NRRI Temp Research Assistant

NRRI Organizational Job Title: NRRI Temporary Research Assistant - Wildlife Technician - Job Code 0006 - 8351EC - $20.50-$23.69/hr

The Natural Resources Research Institute (NRRI) is seeking a qualified wildlife technician to support several ongoing mammal research projects across Minnesota.

The technician must be capable of working independently and as part of interdisciplinary teams on a variety of externally funded research projects and datasets related to wildlife ecology and management in Minnesota. This position will support multiple ongoing projects pertaining primarily to the ecology of mammals in Minnesota. Responsibilities will include contributing to all aspects of ongoing studies on habitat relationships, diets, and interactions of mammals with a current emphasis on weasels, flying squirrels, and carnivores. Research techniques employed will include remote camera monitoring and remote camera image analysis, assisting with field surveys for hares and flying squirrels, live capture and collaring of carnivores, using radiotelemetry to track study animals, laboratory processing of samples, and data entry and management.

The individual will be expected to help conduct research activities in field, laboratory, and office settings to help the research team complete project objectives and deliverables. The applicant will collaborate with the principal investigator and team members to implement research projects including collecting and managing data and occasionally assisting with very basic data analyses. The position will require extensive travel in difficult field situations to live-trap and monitor study animals and conduct camera and vegetation surveys to address project objectives. Field work takes place in all seasons in northern Minnesota, and the successful candidate must be able to work flexible hours (nights, early mornings, and weekends) and be willing to work outdoors in a wide variety of weather conditions and environments.

Job Duties:

1. Field data collection (65%)- Conduct field work to address project objectives under supervision of the principal investigator and full-time staff. Field research activities performed by the individual will include remote camera surveys, hare pellet surveys, acoustic surveys, live-capture and radio-collaring carnivores, and radio-telemetry. Strict adherence to all field protocols is required to ensure the integrity and reliability of scientific data and to ensure safety of personnel.
2. Data and sample management and analysis (35%)- Help manage and analyze field data and samples for ongoing studies. Help curate and prepare samples for stable isotope analysis and analyze scats and GI tracts to reconstruct diets of carnivores. Help maintain, inventory, and prepare tools and supplies for field research activities. Strict adherence to all data management standards is required to ensure the integrity and reliability of scientific data.

Physical/Environmental Demands:

Fieldwork will often occur in remote, rugged environments and may require working independently under challenging conditions, including variable weather and high densities of biting insects. Physical requirements include: a) ability to lift/carry equipment weighting 40-50 pounds, b) ability to walk/hike in challenging terrain for 8 hours per day in all seasons, and c) tolerance of bugs and working in inclement weather as needed.

Required Qualifications:

• BS/BA degree in ecology, biological sciences, or a related environmental science field or a combination of education and relevant work experience to equal at least four years.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience tracking wildlife using radiotelemetry
• Experience entering research data and performing basic quality assurance/quality control steps.
• Experience using remote cameras for research or recreational purposes.
• Experience working in remote settings with experience navigating in the field using GPS, compass, or map. Can be satisfied by backcountry recreation requiring navigation by GPS, compass, or map.
• Prior research experience in field or lab settings. Past research experience should be in the biological sciences or natural resources and must include experience beyond coursework.
• Must possess a valid driver's license and able to pass a required background check and motor vehicle moving violation check (no moving violations in the past 2 years)

About NRRI:

The Natural Resources Research Institute was established by the Minnesota legislature in 1983 as an applied science and engineering research organization to inform state citizens and decision-makers while leveraging the power of the University of Minnesota. NRRI is guided by the forward-looking charter provided by the Legislature to foster the economic development of Minnesota's natural resources in an environmentally sound manner to promote private sector employment.

NRRI's mission is to deliver integrated research solutions that value our resources, environment and economy for a sustainable and resilient future. We are a mission-driven, project-focused team working to create opportunities for natural resource stewardship.

With industrial-scale facilities in Duluth and Coleraine, MN, NRRI works across five strategic research platforms. These platforms address Minnesota's soil, forest, water and mineral resources:

Applied Ecology and Resource Management
Minerals and Metallurgy
Materials and Bioeconomy
Data Collection and Delivery
Commercialization Services

Pay Range: $20.50- $23.69 per hour; depending on education/qualifications/experience.

Retirement plan options are available for Civil Service, Faculty, Labor-Represented, Professional & Administrative, and Temp Casual classifications. Learn more about retirement plans.

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

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You are required to attach a cover letter and resume to be considered for this position.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

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University of Minnesota, Duluth (UMD)

The University of Minnesota, Duluth (UMD) consistently ranks among the top Midwestern, regional universities in U.S. News and World Report's "America's Best Colleges" issue.

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