Research Associate – Forest Succession Modeling

POSITION DESCRIPTION: The 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens effectively reset 600 km2 of the surrounding forest, including creation of a 60 km2 zone of primary succession. Variation in the types and intensities of disturbances and biological legacies associated with the eruption has resulted in spatially dynamic vegetation communities and succession patterns. The PNWRS Research Associate will improve our understanding of expected future vegetation changes at Mount St. Helens by leading development of a model that simulates forest succession dynamics across the volcanic disturbance zones. The Research Associate will work under the direction of USDA Forest Service Pacific Northwest Research Station Research Ecologist Donald Brown and a project team comprised of USDA Forest Service and university scientists with expertise in forest, disturbance, and landscape ecology and modeling.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: The PNWRS Research Associate will be responsible for: 1) using historical and contemporary statistical and spatial data to parameterize the simulation model, 2) running simulations and validating model performance, and 3) assisting with completion and dissemination of scientific products that result from the research. The Research Associate will have routine meetings with the project team to receive guidance and feedback, but also must have strong self-learning, problem solving, and time management skills.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Possess a Master’s degree in an ecology, natural resources, or geography-related field at an accredited college or university. Applicants with a Bachelor’s degree will be considered if they have additional professional training related to position duties.
• Strong GIS skills and the ability to independently learn new GIS skills as needed.
• Training in basic statistical analyses and the ability to interpret, summarize, and derive estimates from field and simulation data.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to work independently with minimal direct supervision.
• Enthusiasm for the mission of the Mount St. Helens Institute and desire to contribute to the Mount St. Helens research program.
• Ability to pass a background check.
• Possess a valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record for the past three years.

IDEAL CANDIDATE WILL:

• Have experience developing simulation models, particularly forest succession models.
• Have experience processing and using aerial imagery and remote sensing data.
• Have knowledge related to forest ecology, particularly for the Western Cascades.
• Be able to think creatively and critically to solve problems.

WORKING HOURS: This is a temporary, full-time position (35–40 hrs/wk expected). Working hours should fall within standard work hours (8:00 AM – 5:00 PM), unless otherwise negotiated with supervisor. 

BENEFITS: Health insurance (100% employee, 50% spouse and dependents); simple IRA retirement plan with 3% employer match; paid vacation with increased accrual based on years of continuous employment; paid sick leave.

LOCATION: The PNWRS Research Associate will be an employee of the Mount St. Helens Institute (MSHI), located in Amboy, WA. The Research Associate will have the option of being stationed at the Forest Service Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument headquarters in Amboy, WA (preferred), or the Forest Service Northern Research Station in Rhinelander, WI. Exceptional applicants that require a seasonally remote or fully remote position will also be considered.

ABOUT US: MSHI is a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing understanding and stewardship of the earth through science, education, and exploration of volcanic landscapes. MSHI functions as a tight-knit group of individuals united in our common passion for Mount St. Helens. We value diversity, good challenges, adventure, fun, partnership, and community. We routinely collaborate with the USDA Forest Service Pacific Northwest Research Station to advance our scientific understanding of Mount St. Helens.

OUR COMMITMENT: The Mount St. Helens Institute fundamentally believes that its employees are a valuable source of ideas for improving operations and making the workplace more interesting and attractive. In order to do so, we ensure that all employees work in an environment free of discrimination. All candidates applying for this position will be reviewed without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, age, national origin, veteran or marital status, sexual orientation, or disability. This institution is an equal opportunity provider.