What are the responsibilities and job description for the Research Specialist, Biology position at Missouri State University?
Description of Primary Duties
The Research Specialist will focus on the collection of high-quality field data contributing to the basic natural or cultural resource inventories of a park or a monitoring program and to assess status and trends of resource conditions. They will identify target species, measure abundance or condition, environmental parameters, etc., using technical instruments, manuals, protocols, and knowledge of the resources. The Research Specialist will be responsible for learning identification and life history of a rare plant species as well as trees of SW Missouri and NW Arkansas national parks. The successful candidate will work to update databases, analyses, and the protocol for Missouri bladderpod monitoring. They will assist with vegetation field sampling. Team members travel to national parks as needed for field work. Field work includes hiking distances while carrying a pack over uneven ground and in a variety of weather conditions. Additional project duties may also include deer monitoring and fire effects sampling. Data entry using a variety of databases is another important function of the position. Successful candidates will also summarize data and contribute to report writing. There may be opportunities to investigate an area of interest that enhances the current monitoring efforts. Other work, equipment maintenance, and other duties, will be assigned as needed. Successful candidates will show a good understanding of the scientific process; knowledge of glade habitats and Missouri bladderpod, experience collecting vegetation data, experience with Arc Map Pro, and coding in R. Position may have opportunities to supervise students or interns. The research specialist may spend 40-50 days in the field per year. Must have the ability to work effectively with students, faculty, and staff, as well as to communicate effectively with off-campus collaborators.
Missouri State University partners with the National Park Services Heartland Inventory and Monitoring Network (HTLN) to provide science-based information on natural resources to 15 parks in the Midwest. We are currently offering a Research Specialist position to serve as a Technician assisting the Networks terrestrial monitoring programs. The successful candidate will assist the terrestrial team with long-term monitoring protocols (Missouri bladderpod, plant community, fire ecology, invasive plants, and deer) including but not limited to field sampling, botanical training, data entry, analysis, and contributions to report development. The technician will focus on the Missouri bladderpod monitoring protocol but will support other terrestrial projects as need. This is an excellent position for someone who has strong interest in field botany and analytical skills but enjoys a diversity of ecological applications. The monitoring team travels to National Parks throughout the region and works closely with a variety of ecologists and park staff. More information on the HTLN program can be found at Heartland Inventory & Monitoring Network National Park Service) This position is full time and carries full time benefits including vacation and holidays, retirement, and health insurance through Missouri State University. Being part of this partnership provides numerous unique opportunities for training, learning, and contributing to a better understanding of National Park resources.
More information on the HTLN program can be found at : Minimum Acceptable Qualifications
Education : A bachelors degree is required; a Bachelors degree in a discipline of the hiring college or research center is preferred.
Skills : Effective organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills are required. Must have the ability to work effectively with students, faculty, and staff, as well as to communicate effectively with off-campus collaborators. Proficiency with basic spreadsheet, graphics, and word processing software is required. Other specific requirements depend upon the particular position.
Other : Positions associated with this position classification may be located in facilities requiring the position to be designated sensitive as defined by University policy. Positions associated with this position classification may include job duties, responsibilities, or activities that are subject to export control regulations.
Additional Qualifications Link to Job Description Open Date 01 / 24 / Close Date (If Close Date is blank then the posting is considered open until filled)
