Research Specialist

Job Summary

A Research Specialist is needed to conduct lethal barred owl removals in northern coastal California to prevent the extinction of northern spotted owls – a listed species on the federal endangered species act – and to better understand other ecological effects of the barred owl invasion to West Coast Forest ecosystems. The position will be full-time and will work year-round for at least two years, with the possibility of extension dependent on future grant securement. The Research Specialist is expected to find housing in the Eureka, California area in order to be near the project.

The Research Specialist is responsible for surveying for spotted and barred owls, which have similar calls and appearance and sometimes hybridize with one another. The Specialist will be expected to drive 4x4 trucks and ATVs on rough roads to get to survey locations. They will use a shotgun for removals following a very strict protocol that is approved by the UW Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC), and both California and federal entities. This protocol is designed for the humane take of invasive barred owls and to avoid any take of non-target wildlife (i.e. Strix owl) or injury to people. In addition to the fieldwork, the Research Specialist will also be tasked with lab work, collecting tissues from barred owl specimens for use in other research projects.

A typical workweek includes 40 hours, long drives (1-3 hours one-way) from the Eureka area to various parts of the study area, and occasional camping in remote forest settings. The day schedules will be irregular, with most of the survey work occurring from late afternoon to late at night depending on the time of year, and some of the lab work will occur during the day (morning to late afternoon). The Specialist will primarily work independently from their truck, with occasional ATV use and/or strenuous hiking in steep, forested terrain at night.

Interviews are anticipated to occur after the closing date. Applicants must apply through the UW-Madison website.

Key Job Responsibilities:

• Conducts research experiments according to established research protocols with moderate impact to the project(s). Collects data and monitors test results
• Performs literature reviews and writes reports
• Reviews, analyzes, and interprets data and/or documents results for presentations and/or reporting to internal and external audiences
• Operates, cleans, and maintains organization of research equipment and research area. Tracks inventory levels and places replenishment orders
• Provides operational guidance on day-to-day activities of unit or program staff and/or student workers
• Collects data and monitors test results according to established research requirements, protocols, and specifications.
• Participates in the development, interpretation, and implementation of research methodology and materials

Department:
Department of Forest and Wildlife Ecology

Compensation:
$60,000 - $70,000

Required Qualifications:

1. Demonstrated experience of at least 1 field-season (3+ months) performing in a wildlife research position identifying spotted and barred owls by sight and sound, using digital wildlife broadcasters, and determining owl locations.
2. Demonstrated experience working at least 1 field-season (3+ months) in a wildlife research position collecting scientific data according to protocol, taking detailed field notes, and using tablet applications and spreadsheets for maintaining and analyzing data.
3. Demonstrated experience working at least 1 field-season (3+ months), independently navigating remote forest roads safely, orienting using map and GPS, and driving 4x4 vehicles on long highway drives and in forested settings at night.

Preferred Qualifications:

1. Demonstrated experience handling firearms; i.e. loading/unloading a shotgun, completed a hunter safety course, and have hunted wild birds with a shotgun.
2. Demonstrated experience in an employment setting (as a wildlife technician, field assistant, researcher, or in a similar position) hiking 5+ miles with a 30lb (or heavier) backpack.
3. Demonstrated experience working in aseptic laboratory settings.
4. Demonstrated experience driving ATVs in off-road settings and experience loading and/or unloading out of trucks or trailers.
5. Demonstrated experience operating chainsaws to clear forest roads; i.e. bucking downed logs and felling leaning trees.

Education:
Bachelor’s degree in Wildlife, Biology, or related field preferred, and multiple seasons of relevant field experience.

How to Apply:

Click on the "Apply Online" button to start the application process. You will be prompted to upload the following documents/application materials:

Resume (required) - Detail your educational and professional background, as they relate to the qualifications listed for the position.

Cover letter (required) – Refer to your related work experience, as it relates to the qualifications listed for the position.

It is important that your cover letter and resume reflect your experience for this position related to the Qualifications section. Your application materials will be used during our evaluation to determine your qualifications as they relate to the job. The most qualified applicants will be invited to participate in the next step of the selection process.