RESEARCH SPECIALIST I

School of Natural Resources

This position will work closely with an inter-agency team of ecologists from the Missouri Department of Conservation, Mark Twain NF, USFS Regional Office and NatureServe to develop, refine, calibrate, and report on natural community health indices for a variety of natural community types in Missouri and the central hardwood region. These natural communities include woodlands, forests, and glades. A natural community health index or CHI is a multi-metric semi-quantitative tool to rapidly assess and monitor the ecological integrity of sites based on landscape context, patch size, vegetation structure and composition (especially characteristic ground flora species), and negative disturbance factors (e.g., invasive species).

Duties: The person works with an inter-agency team conducting CHI field work (25%), assisting with information transfer (e.g., workshops and assisting with data entry application programs; (25%), and conducting data entry, archiving, analysis, and report writing (50%). The position will also maintain an ArcGIS geodatabase of CHI spatial data. CHI is tiered to the ecological classification and mapping system in development by USFS, MDC, and the Natural Resources Conservation Service. The purpose of CHI is to provide a mid-level, rapid assessment to be utilized in areas where natural community restoration activities are being implemented. While this effort is locally being led by the MDC and Mark Twain National Forest, it is a focal component of the newly established Southern Tier Oak Initiative being coordinated by the USFS Eastern Region. Thus, in addition to the Mark Twain, the Wayne, Hoosier, and Shawnee National Forests and their individual state-based land management agencies are partnering on the broader project.

Monday - Friday

8am - 5pm

A Bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience and at least 1 year of experience from which comparable knowledge and skills can be acquired is necessary.

M.S. degree in Natural Resources with an emphasis in forestry or a closely related natural science; background or coursework in soils, silviculture, botany, and statistics; training and demonstrated ability to identify vascular plants of central U.S. ecosystems; experience leading field crews and coordinating work with natural resources agencies; 4+ years of field experience in data collection, working knowledge of prescribed fire effects, fuels management, and Geographical Information Systems (GIS); 2+ years experience with vegetation data analysis in central U.S. ecosystems; demonstrated experience with public speaking and scientific writing such as authorship of technical reports and peer-reviewed scientific papers.

Salary Range: $16.72 - $24.75 hourly.
Salary is determined by a variety of factors, including but not limited to, the individual's particular combination of education, skills, and experience, as well as organizational requirements.
Your total compensation goes beyond the number on your paycheck. The University of Missouri provides generous leave, health plans, and retirement contributions that add to your bottom line.

Grade: GGS-007
University Title: RESEARCH SPECIALIST I

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MU application

Resume/CV

Columbia offers small-town friendliness with big city features and a high quality of life for people of all ages and interests. Founded on education and known as an ideal college town, its location also makes it an attractive spot for businesses and travelers. Located on Interstate 70 and U.S. Highway 63, Columbia is right in the middle of the state and the nation. Just a couple hours' drive from St. Louis and Kansas City, Columbia is Boone County's largest population center offering big-city culture, activities, and resources with a low cost of living. Columbia is home to a variety of restaurants and entertainment venues and hosts more than a dozen festivals each year. If you want to grow your career, continue your education, raise a family, and retire, Columbia is a good place to be!

This position is eligible for University benefits. As part of your total compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, paid time off, short- and long-term disability, paid parental leave, paid caregiver leave, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses. For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at https://www.umsystem.edu/totalrewards/benefits.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Missouri is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

To request ADA accommodations, please call the Director of Accessibility and ADA at 573-884-7278.