Waterfowl and Wetland Research Analyst

The Wisconsin DNR’s Office of Applied Science is hiring an LTE (Limited Term Employee) Waterfowl and Wetland Research Analyst at our Science Operations Center, in Madison, WI.

The successful applicant will work directly with the Waterfowl Research Scientist to manage and edit spatial data, conduct statistical analyses, contribute to study design, collect data in the field, and contribute to communication of research products, including preparing manuscripts for peer-reviewed publication.

This position provides scientific support for the Office of Applied Science waterfowl and wetland research program. Primary duties include statistical and spatial analysis of waterfowl and wetland data. This includes the collection of field data, management and manipulation of data sets, development and implementation of statistical models, and communication of research findings. Working under general supervision, this position supports the research program to meet priority research needs and communicate findings to agency partners and the public. The anticipated start date for this position is early September. 

Duties:

45% Manage Spatial and Remote Sensing Layers

• Manage and edit spatial layers that inform waterfowl and wetland conservation
• Manipulate spatial layers and extract data for landscape analyses
• Produce maps for research planning and communication
• Collect data in the field

30% Statistical Analysis

• Manipulate and analyze waterfowl and wetland bird and wetland habitat data using a range of models and tools, e.g., spatial capture-recapture, survival analyses, occupancy models, home range analyses, abundance models, integrated population models, generalized linear mixed models.

20% Research Collaboration and Communication

• Collaborate with team members to collect data in the field
• Develop and deliver presentations for various audiences
• Lead and contribute to writing and development of peer-reviewed manuscripts and reports

5% – Other duties as assigned

Qualifications:

Special Requirements:

1. Residency: To be considered for this position, you must be a resident of the State of Wisconsin. See details in full job posting, https://wj.wi.gov/21305
2. Background Checks: The Department of Natural Resources conducts criminal background checks on final applicants prior to a job offer. Please note that a criminal charge or conviction on your record will not necessarily disqualify you from state employment. In compliance with the Wisconsin Fair Employment Act, the DNR does not discriminate on the basis of arrest or conviction record. 
3.  Eligible to work in U.S.: Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire. 

In addition to the required qualifications below, the selected candidate must be eligible to drive a state vehicle and meet the following criteria:

• Have a valid driver’s license
• Be at least 18 years of age
• Have a minimum of two years licensed driving experience
• Have not had three (3) or more moving violations and/or at-fault accidents in the past two (2) years
• Have no OWI/DUI violations within the past year

Required qualifications:

• Demonstrated professional experience applying skills in spatial data manipulation and management using ArcGIS Pro and preferably Program R
• Demonstrated professional experience manipulating data and conducting quantitative analyses using Program R
• Demonstrated experience with scientific communication (e.g., writing scientific reports, giving research presentations, or publishing peer-reviewed papers)
• Knowledge of wildlife ecology, management, and field techniques
• Experience conducting field work in unfavorable conditions

Preferred Qualifications:

• S. degree in wildlife ecology or a related field
• Experience with waterfowl and wetland bird data collection techniques
• First author or co-author on peer-reviewed publication(s), published or in review
• Knowledge of wetland ecosystems, management, and field techniques, including wetland bird identification
• Knowledge of environmental toxicology
• Experience with both frequentist and Bayesian analytical approaches

Salary information:

This position pays $27.68 per hour and is in pay schedule and range 08-03. Compensation will be set in accordance with the State Compensation Plan.

This is a Limited Term Employment (LTE) position and will not automatically lead to permanent state employment or be entitled to the same benefits as permanent employees. For more information about LTE positions, view the full job posting on the Wisc.Jobs website, https://wj.wi.gov/21305.