Research Assistant — US Forest Service
The USDA Forest Service Rocky Mountain Research Station (RMRS) and Friends of the Bridger-Teton are seeking a Research Assistant with experience in GIS who is also interested in natural resource decision making, riparian ecosystems, and ecological restoration. The successful candidate will generate data, information, and tools to help land managers across the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem (GYE) prioritize riparian conservation and restoration actions. This is a one-year appointment renewable for one additional year conditional on available funding and satisfactory work.
Project objectives include (1) running the Riparian Condition Assessment Tool (RCAT) to generate a new dataset that estimates the current condition of riparian ecosystems in the GYE; (2) combining RCAT output with existing data that summarizes potential to use beaver as a stream conservation and restoration agent and projections of future stream temperature and hydrologic conditions to identify intact, climate-resilient riparian areas for conservation, as well as altered riparian ecosystems in need of restoration; (3) collaborate with RMRS scientists and GYE land managers to develop a decision-support tool for prioritizing riparian restoration actions across a large landscape.
The successful candidate will work closely with RMRS researchers and land managers from the U.S. Forest Service, National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management, and state agencies while gaining valuable experience working on a large-scale, multi-agency problem. The research assistant will be employed by Friends of the Bridger Teton and supervised by Katelyn Driscoll at RMRS.
Applicants must hold a master’s or PhD in ecology, geography, or a related field with strong background in GIS; experience with Python, R, or analyzing spatial datasets; and a record of success conducting research and scholarly activities is desired. Past collaborations with land management agencies and a background in riparian or restoration ecology are desired qualifications but are not required.
Salary is commensurate with experience ($50,000 - $62,000 per year) and includes comprehensive benefits and paid time off. Friends of the Bridger Teton can provide health, dental, and vision insurance with a 75% employer premium co-pay. Additional amenities, such as pet insurance and life/disability/death insurance are also available with no employer contribution. The successful candidate will receive travel funds for trips to locations throughout the GYE to collaborate with land managers and ground truth output from RCAT. Relocation to Albuquerque, NM is preferred; however, location is negotiable.
To apply: Please indicate your interest in this position by emailing a 1-page cover letter describing your background and interests, a CV, and contact information for three references to Katelyn Driscoll (katelyn.driscoll@usda.gov). Applications will be reviewed as received, continuing until a suitable applicant is identified. The ideal start date for this position is summer 2024.