS locations, and species identification

  • Knowledge of development and use of computerized spreadsheets and databases – specifically ArcGIS and extensive experience with Excel and Access

  • Ability to manipulate data to produce tables, charts, graphs and displays that are easy to read and identify trends in the data

  • Ability to interpret data as well as detect problems or irregularities in both primary and secondary data sources

  • Ability to work in remote locations, and in extreme weather conditions

  • Ability to perform field camp maintenance, logistical planning and support as well as maintain records while in a field setting

  • Ability to lead and supervise the activities of others including graduate assistants, student assistants, or other research technicians

  • Ability to develop and implement a safety program(s) for both office and field settings

  • Knowledge of laboratory safety protocols and emergency procedures

  • Knowledge of military installations and base protocols

  • Knowledge of chainsaw safety procedures and operations
    Ability to adjust, maintain, calibrate, and assemble equipment
    Knowledge of field safety procedures

    Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities include:
  • Ability to work long hours in the field even during inclement weather conditions

  • Familiarity with military installations and range control procedures

  • Ability to fly in small aircraft and helicopters perhaps for long periods of time

  • Familiarity with bear country and knowledge of appropriate behavior and protocols

  • Must be able to qualify for federal drivers/ Government driver’s license
    S212 training preferred
    Heavy Equipment Operator experience and certifications preferred

    Typical Experience:
    Four years’ experience in a field relevant to the research, and Bachelor’s degree in a field relevant to research (e.g. science, forestry, ecology, environmental) or an equivalent combination of training and/or experience.

    Preferred Experience
    • Prior Department of Defense (DoD) experience in either the military or civil servant capacity as it relates to a Forester, Forestry Technician, Wildlife Technician and or Environmental/Wildlife Research
    • Prior Range Control Training and experience to include protocols on conducting field research on an active military installation
    • Moderately to expert level proficiency in ArcGIS (prefer three years of prior GIS software use and experience)
    Prior experience felling trees and/or analyzing forest health including wildland fire management


    Required Education or Training:

    Bachelors degree in a field relevant to research (e.g. science, math, business) and four years’ experience in a field relevant to the research, or an equivalent combination of training and experience.

    Preferred Education:
    Preference given to individuals with field relevant coursework in Forestry, Natural Resources, and Biology.



    Salary Information:

    This is a full-time, 12-month, term-funded, non-exempt staff position complete with both a competitive salary and full employee benefits package. New hires will be placed on the UA staff salary schedule, Grade 78, based on education and experience.



    Special Instructions to Applicants:

    Please attach a resume, cover letter, and the names and contact information (email address and phone number) for three (3) professional references with your application.

    The review process for applications will be begin on March 09, 2023. To ensure your application is reviewed please submit your application by 11:55pm AK on March 08, 2023.


    The AERC/CSPR Research Technician is responsible for performing technical research (quantitative and qualitative) related to AERC and CSPR. The research technician will work in close collaboration with principle investigators leading specific work and/or the AERC/CSPR director and associate director. The research technician may be involved with data entry, data collection, laboratory or equipment maintenance, as well as engaged with field research and providing leadership and supervision to support staff. Work performed in a field, office or laboratory setting. May manage single, multi-use or multiple research or academic laboratories.


    • To be eligible for this position, applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without restriction. Applicants who now or may in the future require visa sponsorship to work in the United States are not eligible.

    This position is a term-funded position and is reviewed annually for contract renewal at the University's discretion.

    The University of Alaska (UA) is responsible for providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities throughout the applicant screening process. If you need assistance in completing this application or during any phase of the interview process, please contact UA Human Resources by phone at 907-450-8200.

    UA is an AA/EO employer and educational institution and prohibits illegal discrimination against any individual:

    The successful applicant is required to complete a background check. Any offer of employment is contingent on the background check.

    Your application for employment with the University of Alaska is subject to public disclosure under the Alaska Public Records Act.

    If you have any questions regarding this position, please contact Jeff Libby, at jllibby@alaska.edu.


    Advertised: 23 Feb 2023 Alaskan Standard Time
    Applications close:

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