Forest Science Associate

Position Title:  Forest Science Associate

Position Summary:  The Indiana University of Pennsylvania-Research Institute, in partnership with the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), is looking for a motivated individual to serve as a Forest Research Associate. The position will work on an interdisciplinary team to identify and address critical science needs related to the delivery of NRCS technical and financial assistance within the geographic area of the new Deciduous Forest Framework (DFF). Special attention will be paid to the Working Lands for Wildlife (WLFW) partnership. The DFF is an NRCS strategy to guide actions addressing natural resource conservation and management of regional and national significance within the Eastern Deciduous Forest biome. As part of this role, the position will:  1) supply general science support to the DFF, including GIS mapping and analyses; 2) prepare technical documents, such as Science to Solutions publications, fact sheets, web content, and Best Management Practices; and 3) help to manage externally funded research projects aimed at filling science gaps.

The position will be supervised by the DFF Coordinator and will work closely with the regional WLFW coordinator. The position runs through September 30, 2027, with the possibility of renewal.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Review and synthesize scientific literature relevant to NRCS, the DFF, and partners; and draft technical publications, such as Science to Solutions, aimed at offering actionable information.
• Disseminate new and existing scientific knowledge to the widest audience possible, including local NRCS offices and larger conservation partnerships, with particular attention to “lessons learned” that can be immediately incorporated into the DFF and other NRCS efforts.
• Organize meetings with conservation partners to help communicate scientific knowledge across partnerships.

• Help to administer existing externally funded research projects aimed at generating new science and identify new research opportunities.

• Create a collaborative approach for identifying, prioritizing, and filling science needs.
• Advise the interdisciplinary DFF team regarding science needs and provide technical assistance, such as GIS mapping and analyses.
• Develop a partnership approach for facilitating outcome evaluation and reporting that can be implemented during the planning stage of individual conservation actions.
• Improve planning for on-going and emerging challenges and conservation opportunities, including climate smart agriculture and Farm Bill funding cycles and explore ways to extend this model to other priority geographies.
• Maintain the highest code of conservation ethics.
• Complete other duties as assigned.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• B.S. degree (M.S. preferred) in wildlife biology, forestry, natural resources, or related field and at least two years experience working in forest/wildlife conservation and management.
• Strong understanding of forest ecology and practices (silviculture) related to sustainable forest and wildlife management.
• Working knowledge of forest wildlife, especially birds, and their habitat requirements.
• Basic knowledge of relevant scientific literature and how to access and summarize it.
• Basic understanding of scientific principles and statistical analysis techniques used in forestry and wildlife studies.
• Experience using ArcGIS to prepare maps and conduct basic spatial analyses.
• Excellent oral, public speaking, and written communication skills.
• Ability to work independently as well as in a dynamic team environment.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Ability to multi-task and hit deadlines.

Compensation:  Starting salary and benefits commensurate with experience. Range: $60,000-64,000

Reports to: Ron Rohrbaugh, DFF Coordinator at Indiana University of Pennsylvania Research Institute

Location: This is a remote position based within the Indiana University of Pennsylvania Research Institute. Preferred locations for home offices include, PA, MD, VA, WV, and NY; however, other locations within the boundaries of the DFF might be considered. Occasional travel, up to once per month, will be required.