Zoology Projects Manager

The Institute for Natural Resources – Portland is part of the Institute for Natural Resources (INR) with offices at Portland State University and Oregon State University. The INR was created by OSU and the Oregon Legislature in 2001 as an independent institute in the Research Office of OSU. At Portland State University, INR – Portland is part of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

As a research institute, INR helps decision makers identify and use relevant science in making natural resource policy and management decisions. INR works with local, state, federal, non-profit, and private organizations to produce maps, assessments, scientific reviews, datasets, and analyses for use in conservation planning, prioritization, and management.

The Zoology Projects Manager is responsible for the management of zoology projects at the Institute for Natural Resources (INR). This person will work with INR staff and external partners to gather, collate, standardize, and disseminate information on animal species of conservation concern in Oregon.

The Zoology Projects Manager will conduct field work related to rare species in Oregon, assign conservation status ranks, and develop species status accounts for partners. They will identify funding opportunities and initiate new research partnerships, contributing to grant proposals, budget development, project execution, and reporting. The Zoology Projects Manager will utilize INR’s Biotics rare species data management system to ensure data standardization and completeness.

The Zoology Projects Manager will work with INR partners to encourage data sharing; these partners include NatureServe, western Heritage Program staff, state and federal agencies, non-governmental agencies, and the public. The Zoology Projects Manager will maintain familiarity with a broad swath  of Oregon’s vertebrate and invertebrate biodiversity, and will contribute to the knowledge, appreciation, and conservation of these groups. 

Minimum qualifications include:  

• Doctoral degree in wildlife biology, natural resource management, conservation biology, or similar field.
• Two years’ experience conducting field research projects.
• Demonstrated understanding of biological monitoring, data management, and status assessment.
• Demonstrated experience with science writing.
• Able to work collaboratively with internal and external partners from a variety of backgrounds.
• Demonstrated ability to develop funding for research, design projects, and disseminate results.
• A valid driver’s license with clear driving record.
• Ability to multi-task and manage time to meet project deadlines.

Preferred qualifications include:  

• Knowledge of the native fauna of the Pacific Northwest.
• Two years’ experience managing field research monitoring natural populations, and managing resulting data.
• Understanding of conservation science and species monitoring.
• Familiarity with the NatureServe Network of natural heritage programs and methodology.
• Experience overseeing work of staff or volunteers, including remote staff.