West Virginia University

Compensation

Full Description

The School of Natural Resources and the Environment is currently accepting applications for a Remote Temporary Research Associate (Field and data manager) at West Virginia University. Research leadership with research projects such as the Economic Contribution and Visitor Monitoring program funded by the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation. Additional research projects include partnerships with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to develop research products to benefit socioeconomic understanding of National Marine Sanctuaries and other funding entities to create more data and resources to understand populations in natural resource areas. New research projects can come with the development of different research proposals. Research tasks vary depending on project needs and will include many components including but not limited to literature reviewing, proposal drafting, budgeting and scheduling, personnel management, publication writing, presentation of results in conference, report writing, and other tasks as assigned. This position will require the organization of stakeholder meetings related to visitor use monitoring, water quality perceptions and other topics in varying locations across the US, data analysis, and journal manuscript submissions. What You'll Do Specific tasks include, but are not limited to: Plan and conduct surveys with various population segments across the US Create and maintain existing project databases for data analysis. Analyze data using sophisticated data analysis methods Attend research conferences, read scientific literature findings. Write research proposals, papers, and abstracts. Conduct literature reviews as needed to meet research goals. Perform laboratory and field experiment activities according to protocol. Oversee research facilities and personnel Physical Demands Requires the ability to stand for long periods, walk, sit, stoop, bend at waist, have manual dexterity and feel, grasp, reach, talk, and hear. Activities are predominantly non-manual. Employee will be required to travel on a frequent basis. It will be necessary for the incumbent to be able to lift/carry equipment and/or supplies up to 25 lbs. Activities require manual skill to provide and/or alter services and/or products. Work Environment Work is generally performed within an office environment, but operations in a field environment, which includes natural weather occurrences, may occur. Traveling through rural mountainous terrain with some remote sites via logging roads during winter, spring, summer and fall seasons to different site types including day use, overnight use (campgrounds, lodges, resorts), general forest areas (FS roads, dispersed areas, lakes and rivers), wilderness trailheads and view corridors in a variety of weather conditions. The incumbent is responsible to know and comply with all safety procedures. Pay Grade: 13 Length of Assignment: 8.5 Months Work Hours: 37.5 Hours per week Master's Degree in a relevant field of science. A minimum of two (2) years of experience involving: Experience with SPSS, SAS or other statistical analysis programs Previous in-field data collection experience on state, federal or municipal lands Broad experience with outdoor recreation concepts/issues Experience in social survey methodology Any equivalent combination of related education and/or experience will be considered. All qualifications must be met by the time of employment. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Technical skills – Strives to continuously build knowledge and skills; pursues training and development opportunities; assesses strengths, weaknesses, and shares expertise with others. Problem solving – Gathers and analyzes information, identifies problems, develops alternatives, uses reason even when dealing with emotional topics and works well in groups and resolves matters timely. Internal & External Customer Service – Manages difficult or emotional matters with objectivity and openness; responds promptly to needs and requests for service and assistance; meets commitments and dates, notifies others if change occurs; provides, solicits and applies feedback; and builds goodwill through balanced contributions, positive approaches, and demonstrating respect and support of others. Communications – Demonstrates group presentation skills, participates in meetings, listens and gets clarification, is responsive and speaks clearly and persuasively in positive and negative situations. Writes and edits clearly and informatively, varies style to meet needs, presents numerical data effectively, and is able to read and interpret written information. Organizational Support – Aligns work and develops strategies to meet organizational goals; seeks to improve and promote quality; demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness; and upholds organizational expectations and values. Self-Management – Responds to management direction; resourcefully adapts to changes in work environment and circumstances; responds well under pressure and manages competing demands; takes calculated risks, asks for and offers help when needed; exercises discretion and sound judgment; is tactful and responsible for own actions. Adheres to work schedule and complies with leave management responsibilities. Preferred Qualifications Successful completion of a Ph.D. Program in a social science field from an accredited university