Associate Research Scientist

Research Scientists are academic professionals whose primary responsibilities are to conduct and support research. UW Regulation 2-7 describes the activities that fall into this set of responsibilities for faculty; the same definition of research applies to Academic Professionals.

Human Dimensions of Wildlife Management:  Scientists specializing in the human dimensions of wildlife management conduct social science research about a variety of issues affecting the management and conservation of fish and wildlife. Their purpose is to incorporate social and biophysical data into natural resource policy and decision making processes. Because humans are an integral part of ecological systems, it is important to understand what drives human behaviors and opinions, and describe key human-wildlife interactions such as hunting harvest.

While the primary appointment and duties are in WYSAC, the position initially includes a 10% appointment in the Haub School of ENR. The Haub School values interdisciplinary approaches to environmental problem solving that can inform real-world solutions. The successful candidate will be part of the Haub School’s scholarly community and contribute to interdisciplinary collaborations with Haub School faculty to advance research related to the human dimensions of wildlife management and conservation. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:  

• Work under WYSAC supervision to coordinate a large scale harvest survey (including multiple species-dependent efforts) of Wyoming hunters and sportspersons conducted annually.
• Apply quantitative social science methods to datasets produced from survey data collection.
• Produce deliverables such as reports, presentations, and data files.
• Collaborate with WYSAC, WGFD, and Haub School partners on interdisciplinary projects.
• Act as key liaison between WGFD and WYSAC, consulting with WGFD staff on surveys of key wildlife stakeholders, conducting limited surveys outside of the standard harvest surveys, and developing proposals for WGFD-specific research focused on the Human Dimensions of Fish and Wildlife Management.
• Act as liaison between WYSAC and the Haub School to advance research collaborations and partnerships.
• Additional duties may be assigned.

COMPETENCIES:  

• Effective communication.
• Teamwork and collaboration.
• Scientific data analysis skills and familiarity with statistical principles and software.
• Writing skills.
• Presentation skills.
• Time management and organizational skills.

Technical Survey Skills

While the person in this new position will act as project manager and analyst, they will get direct support from WYSAC staff for survey methodological issues such as determining appropriate sample sizes, sample frames, survey instruments, database and data management, etc.  Our preferred candidate would be familiar enough with survey methodology to field technical questions from WGFD staff or members of the public.